South Dakota legal term
Attorney in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Attorney” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the South Dakota criminal code.
What does “Attorney” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(1) "Attorney," a person licensed to practice law in this state as provided in chapter 16-16, with active membership and in good standing of the State Bar of South Dakota; (2) "Chief defender," the attorney appointed by the commission to head the Office of Indigent Legal Services; (3) "Commission," the Commission of Indigent Legal Services; (4) "Effective assistance of counsel," legal defense services in a criminal case that comply with the standards required by state and federal law; (5) "Indigent," a person who does not have sufficient money, credit, or property to employ an attorney and pay (SDCL § 23A-51-1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.