South Dakota Codified Laws 47-31B-602. Investigations and subpoenas
(a) Authority to investigate. The director may:
(1) Conduct public or private investigations within or outside of this state which the director considers necessary or appropriate to determine whether a person has violated, is violating, or is about to violate this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter, or to aid in the enforcement of this chapter or in the adoption of rules and forms under this chapter;
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 47-31B-602
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
- Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
(2) Require or permit a person to testify, file a statement, or produce a record, under oath or otherwise as the director determines, as to all the facts and circumstances concerning a matter to be investigated or about which an action or proceeding is to be instituted; and
(3) Publish a record concerning an action, proceeding, or an investigation under, or a violation of, this chapter or a rule adopted or order issued under this chapter if the director determines it is necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of investors.
(b) Director powers to investigate. For the purpose of an investigation under this chapter, the director or its designated officer may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, seek compulsion of attendance, take evidence, require the filing of statements, and require the production of any records that the director considers relevant or material to the investigation.
(c) Procedure and remedies for noncompliance. If a person does not appear or refuses to testify, file a statement, produce records, or otherwise does not obey a subpoena as required by the director under this chapter, the director, or any officer designated by him, may apply to the circuit court to enforce compliance, or may refer the matter to the Attorney General or the proper attorney, who may apply to the circuit court or a court of another state to enforce compliance. The court may:
(1) Hold the person in contempt;
(2) Order the person to appear before the director;
(3) Order the person to testify about the matter under investigation or in question;
(4) Order the production of records;
(5) Grant injunctive relief, including restricting or prohibiting the offer or sale of securities or the providing of investment advice;
(6) Impose a civil penalty of not more than ten thousand dollars per violation; and
(7) Grant any other necessary or appropriate relief.
(d) Application for relief. This section does not preclude a person from applying to the circuit court or a court of another state for relief from a request to appear, testify, file a statement, produce records, or obey a subpoena.
(e) Use immunity procedure. An individual is not excused from attending, testifying, filing a statement, producing a record or other evidence, or obeying a subpoena of the director under this chapter or in an action or proceeding instituted by the director under this chapter on the ground that the required testimony, statement, record, or other evidence, directly or indirectly, may tend to incriminate the individual or subject the individual to a criminal fine, penalty, or forfeiture. If the individual refuses to testify, file a statement, or produce a record or other evidence on the basis of the individual’s privilege against self–incrimination, the director may apply to the circuit court to compel the testimony, the filing of the statement, the production of the record, or the giving of other evidence. The testimony, record, or other evidence compelled under such an order may not be used, directly or indirectly, against the individual in a criminal case, except in a prosecution for perjury or contempt or otherwise failing to comply with the order.