How To Find Court Records In South Dakota

When you search for South Dakota court records, you can use CourtCaseFinder to start your lookup. The platform helps you explore trial court records that may return results such as case numbers, charges, dispositions, and more, when available. This can help you save time by searching across different courts in one place rather than contacting multiple offices individually.

If you're new to the process, it helps to understand what court records are. These are documents created through judicial proceedings and are generally intended for informational purposes. Depending on availability, they may contain details about criminal charges, civil lawsuits, bankruptcies, liens, judgments, driving offenses, or inmate data.

Using CourtCaseFinder, you can begin your search and gain insight into the types of records that are typically accessible to the public.

How To Access South Dakota Public Court Records

CourtCaseFinder is a convenient, centralized way to view publicly available court information in South Dakota. However, you may also choose to access court records directly through official government services.

Below are the primary methods offered by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS), each designed to give you access to public court information, when applicable.

Online Access

The state UJS offers limited online access to court records:

• eCourts: Use this online portal to view summary case information and docket entries (names of parties, filings, hearings, judgments). Registration is required and is free. Note that registered accounts that are inactive for more than 180 days will be disabled, and reactivation requires writing to UJS via email. A help page is available for more details.
• Public Access Record Search (PARS): PARS lets you access summaries of criminal case information, protection orders, and more by searching with name and birth date. You can search as a guest or register for an account. A $20 fee applies per search.
• Civil Money Judgment Query: Retrieve civil judgment summaries online via a pay-as-you-go or subscription basis, which costs $250 monthly. The system charges the subscriber regardless of results.

While dockets and case filings are regularly updated during business hours, expect some delays in new case filings or incomplete details in cases with recent decisions.

In-Person Access

You can visit any courthouse in South Dakota and use public access computer terminals to view criminal, civil, and judgment records electronically.

Note that accessing these terminals may require you to provide credit or debit card details. If you don't have cards or don't want to provide your card details, you can request the Clerk to perform the task for you.

For full paper copies or certified records, you'll need to request them from the Clerk of Courts.

Mail Request

You can also submit a request form by mail to the Clerk of the Court in the county where the case was filed. Depending on the court records you need, the request form may vary. To search for the appropriate form, use the form file search provided by South Dakota UJS.

Provide search details such as name or date of birth, if known, and pay any applicable fees. Copies, summaries, or compiled information may be provided, depending on availability and public record laws.

You can use the UJS directory to find the appropriate mail addresses of key personnel or administrative offices handling the court records.

Email Request

Most courthouses prefer email requests if online access is not available. Similar to mail requests, you need to download the appropriate request form and attach the filled-out form. Send your requests to this email (UJSPARSsupport@ujs.state.sd.us) or the official email address of the applicable courthouse.

South Dakota Court Records: What is Public and What is Not?

South Dakota's court records are generally accessible to the public under the SD Codified Law (SDCL) and the Unified Judicial System (UJS) Court Records Rule. These statutes establish a strong presumption in favor of public inspection and copying, with clearly defined exemptions for sensitive or confidential information.

South Dakota court records commonly include (when available):

• Case filings and docket entries
• Hearing dates and scheduling information
• Case outcomes or judgments
• Parties' names and charges or claims involved
• Basic case status and disposition details

However, several categories of court records or specific details are not publicly accessible or are sealed, including:

• Juvenile court records
• Adoption records
• abortion-related records
• Abuse and neglect records
• Personal identifying information (e.g., Social Security numbers, names of minors or victims), which is typically redacted
• Mental health, health treatment, or addiction records, when included in criminal files, are generally sealed or withheld.

Who Oversees the Courts in South Dakota?

The court system in South Dakota is managed through the Unified Judicial System (UJS), with centralized oversight provided by the State Court Administrator's Office (SCAO). This office operates under the direction of the Chief Justice, who serves as the administrative head of the entire judicial branch.

The SCAO carries significant administrative responsibilities to maintain efficient and effective court operations. Its duties include:

• Implements Supreme Court rules and policies across all trial and circuit courts.
• Acts as a liaison between the judicial branch and other state and local government entities.
• Oversees judiciary fiscal planning, reimbursements, and financial processing.
• Offers training and procedural guidance for clerks of courts.
• Manages probation services, diversion programs, and court services statewide.
• Handles court system staffing, training, security, and employment law compliance.
• Maintains case management and e-filing systems, with oversight over IT infrastructure and cybersecurity.

