If the plaintiff prevails in a petty offense case, the plaintiff shall be granted a judgment of twenty-five dollars. However, the trial court may reduce or eliminate the award in the interest of justice. No award may be granted a defendant in a petty offense case. If a deposit is required by this chapter, it shall be the amount set by this section.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 23-1A-22

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Petty offense: A federal misdemeanor punishable by six months or less in prison. Source: U.S. Courts
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • 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 1977, ch 193, § 31; SL 1978, ch 165, § 2; SL 1980, ch 26, § 31; SL 1984, ch 12, § 16; SL 2008, ch 113, § 1; SL 2014, ch 153, § 5; SL 2020, ch 124, § 5.