South Dakota § 22-10A-1 - Definitions.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-10A-1 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 22-10A-1. Definitions.

Terms used in §§ 22-10A-1 to 22-10A-3, inclusive, mean:

(1)    "Street gang," any formal or informal ongoing organization, association, or group of three or more persons who have a common name or common identifying signs, colors, or symbols and have members or associates who, individually or collectively, engage in or have engaged in a pattern of street gang activity;

(2)    "Street gang member," any person who engages in a pattern of street gang activity and who meets two or more of the following criteria:

(a)    Admits to gang membership;

(b)    Is identified as a gang member by a documented reliable informant;

(c)    Resides in or frequents a particular gang's area and adopts its style of dress, its use of hand signs or its tattoos and associates with known gang members;

(d)    Is identified as a gang member by an informant of previously untested reliability if such identification is corroborated by independent information;

(e)    Has been arrested more than once in the company of identified gang members for offenses which are consistent with usual gang activity;

(f)    Is identified as a gang member by physical evidence, such as photographs or other documentation; or

(g)    Has been stopped in the company of known gang members four or more times; and

(3)    "Pattern of street gang activity," the commission, attempted commission, or solicitation by any member or members of a street gang of two or more felony or violent misdemeanor offenses on separate occasions within a three-year period for the purpose of furthering gang activity.

Source: SL 1992, ch 159, § 1; SDCL, § 22-10-14; SL 2005, ch 120, §§ 352, 355.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 22-10A-1

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-10A-1 cover?

Section 22-10A-1 ("Definitions.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite South Dakota § 22-10A-1?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-10A-1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of South Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.

How does South Dakota § 22-10A-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.