At the top of the court system, Chief Justice Steven R. Jensen leads the unified judiciary. Since January 2021, he has overseen nearly 600 staff and the judges serving South Dakota's courts.

What Types of Courts Exist in South Dakota?

South Dakota's court structure includes appellate, general jurisdiction, and limited jurisdiction courts, along with specialty divisions designed to address specific community needs. Each court type has distinct responsibilities, as shown below.

Court Type	Jurisdiction	Common Case Types
Supreme Court	The highest appellate court; final authority on state law and constitution.	Appeals from circuit courts, constitutional issues, death penalty appeals, and attorney discipline
Circuit Courts	General jurisdiction trial courts across seven judicial circuits.	Felonies, major civil cases, domestic relations, probate, juvenile matters, and administrative appeals
Magistrate Courts	Limited jurisdiction; operate under circuit courts.	Misdemeanors, traffic offenses, preliminary hearings, and landlord-tenant disputes
Small Claims Courts	Part of Magistrate Courts; Civil claims involving $12,000 or less must be filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the loss occurred; they cannot be appealed, though defendants may request transfer to circuit court before trial.	Informal disputes over money or property
Municipal / City Courts (where established)	Local-level courts handle city ordinance violations and minor infractions.	Traffic violations, city code infractions, and misdemeanors (where municipal courts exist)
Tribal Courts	Jurisdiction extends primarily over cases involving tribal members and matters arising within reservation boundaries. Individual tribes, such as the Oglala, Lower Brule, Yankton, and Rosebud Sioux, operate their own courts under tribal sovereignty.	A wide spectrum of civil and criminal matters per tribal law, including torts, contract disputes, family law (divorce, child custody/support), adoptions, guardianships, juvenile cases, probate, eviction, domestic relations, and even criminal offenses committed on reservation land
Treatment Courts	Specialized courts within circuit jurisdiction, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation.	Drug-related cases, repeat DUI, veterans' cases, and mental health-related offenses

What Federal Courts Are In South Dakota?

Federal courts in South Dakota exercise jurisdiction over matters defined by the U.S. Constitution and federal statutes.

These courts hear cases involving violations of federal criminal law, civil rights actions, federal regulatory disputes, and constitutional claims.

South Dakota has two federal courts with several divisions or courthouses located across the state. This court is the trial-level federal court for the state and is supported by magistrate judges who assist with preliminary hearings, misdemeanor cases, and pretrial proceedings.

The table below summarizes the jurisdiction and contact information of the two federal courts in South Dakota.

Federal Court	Jurisdiction	Location & Contact
U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota	A federal trial-level court that exercises jurisdiction over both civil disputes and criminal prosecutions involving federal law.	Sioux Falls Phone: (605) 330-6600 Rapid City Phone: (605) 399-6000 Pierre Phone:(605) 945-4600 Unstaffed Division Office: Aberdeen
U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Dakota	Federal bankruptcy matters statewide.	Sioux Falls Phone: (605) 357-2400 Pierre Phone: (605) 945-4460

Appeals from the federal courts are heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. Federal appeals follow the federal judicial hierarchy, separate from the South Dakota Supreme Court and state appellate processes.

How Many Cases Are Handled Annually in South Dakota Courts?

South Dakota's Unified Judicial System (UJS) releases an annual report that shows the number of cases filed and resolved each fiscal year. The state circuit courts process approximately 210,000 cases annually in criminal, civil, family, juvenile, probate, and small claims matters.

This workload reflects the many ways people interact with the justice system, whether through enforcing the law, settling disagreements, or addressing personal and family concerns.

The table below presents the estimated number of annual case filings by type in South Dakota circuit courts.

Case Type	Approx. Annual Volume
Criminal	~131,000
Civil	~59,000
Domestic Relations	~8,000
Juvenile	~6,000
Drug, Alcohol, and Mental Health Related Cases	~4,000
Probate	~2,000

How Do I File a Case in South Dakota Courts?

