South Dakota Codified Laws 22-42-19. Drug free zones created–Violation as felony–Sentence–Defense
Any person who commits a violation of § 22-42-2, 22-42-3, or 22-42-4, or a felony violation of § 22-42-7, if such activity has taken place:
(1) In, on, or within one thousand feet of real property comprising a public or private elementary or secondary school or a playground; or
Attorney's Note
Under the South Dakota Laws, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Class 4 felony | up to 10 years | up to $20,000 |
Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 22-42-19
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
- Probation: A sentencing alternative to imprisonment in which the court releases convicted defendants under supervision as long as certain conditions are observed.
- Property: includes property, real and personal. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
- Real property: Land, and all immovable fixtures erected on, growing on, or affixed to the land.
(2) In, on, or within five hundred feet of real property comprising a public or private youth center, public swimming pool, or video arcade facility; is guilty of a Class 4 felony. The sentence imposed for a conviction under this section carries a minimum sentence of imprisonment in a state correctional facility of five years. Any sentence imposed under this section shall be consecutive to any other sentence imposed for the principal felony. The court may not place on probation, suspend the execution of the sentence, or suspend the imposition of the sentence of any person convicted of a violation of this section. However, the sentencing court may impose a sentence other than that specified in this section if the court finds that mitigating circumstances exist which require a departure from the mandatory sentence provided for in this section. The court’s finding of mitigating circumstances allowed by this section and the factual basis relied upon by the court shall be in writing.
It is not a defense to the provisions of this section that the defendant did not know the distance involved. It is not a defense to the provisions of this section that school was not in session.
Source: SL 1992, ch 168, § 2; SL 1998, ch 140, § 1; SL 2023, ch 82, § 19.