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South Dakota statute

SDCL § 22-19-1 — Kidnapping--Aggravated kidnapping in the first degree--Class of felony

Current through text effective June 30, 2026 (through the 2025 Regular Session)

Part of Chapter 19: Kidnapping, South Dakota Codified Laws.

Criminal charges under this statute

Full text of SDCL § 22-19-1

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.

SDCL § 22-19-1Primary source, current through the text effective June 30, 2026 (through the 2025 Regular Session)
Any person who, either unlawfully removes another person from the other's place of residence or employment, or who unlawfully removes another person a substantial distance from the vicinity where the other was at the commencement of the removal, or who unlawfully confines another person for a substantial period of time, with any of the following purposes: (1) To hold for ransom or reward, or as a shield or hostage; or (2) To facilitate the commission of any felony or flight thereafter; or (3) To inflict bodily injury on or to terrorize the victim or another; or (4) To interfere with the performance of any governmental or political function; or (5) To take or entice away a child under the age of fourteen years with intent to detain and conceal such child; is guilty of kidnapping in the first degree. Kidnapping in the first degree is a Class C felony, unless the person has inflicted serious bodily injury on the victim, in which case it is aggravated kidnapping in the first degree and is a Class B felony.

Official sources

Legal terms used in this section

Questions this section answers

Is kidnapping a felony or a misdemeanor in South Dakota?

It depends on the circumstances: kidnapping ranges from a Class C Felony to a Class B Felony in South Dakota under SDCL § 22-19-1.

Kidnapping in the first degree (no serious bodily injury): Class C Felony (SDCL § 22-19-1) · Aggravated kidnapping in the first degree (serious bodily injury inflicted): Class B Felony (SDCL § 22-19-1)

Which South Dakota statute covers kidnapping?

Kidnapping is governed by SDCL § 22-19-1 (Kidnapping--Aggravated kidnapping in the first degree--Class of felony).

This reference is informational and is not legal advice.