South Dakota § 22-18-1 - Simple assault--Violation as misdemeanor--Third or subsequent offense a felony--Violation in other states.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-18-1 — Simple assault--Violation as misdemeanor--Third or subsequent offense a felony--Violation in other states., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-18-1. Simple assault--Violation as misdemeanor--Third or subsequent offense a felony--Violation in other states.
A person is guilty of simple assault, a Class 1 misdemeanor, if the person:
(1) Attempts to cause bodily injury to another and has the actual ability to cause the injury;
(2) Recklessly causes bodily injury to another;
(3) Negligently causes bodily injury to another with a dangerous weapon;
(4) Attempts by physical menace or credible threat to put another in fear of imminent bodily harm, with or without the actual ability to harm the other person; or
(5) Intentionally causes bodily injury to another which does not result in serious bodily injury.
If the defendant has been convicted of, or entered a plea of guilty to, two or more violations of simple assault under this section, simple assault or aggravated assault under § 22-18-1.05, aggravated assault under § 22-18-1.1, assault under § 22-18-26, intentional contact with bodily fluids under § 22-18-26.1, or assault under § 22-18-29, within ten years of committing the current offense, the defendant is guilty of a Class 6 felony for any third offense, a Class 5 felony for a fourth offense, and a Class 4 felony for a fifth or subsequent offense.
Any conviction for, or plea of guilty to, an offense in another state which, if committed in this state, would be a violation of a crime described in this section and occurring within ten years prior to the date of the violation being charged, shall be used to determine if the violation being charged is a subsequent offense.
Source: SDC 1939, §§ 13.2401, 13.2403; SDCL § 22-18-8; SL 1973, ch 147; SL 1976, ch 158, § 18-1; SL 1980, ch 173, § 2; SL 1981, ch 174; SL 1998, ch 132, § 1; SL 1999, ch 117, § 1; SL 2005, ch 120, § 1; SL 2011, ch 115, § 1; SL 2019, ch 108, § 1; SL 2021, ch 92, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 22-18-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-18-1 cover?
Section 22-18-1 ("Simple assault--Violation as misdemeanor--Third or subsequent offense a felony--Violation in other states.") 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 § 22-18-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-18-1" (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 § 22-18-1 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.