South Dakota § 23A-7-2 - (Rule 11(a)) Pleas permitted to defendant--Requirements for plea of guilty or nolo contendere.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-7-2 — (Rule 11(a)) Pleas permitted to defendant--Requirements for plea of guilty or nolo contendere., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23A-7-2. (Rule 11(a)) Pleas permitted to defendant--Requirements for plea of guilty or nolo contendere.
A defendant may plead:
(1) Not guilty;
(2) Not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity;
(3) Guilty;
(4) Nolo contendere; or
(5) Guilty but mentally ill.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere can only be entered by a defendant himself in open court. If a defendant refuses to plead, or if the court refuses to accept a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, the court shall enter a plea of not guilty. The court may not enter a judgment unless it is satisfied that there is a factual basis for any plea except a plea of nolo contendere.
Source: Supreme Court Rule 389, 1939; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 34.3520; SDCL, § 23-35-16; SL 1978, ch 178, § 92; SL 1980, ch 179, § 1; SL 1983, ch 174, § 5.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 23A-7-2
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-7-2 cover?
Section 23A-7-2 ("(Rule 11(a)) Pleas permitted to defendant--Requirements for plea of guilty or nolo contendere.") 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-7-2?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 23A-7-2" (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-7-2 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.