Felony in South Dakota
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
South Dakota defines felonies as crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment, with no separate death penalty statute.
How South Dakota treats Felony
South Dakota classifies felonies by severity (Classes A through D), with Class A felonies carrying sentences up to life imprisonment. The state abolished capital punishment in 2004, so death is no longer a felony sentence option. Felony convictions result in loss of voting rights during incarceration and generally restrict firearm possession.
The general definition of Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
A felony is the most serious category of crime in the US criminal system. The key distinction is punishment: if a conviction can result in more than one year of imprisonment, it's a felony. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. A felony conviction carries long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights, gun ownership restrictions, and difficulty finding employment.
Read the full Felony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.