South Dakota statute
SDCL § 22-21-1 — Eavesdropping--Privacy--Misdemeanor
Current through text effective June 30, 2026 (through the 2025 Regular Session)
Part of Chapter 21: Invasions Of Privacy, South Dakota Codified Laws.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of SDCL § 22-21-1
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.
No person may, except as authorized by law:
(1) Trespass on property with intent to subject anyone to eavesdropping or other surveillance in a private place; or
(2) Install in any private place, without the consent of the person or persons entitled to privacy there, any device for observing, photographing, recording, amplifying, or broadcasting sounds or events in such place, or uses any such unauthorized installation.
A person who violates this section is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Subdivision (2) does not apply to law enforcement officers, or to those acting under the direction of a law enforcement officer, while engaged in the performance of the officer's lawful duties.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is eavesdropping a felony or a misdemeanor in South Dakota?
Eavesdropping is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in South Dakota under SDCL § 22-21-1.
Which South Dakota statute covers eavesdropping?
Eavesdropping is governed by SDCL § 22-21-1 (Eavesdropping--Privacy--Misdemeanor).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.