South Dakota statute
SDCL § 22-9-1 — Desecration of flag
Current through text effective June 30, 2026 (through the 2025 Regular Session)
Part of Chapter 9: Misuse Of Flags, South Dakota Codified Laws.
Criminal charges under this statute
Full text of SDCL § 22-9-1
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.
Any person who knowingly mutilates, defaces, physically defiles, burns, maintains on the floor or ground, or tramples upon any flag of the United States or flag of the State of South Dakota is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
The term, flag of the United States, as used in this section includes any flag, standard, or colors, or any part thereof, made of any substance and of any size evidently purporting to be the flag, standard, or colors of the United States of America.
The term, flag of the State of South Dakota, as used in this section includes any flag, standard, or colors, or any part thereof, made of any substance and of any size evidently purporting to be the flag, standard, or colors of the flag of the State of South Dakota.
Official sources
Legal terms used in this section
Questions this section answers
Is desecration of flag a felony or a misdemeanor in South Dakota?
Desecration of flag is a Class 1 Misdemeanor in South Dakota under SDCL § 22-9-1.
Which South Dakota statute covers desecration of flag?
Desecration of flag is governed by SDCL § 22-9-1 (Desecration of flag).
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.