South Dakota § 23A-4-3 - (Rule 5(c)) Advice to defendant at initial appearance on charge requiring preliminary hearing--Charges requiring preliminary hearing--Waiver or scheduling of hearing--Extension of time.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-4-3 — (Rule 5(c)) Advice to defendant at initial appearance on charge requiring preliminary hearing--Charges requiring preliminary hearing--Waiver or scheduling of hearing--Extension of time., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 23A-4-3. (Rule 5(c)) Advice to defendant at initial appearance on charge requiring preliminary hearing--Charges requiring preliminary hearing--Waiver or scheduling of hearing--Extension of time.

If a charge against a defendant requires a preliminary hearing, the defendant may not be called on to plead. The committing magistrate shall inform the defendant of the complaint against the defendant and of any affidavit filed therewith, of the defendant's right to retain counsel and to request assignment of counsel if the defendant is unable to obtain counsel, and of the general circumstances under which the defendant may secure pretrial release. The committing magistrate shall inform the defendant that the defendant is not required to make a statement and that any statement made by the defendant may be used against the defendant. The committing magistrate shall also inform the defendant of the defendant's right to a preliminary hearing. The committing magistrate shall allow the defendant reasonable time and opportunity to consult counsel and shall admit the defendant to bail in the amount set pursuant to § 23A-2-4 or chapter 23A-43, or as otherwise provided by law. If the offense charged is a Class 1 misdemeanor, and the circuit in which the offense is charged has a magistrate court presided over by a magistrate judge, the defendant shall be held to answer before the magistrate judge or the circuit court.

No defendant is entitled to a preliminary hearing unless charged with an offense punishable as a felony. If the defendant waives the preliminary hearing, the committing magistrate shall forthwith hold the defendant to answer in circuit court if the offense charged is a felony. If the defendant does not waive the preliminary hearing, the committing magistrate shall schedule a preliminary hearing. The hearing shall be held within a reasonable time, but in any event not later than fifteen days following the initial appearance if the defendant is in custody, and not later than forty-five days if the defendant is not in custody. However, the preliminary hearing may not be held if the defendant is indicted before the date set for the preliminary hearing. With the consent of the defendant and with a showing of good cause, taking into account the public interest and the proper disposition of criminal cases, time limits specified in this section may be extended one or more times by the committing magistrate. In the absence of consent by the defendant, time limits may be extended by the committing magistrate only upon a showing that extraordinary circumstances exist and that delay is indispensable to the interests of justice.

Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.1401; SDCL § 23-27-1; SL 1978, ch 178, § 38; SL 1991, ch 187, § 5; SL 2000, ch 263 (Supreme Court Rule 00-9); SL 2007, ch 304 (Supreme Court Amended Rule 06-72), eff. Nov. 1, 2006; SL 2013, ch 101, § 52.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 23A-4-3

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-4-3 cover?

Section 23A-4-3 ("(Rule 5(c)) Advice to defendant at initial appearance on charge requiring preliminary hearing--Charges requiring preliminary hearing--Waiver or scheduling of hearing--Extension of time.") 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 § 23A-4-3?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-4-3" (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 § 23A-4-3 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.