In South Dakota, criminal records are available for searching by the public. A criminal record is created when an individual commits a crime. These are filed together over the lifetime of an individual, with each criminal charge and/or conviction being added to the file. Most people do not have this type of record since there is not one on file for those who have never been charged with a crime. In the state of South Dakota, it is possible to gain access to the information contained in this type of record through a general search of the proper database.

The state of South Dakota is an open records state. This implies that most records are made available to the public, businesses or other organizations to search. That does not mean all records will be completely accessible, though. The state does not allow for juvenile records, for example, to be accessed in this manner. Individuals who wish to have access to juvenile records must petition one of the county courts to have this information opened based on a specific need. Even then, it is unlikely that such information will be made available. Other records may be sealed even for adults due to the sensitive nature of the crimes. However, for most individuals who commit crimes in the state, criminal records are available to the public for viewing, downloading or copying.

In South Dakota, criminal records are maintained by the Division of Criminal Investigation or DCI. This agency works as a repository of information. All data is collected from various town, county and state jurisdictions and it is then reported to the agency. It is then maintained through a computerized database. The Computerized Criminal History System, or CCH, contains information on misdemeanors and felonies of individuals convicted through the South Dakota court system only.

In some situations, only a fingerprint check is available. If that is the case, the individual will need to report to a law enforcement facility for the screen to be run. It is also possible for individuals or businesses to get a fingerprint kit from this agency to use to gather the fingerprints of an individual to be then run through the state's system for verification. For more information on this, contact the agency at the following address:

Division of Criminal Investigation

Identification Section

500 East Capitol

Pierre, South Dakota 57501

It is also possible to call the agency at the following number for more information or to request a fingerprint kit. The number is 606 773-3331. The fee for any type of criminal records check in the state is currently $24, though this can change.

The access to South Dakota criminal records allows individuals to have access to some of the most private information. However, this information can often answer questions for individuals who may be concerned about his or her own record. It is possible to request a copy of your own record and to report to the same agency if there are any mistakes contained on that report.

 

• South Dakota Crime Reports & Statistics

• South Dakota Sex Offender Registry Search