South Dakota § 22-22-1 - Rape--Degrees--Penalty--Statute of limitations.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-22-1 — Rape--Degrees--Penalty--Statute of limitations., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 22-22-1. Rape--Degrees--Penalty--Statute of limitations.
Rape is an act of sexual penetration accomplished with any person under any of the following circumstances:
(1) If the victim is less than thirteen years of age;
(2) Through the use of force, coercion, or threats of immediate and great bodily harm against the victim or other persons within the victim's presence, accompanied by apparent power of execution;
(3) If the victim is incapable, because of physical or mental incapacity, of giving consent to such act and the perpetrator knows or reasonably should know of the victim's incapacity;
(4) If the victim is incapable of giving consent because of any intoxicating, narcotic, or anesthetic agent or hypnosis and the perpetrator knows or reasonably should know the victim is incapable of giving consent;
(5) If the victim is thirteen years of age, but less than sixteen years of age, and the perpetrator is at least three years older than the victim; or
(6) Without the victim's consent and the perpetrator knows or reasonably should know the victim is not consenting.
A violation of subdivision (1) is rape in the first degree, which is a Class C felony. A violation of subdivision (2) is rape in the second degree which is a Class 1 felony. A violation of subdivision (3) or (4) is rape in the third degree, which is a Class 2 felony. A violation of subdivision (5) or (6) is rape in the fourth degree, which is a Class 3 felony.
Notwithstanding the provisions of § 23A-42-2, no statute of limitations applies to any charge brought pursuant to subdivision (1) or (2). Otherwise, a charge brought pursuant to this section may be commenced at any time before the victim reaches age twenty-five or within seven years from the commission of the crime, whichever is longer.
Source: SDC 1939, §§ 13.2801, 13.2803; SDCL § 22-22-5; SL 1972, ch 154, § 21; SL 1975, ch 169, §§ 1, 5; SL 1976, ch 158, § 22-1; SL 1977, ch 189, § 51; SL 1978, ch 158, § 10; SL 1980, ch 175; SL 1982, ch 176, § 1; SL 1984, ch 165, § 1; SL 1984, ch 167, § 2; SL 1985, ch 179; SL 1985, ch 181, § 1; SL 1988, ch 187; SL 1989, ch 194, § 2; SL 1990, ch 161, § 2; SL 1990, ch 162, § 1; SL 1991, ch 24, § 8; SL 1994, ch 165, § 2; SL 1994, ch 166, § 2; SL 2000, ch 100, § 1; SL 2005, ch 120, § 390; SL 2012, ch 125, § 1; SL 2023, ch 70, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 22-22-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-22-1 cover?
Section 22-22-1 ("Rape--Degrees--Penalty--Statute of limitations.") 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 § 22-22-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 22-22-1" (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 § 22-22-1 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.