When the defendant is charged with forgery or theft, an action described in § 23A-42-2 shall be commenced at any time within seven years after the discovery of the crime. The failure of discovery, if more than seven years has elapsed at the time of prosecution, shall in all cases be pleaded and proven in the same manner as other elements of the offense.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-42-3

  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Discovery: Lawyers' examination, before trial, of facts and documents in possession of the opponents to help the lawyers prepare for trial.
  • Forgery: The fraudulent signing or alteration of another's name to an instrument such as a deed, mortgage, or check. The intent of the forgery is to deceive or defraud. Source: OCC

Source: SL 1927, ch 91; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.0703; SDCL, § 23-8-4; SL 1978, ch 178, § 502.