South Dakota is located in the mid-western region of the U.S. and was the 40th territory to become a state in 1889. There are 66 counties functioning as local governments in the state of South Dakota. Agencies carry out many of the state's responsibilities on behalf of the state and local governments. The South Dakota Open Records (SDCL) allows members of the public to request information from their governments for better transparency. Better access to government information presents a tool for journalists to uncover stories of mishanding of public affairs. Concerned South Dakota residents can request to see employee salaries, budgets, minutes of meetings between elected officials and many other records and information for oversight of any abuses.
Criminal records are commonly the most important part of background checks. Searching criminal history can be challenging as protected data is not available to the public. The state of South Dakota offers step by step instructions on how to obtain a criminal history report. Look up the requirements and see what you need from the state's official division of criminal investigation and see how to conduct a finger based background check of an employee or yourself. You can order records of misdemeanors and felonies statewide as well as seeing how to obtain records from federal agencies as the central repository of criminal information on individuals.
For a thorough investigation you can expand your search to include other information derived from public records. The South Dakota Department of Health offers several easy and simple ways of obtaining a birth, death or marriage record. Electronic court record searches from the state of South Dakota judicial system offers online access to criminal cases, filings and civil lawsuits. Instant databases are offered to verify a professional license issued by the state. Regardless of your search needs and goals, a comprehensive search of records available to the public can reveal an abundance of substantive information resulting in an informative final report.
The South Dakota supreme court has mandatory jurisdiction in civil, capital criminal, criminal, administrative agency, juvenile,disciplinary, and original proceeding cases, discretionary jurisdiction in advisory opinions for the state executive, interlocutory decision, and original proceeding cases.
Circuit courts have exclusive civil jurisdiction, including civil appeals, small claims for cases up to $8,000, domestic relations, criminal trials, including criminal appeals, exclusive traffic, except for uncontested parking violations, which is handled administratively, and exclusive juvenile jurisdiction. The South Dakota circuit court also handles preliminary hearings and has jury trials except in small claims.
The South Dakota family courts dictate that a marriage can only be dissolved by death or divorce and limited cases, marriages may be annulled by an action in circuit court.
Search for felony or misdemeanor criminal charges by requesting records from the South Dakota state repository.
- South Dakota Criminal History Records
Obtain information detailing how to request South Dakota criminal history records and background checks.- South Dakota Inmates and Offenders Search
Find the location and release information of individuals incarcerated with the SD Dept. of Corrections.- South Dakota Sex Offenders Search
Search the SD Office of the Attorney General database of registered offenders by name or location.- South Dakota Most Wanted
Current posting of fugitives and absconders from the SD Dept. of Corrections.
South Dakota Police and Law Enforcement Agency Directory.
- South Dakota Asset Search
Search government agencies open to the public to find assets of companies, corporations, or individuals.- South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks
Licenses, permits, information and more- South Dakota Attorney General
Civil, criminal and appellate courts- South Dakota State University Police Department
Law enforcement, investigations, reports and more- South Dakota County Sheriff Criminal Reports
- South Dakota Highway Patrol Accident Reports
Law enforcement, traffic, criminal investigations and more- South Dakota Court Records Search
Direct access to SD courts online; from county to Supreme courts.- South Dakota Federal Case Search
Search the SD Court system to find information and public records on federal case filings.- South Dakota Bankruptcy Records Search
Conduct a bankruptcy search through public records to find individual or corporate bankruptcy filings.- South Dakota Business & Corporation Search
Find active and inactive corporations by name from the SD Secretary of State.- South Dakota Birth and Death Records
Official birth and death certificates.- South Dakota Corrections Information
Programs, policies, statistics, calendar and publications.- South Dakota Driving Records
Access online forms from the state DMV to request a drivers license, complete registration and more.- South Dakota Record Expungements
Information and resources to assist in expunging criminal records state and nationwide.- South Dakota Fictitious Business Names Filings
Find general info and check name availability with the SD Secretary of State.- South Dakota Genealogy Records
Browse state archives, historical records, and online databases, search South Dakota census records to find info about ancestors, family tree and more.- South Dakota Judgments and Liens
Find judgments, liens and UCC filings of any individual in South Dakota.- South Dakota Lawyers and Licensing
Verify an attorney's licensing status with the State Bar.- Request South Dakota Marriage Records
Order marriage records and certificates- South Dakota Missing Children
Search South Dakota missing and exploited kids.- South Dakota Property Records
Conduct a property search by contacting the SD Association of County Officials.- South Dakota Unclaimed Property
Search property and claim status by individual name or business thru the state treasurer.- South Dakota Vital Records
Request birth and death certificates, marriage records and divorce filings in South Dakota.