South Dakota legal term
Firearm in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Firearm” 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 “Firearm” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(16) "Firearm," any weapon from which a projectile or projectiles may be discharged by gunpowder. (SDCL § 22-1-2)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Disarming law enforcement officer
- Discharge of firearm at occupied structure or motor vehicle
- Discharge of firearm from moving motor vehicle within municipality
- Grand theft
- Possession in county courthouse or state capitol
- Possession of firearm by one convicted of misdemeanor crime involving domestic violence
- Possession of firearm by one with prior drug conviction
- Possession of firearm by one with prior violent crime conviction or certain drug-related conviction
- Possession of firearm with altered serial number
- Prohibited transfer of firearms and ammunition to juveniles
- Providing firearm to person with known prior violent crime conviction
- Reckless discharge of firearm or shooting of bow and arrow
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.