South Dakota legal term
Certified handler in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Certified handler” 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 “Certified handler” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(2) "Certified handler," a person who has received training and is registered with Therapy Dogs Incorporated, Therapy Dogs International, Assistance Dogs International, or an equivalent organization for offering the person's animal for assistance purposes and has received additional training on the protocols and policies of courts, the expected roles of the person's animal assistance team, and the expected interaction so as not to interfere with the collection of evidence or the effective administration of justice; (3) "Child witness," a person who has been or will be called to testify in (SDCL § 23A-24-10)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.