Free legal information, aid organizations, and court resources for residents of South Dakota. Know your rights and find help.
Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents in the eastern part of South Dakota covering housing, family, and public benefits.
Visit Website →Offers free legal help to low-income individuals and Native Americans in central and western South Dakota, including tribal law matters.
Visit Website →Connects eligible low-income South Dakotans with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal representation.
Visit Website →Provides free civil legal services to low-income residents in eastern South Dakota.
Visit Website →Serves low-income and Native American residents in central and western South Dakota with free legal help.
Visit Website →The Supreme Court of South Dakota is the court of last resort with five justices. South Dakota does not have an intermediate appellate court; appeals go directly from trial courts to the Supreme Court. Circuit Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction across seven judicial circuits. Magistrate Courts handle minor criminal cases, small claims, and preliminary hearings.
Governs rental relationships under SDCL Chapter 43-32, covering security deposits (limited to one month's rent), habitability, and eviction procedures with three-day notice requirements.
Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, and national origin under SDCL Chapter 20-13.
Consumer protection law under SDCL 37-24 prohibiting deceptive acts and practices in trade or commerce with enforcement by the Attorney General.
Protects homestead property (unlimited value on one acre in town or 160 acres in the country) from forced sale by most creditors under the state constitution.
Governs rental relationships under SDCL Chapter 43-32, covering security deposits (max 1 month) and eviction procedures.
Prohibits discrimination in employment and housing based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, ancestry, disability, and national origin.
24/7 confidential support
1-800-799-7233
Statewide domestic violence support
1-800-430-7233
Call or text 988 for crisis support
988
Continued implementation of recreational marijuana regulations following voter approval.
New measures providing property tax relief for homeowners, including increased assessment limitations.
Statute of Limitations: 3 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 6 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 6 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 2 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Statute of Limitations: 6 years
This is the maximum time after an event within which you may file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to sue.
Typical filing fee: $40 (claims up to $12,000)
Small claims court is designed for individuals to resolve minor disputes quickly and affordably without an attorney.
Typical filing fee: $65-$150
Civil court handles larger disputes including personal injury, contract breaches, and property claims. Attorney representation is common.
Typical filing fee: $65-$100
Family court handles divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and domestic violence matters. Fee waivers are often available for low-income filers.
Free civil legal services for low-income residents in eastern South Dakota.
Visit Website →Serves low-income residents in western South Dakota and Native American communities.
Visit Website →Coordinates free legal resources and self-help tools for South Dakota residents.
Visit Website →