Grant County

States Attorney

The Grant County State’s Attorney is an elected official who holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and is licensed to practice law in South Dakota. The State’s Attorney serves as both the civil legal advisor for Grant County and a criminal prosecutor.

Key Responsibilities

• Drafting county ordinances
• Enforcing county ordinances
• Pursuing forfeiture of property used in criminal activity
• Property tax valuation challenges
• Purchasing property for the countyNegotiating county leases and contracts
• Defense of County Interests
• County aid lien collections

Adult Prosecution

The State’s Attorney is the chief prosecutor for crimes which occur within a county. Prosecution involves bringing charges against a party, trying the case in court, and making sentencing recommendations. 

The State’s Attorney prosecutes felony offenses (crimes which carry a penalty of more than one year in prison). Examples of these crimes include murder, sexual assault, drug offenses and child abuse. Misdemeanors and petty offenses, which are less serious crimes, are also prosecuted by the State’s Attorney.

Juvenile Prosecution

The State’s Attorney serves as the prosecutor in all cases involving juvenile offenders, handling everything from curfew violations to the most serious felony offenses. They also oversee diversion programs that allow youth who commit minor offenses to face appropriate consequences without going to court. These programs are designed to reduce repeat offenses. While rehabilitation is a primary goal of the juvenile system, public safety can require a different approach. In such cases, the State’s Attorney may request that the court certify a juvenile to be tried as an adult. If convicted, the juvenile could face the full range of adult penalties, including a possible prison sentence.

Juvenile Diversion

The Grant County Juvenile Diversion Program was created in February 2023. The Program allows individuals under the age of 18 an opportunity to avoid juvenile criminal proceedings. Participants in the Grant County Juvenile Diversion Program may be required to do community service, serve probation, complete classes, pay restitution and other possible requirements. Successful completion of the Grant County Juvenile Diversion Program will result in the juvenile prosecution being dismissed and the file closed.

Family Services

The State’s Attorney plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable members of the community by initiating legal actions when intervention is needed. This includes:

• CHINS (Child in Need of Supervision) Petitions – Filed to protect children whose behavior or circumstances place their own welfare or the welfare of others at risk.
• Abuse and Neglect Petitions – Brought forward to safeguard children who are being abused or neglected.
• Vulnerable Adult Protection – Legal proceedings are initiated to ensure the health and safety of adults who are unable to care for themselves and are in need of assistance.
• Involuntary Commitment Actions – