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South Dakota criminal charge

Attempt in South Dakota

Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session

Attempt is a criminal offense under South Dakota law, defined by SDCL § 22-4-1. Its classification is not fixed: South Dakota assigns a different penalty class depending on the circumstances of the offense. The class that applies — and the sentencing range that follows from it — depends on which statutory variant fits the facts.

Defined by SDCL § 22-4-1.

What is the penalty for attempt in South Dakota?

Penalties for Attempt
PenaltyRangeBasisAuthority
Jail / prisonup to 25 years (Attempt to commit Class A, B, or C felony — Applies when the underlying crime attempted is a Class A, Class B, or Class C felony.)discretionarySDCL § 22-6-1
Fineup to $50,000 (Attempt to commit Class A, B, or C felony — Applies when the underlying crime attempted is a Class A, Class B, or Class C felony.)discretionarySDCL § 22-6-1

Applies to current.

How is attempt classified in South Dakota?

The classification depends on the circumstances:

Classification variants for Attempt
VariantClassificationWhen it appliesStatute
Attempt to commit Class A, B, or C felonyClass 2 FelonyApplies when the underlying crime attempted is a Class A, Class B, or Class C felony.SDCL § 22-4-1undefined

Common questions about attempt in South Dakota

Is attempt a felony or a misdemeanor in South Dakota?

Attempt is a Class 2 Felony in South Dakota under SDCL § 22-4-1.

Attempt to commit Class A, B, or C felony: Class 2 Felony (SDCL § 22-4-1)

What are the penalties for attempt in South Dakota?

Penalties for attempt in South Dakota depend on how it is classified — from a Class 2 Felony up to a Class 2 Felony — with the ranges set by SDCL § 22-6-1; the full table of ranges by variant is published on this page.

Which South Dakota statute covers attempt?

Attempt is governed by SDCL § 22-4-1 (Attempt--Punishment).

Legal terms used in this law

This reference is informational and is not legal advice. Penalty ranges are the statutory classification ranges; sentencing in a specific case depends on its facts and history.