South Dakota § 23A-2-1 - Complaint as statement of offense--Signature under oath--Traffic ticket issued by law enforcement officer.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-2-1 — Complaint as statement of offense--Signature under oath--Traffic ticket issued by law enforcement officer., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23A-2-1. Complaint as statement of offense--Signature under oath--Traffic ticket issued by law enforcement officer.
A complaint is a written statement of the essential facts constituting an offense charged. The complaint shall be signed under oath before a person authorized to administer oaths in the State of South Dakota. A law enforcement officer, in lieu of signing a complaint for a misdemeanor or felony under oath, may sign a statement printed or written on a complaint or summons on a uniform traffic ticket stating: "I declare and affirm under the penalties of perjury that this complaint or summons has been examined by me, and to the best of my knowledge and belief, is in all things true and correct." Any person who signs a statement as required by this section, knowing the statement to be false or untrue, in whole or in part, is guilty of perjury.
Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.1501; SDCL § 23-19-2; SL 1978, ch 178, § 3; SL 2015, ch 134, § 2; SL 2017, ch 105, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 23A-2-1
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-2-1 cover?
Section 23A-2-1 ("Complaint as statement of offense--Signature under oath--Traffic ticket issued by law enforcement officer.") 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-2-1?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-2-1" (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 § 23A-2-1 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.