South Dakota Cocaine Laws
By Samuel Strom, J.D. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed November 01, 2024
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Possessing or distributing cocaine is illegal in South Dakota. Anyone who possesses, sells, or otherwise distributes cocaine is guilty of a felony, which carries severe criminal penalties. In certain circumstances, selling cocaine can lead to a 50-year prison sentence.
Cocaine is classified as a Schedule II drug in South Dakota. Other Schedule II drugs include fentanyl, methamphetamine, and opium. A Schedule II controlled substance has the following characteristics:
- A high potential for abuse
- Its use may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence
- It has some accepted medical uses in the United States
The table below lists South Dakota's laws regarding cocaine. Visit FindLaw's Drug Charges section for more articles and resources.
South Dakota Cocaine Laws Code Sections |
South Dakota Codified Laws Title 34 - Public Health and Safety
Title 22 - Crimes
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South Dakota Cocaine Possession Offenses and Penalties |
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South Dakota Cocaine Sale/Distribution Offenses and Penalties |
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South Carolina Drug-Free Zones Laws |
If a person commits a cocaine offense on, or within 1,000 feet of a school or playground or in, on, or within 500 feet of a public or private youth center, public swimming pool, or video arcade facility, they are guilty of a Class 4 felony. This carries a mandatory sentence of at least five years in a state correctional facility. |
South Dakota Cocaine Criminal Penalties |
A person convicted of a cocaine-related offense may face the following mandatory minimum sentences:
The maximum criminal penalties applicable to felonies and misdemeanors are as follows:
If a person convicted of a Class A, B, or C felony was under the age of 18 when they committed the offense, the maximum sentence is a term of years determined by the court in a state correctional facility and a fine of $50,000. |
Note: South Dakota state drug laws are subject to change. Contact a South Dakota drug crime attorney or conduct your own legal research to confirm current state laws.
South Dakota Cocaine Laws: Related Resources
For more information about South Dakota's controlled drug laws, browse the following links:
- South Dakota Code
- South Dakota Heroin, Opiates, and Opioids Laws
- South Dakota Criminal Laws
- South Dakota Criminal Statute of Limitations Laws
- Drug Trafficking and Distribution
- Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing
- Drug Possession Penalties and Sentencing
- Drug Possession Overview
Visit FindLaw's Details on State Cocaine Laws for more information about other states' drug offense laws.
Facing Cocaine Charges in South Dakota? An Attorney Can Help
If law enforcement has charged you with any possession of controlled substance crimes, contact a South Dakota drug crime attorney. Whether you are a first-time offender charged with a simple possession crime or have prior illegal drug convictions, an experienced criminal defense attorney can provide critical legal advice and representation in your criminal case.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex drug crimes usually require a lawyer
- Experienced drug crime lawyers can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
- Drug crime laws involve many specifics that can quickly change a case
Get tailored legal advice and ask a lawyer questions. Many South Dakota attorneys offer free consultations for Drug Crime.
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