South Dakota § 22-11-19 - Tampering with a witness--Felony.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-11-19 — Tampering with a witness--Felony., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-11-19. Tampering with a witness--Felony.
Any person who injures or threatens to injure any person or property; who offers, confers, or agrees to confer any benefit on a witness or prospective witness in an official proceeding; or who corruptly persuades or corruptly influences another person to induce the witness to:
(1) Testify falsely;
(2) Withhold any testimony, information, document, or thing;
(3) Elude legal process summoning the witness to testify or supply evidence; or
(4) Absent himself or herself from an official proceeding to which the witness has been legally summoned;
is guilty of tampering with a witness. Any person who injures, or threatens to injure, any person or property in retaliation for that person testifying in an official proceeding, or for cooperating with law enforcement, government officials, investigators, or prosecutors, is guilty of tampering with a witness. Tampering with a witness is a Class 4 felony.
For the purposes of this section, the term, corruptly, means wrongful or immoral and done with an intent to impede the administration of justice.
Source: SDC 1939, § 13.1246; SDCL, § 19-5-15; SL 1976, ch 158, §§ 11-14; SL 1978, ch 158, § 6; SL 1986, ch 179; SL 2004, ch 148, § 1; SL 2005, ch 120, § 213; SL 2023, ch 68, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 22-11-19
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-11-19 cover?
Section 22-11-19 ("Tampering with a witness--Felony.") 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 § 22-11-19?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-11-19" (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 § 22-11-19 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.