The victim of a crime and his parent or guardian may not be excluded from a courtroom due to a request which is made pursuant to § 19-19-615. However, a judge may remove a victim and his parent or guardian from a trial or hearing or any portion of the trial or hearing for the same causes and in the same manner as the rules of court or law provide for the exclusion or removal of the defendant.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-24-7

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

Source: SL 1986, ch 193, § 3.