South Dakota § 23-5-4 - Fingerprints to be taken and forwarded on arrests--Failure of officer to take and report as misdemeanor.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 23-5-4 — Fingerprints to be taken and forwarded on arrests--Failure of officer to take and report as misdemeanor., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-5-4. Fingerprints to be taken and forwarded on arrests--Failure of officer to take and report as misdemeanor.
The sheriffs, chiefs of police, marshals of the municipalities, and any other law enforcement officers and peace officers of the state, immediately upon the arrest of any person for a felony or misdemeanor, exclusive of those exceptions set forth in § 23-5-1, shall take such person's fingerprints according to the fingerprint system of identification established by the Division of Criminal Investigation, on forms furnished by the division and shall forward the fingerprints together with other descriptions as may be required with a history of the offense alleged to have been committed, to the division for classification and filing. However, in the case of a Class 2 misdemeanor, exclusive of those exceptions set forth in § 23-5-1, if the arresting officer reasonably believes that the person arrested does not present a danger to self or others and will appear in response to a summons, the arresting officer may, without complying with the provisions of this section, release the person arrested with a summons to appear; and the person arrested shall present himself or herself to the law enforcement agency issuing the summons for fingerprinting prior to the initial court appearance. Any person who fails to appear for fingerprinting in compliance with this section shall be proceeded against by warrant. A copy of the fingerprints of the person arrested, shall be transmitted forthwith by the arresting officer to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C.
Any officer required by this section to take and report fingerprint records, who fails to take and report the records required by this section, is guilty of a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Source: SDC 1939, §§ 55.1607, 55.9906; SL 1966, ch 161, § 6; SL 1979, ch 150, § 28; SL 1992, ch 60, § 2; SL 1995, ch 128.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 23-5-4
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 23-5-4 cover?
Section 23-5-4 ("Fingerprints to be taken and forwarded on arrests--Failure of officer to take and report as misdemeanor.") 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 § 23-5-4?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 23-5-4" (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 § 23-5-4 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.