A plea of not guilty puts in issue every material fact constituting an offense charged in an indictment, information, or complaint.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-22-4

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.

Source: Supreme Court Rule 390, 1939; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.3521; SDCL, § 23-35-23; SL 1978, ch 178, § 280.