South Dakota statute
SDCL § 22-16-15 — Homicide as manslaughter in first degree--Felony
Current through text effective June 30, 2026 (through the 2025 Regular Session)
Part of Chapter 16: Homicide And Suicide, South Dakota Codified Laws.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of SDCL § 22-16-15
Statutory text current through the text effective June 30, 2026 (through the 2025 Regular Session). This publication reproduces the official statutory text; it is not the official statutes of the State of South Dakota.
Homicide is manslaughter in the first degree if perpetrated:
(1) Without any design to effect death, including an unborn child, while engaged in the commission of any felony other than as provided in § 22-16-4(2);
(2) Without any design to effect death, including an unborn child, and in a heat of passion, but in a cruel and unusual manner;
(3) Without any design to effect death, including an unborn child, but by means of a dangerous weapon;
(4) Unnecessarily, either while resisting an attempt by the person killed to commit a crime or after such attempt has failed.
Manslaughter in the first degree is a Class C felony.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is homicide as manslaughter in first degree a felony or a misdemeanor in South Dakota?
Homicide as manslaughter in first degree is a Class C Felony in South Dakota under SDCL § 22-16-15.
Which South Dakota statute covers homicide as manslaughter in first degree?
Homicide as manslaughter in first degree is governed by SDCL § 22-16-15 (Homicide as manslaughter in first degree--Felony).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.