South Dakota legal term
Forcible felony in South Dakota Criminal Law
Current through 2026 South Dakota legislative session
In South Dakota criminal law, “Forcible felony” 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 “Forcible felony” mean in South Dakota criminal law?
(3) "Forcible felony," arson, assault, burglary, kidnapping, manslaughter, murder, rape, and robbery, and any other felony that involves the use of or the threat of physical force or violence against a person; (4) "Residence," a dwelling in which a person: (a) Resides, either temporarily or permanently; or (b) Is an invited guest; (5) "Unlawful force," an act of force that is employed without the consent of the person against whom it is directed and without legal justification or excuse; and (6) "Vehicle," a conveyance of any kind, whether motorized or not, which is designed to transport peopl (SDCL § 22-18-3.1)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.