Filing a case in South Dakota begins with preparing the correct paperwork and submitting it to the right court. The process may look different depending on the type of case.

Below are the basic steps and requirements to help you understand how to file a case in court.

1. Pick the Right Court and County

Most family matters and civil actions (including claims of $12,000 or more) are filed in circuit court. Money claims under $12,000 can be filed as small claims in the magistrate's court. The UJS Starting a Court Action page explains the venue and the basic lawsuit steps.

2. Prepare Your Documents and Forms

At a minimum, you will need a summons and complaint, which formally notifies the other party that a lawsuit has been filed and outlines the claims you are making.

Use the UJS Form and File Search to find summons and complaint packets, divorce, eviction, name-change, and other filings. If you're unsure which packet you need, start with the UJS Guide and File page. It interviews you and produces filled-in forms for printing and filing.

If you are representing yourself, take time to review the instructions to avoid mistakes and delays. Keep copies of everything you submit for your records and for serving the other party.

3. File Your Case

You can file your case in person at the Clerk of Courts' office in the proper county. Some clerks may also allow filing by mail, so it's best to call ahead.

If you are self-represented, you will usually file your paperwork in paper form. Attorneys, on the other hand, are generally required to use Odyssey File & Serve, South Dakota's electronic filing system.

4. Pay Filing Fees

Filing fees in South Dakota vary depending on the type of case. According to the official Schedule of Court Costs, most civil filings cost $72.

If you cannot afford to pay, you may request a waiver of filing and service fees by completing a financial affidavit form and submitting it to the court for approval. Fee waivers are not automatic. The judge will review your financial situation before granting relief.

Although waiver of filing fees may be approved, you may still pay for service fees and other court-related expenses as your case progresses.

5. Comply with the Court's Rule of Service

Serve the other party using any of these methods:

• Personal Service: The papers are hand-delivered to the defendant by the sheriff, a process server, or another adult not involved in the case. After delivery, an Affidavit of Service must be filled out and filed with the Clerk of Courts as proof of receipt.
• Acceptance of Service: If the other party agrees to take the papers, you can hand them over directly. They must sign an Admission of Service form, which you then file with the Clerk of Courts. This confirms they accepted the documents without formal delivery.
• Service by Publication: If the person lives out of state and cannot be found, you may serve them by publishing a notice in a newspaper. This process has specific legal requirements under South Dakota law. Proof of publication must also be filed with the court.

How Is the South Dakota Court System Unique?

South Dakota's courts operate under a Unified Judicial System (UJS), which means all courts are centrally administered. This structure streamlines policies, budgeting, and technology across the state.

One of the most distinctive features of South Dakota's system is that the state does not have a separate intermediate Court of Appeals. Instead, all appeals from the circuit courts go directly to the Supreme Court, giving the state's highest court exclusive authority over appellate matters.

Additionally, South Dakota is home to multiple tribal courts, which operate independently under tribal sovereignty and handle a wide range of civil and criminal matters within their jurisdictions. These courts serve Native American communities and interact with state and federal courts in certain cases.

South Dakota Courthouses, Sheriff's Offices, Police Departments, Jails, & Prisons

• Aurora
• Beadle
• Bennett
• Bon Homme
• Brookings
• Brown
• Brule
• Butte
• Campbell
• Charles Mix
• Clark
• Clay
• Codington
• Corson
• Custer
• Davison
• Day
• Deuel
• Dewey
• Edmunds
• Fall River
• Grant
• Gregory
• Haakon
• Hamlin
• Harding
• Hughes
• Hutchinson
• Lake
• Lawrence
• Lincoln
• Meade
• Minnehaha
• Moody
• Pennington
• Roberts
• Sanborn
• Spink
• Todd
• Tripp
• Turner
• Union
• Walworth
• Yankton

Where to Find Additional Information About South Dakota Courts?

• State Of South Dakota Unified Justice System
• United States Circuit Court South Dakota
• South Dakota State Bar Association
• District of South Dakota | United States District Court
• Union County Clerk of Courts
• Fall River County, SD Clerk of Courts
• Clerk of Courts - Custer County, South Dakota
• Brookings County Courthouse
• Brown County South Dakota Courthouse

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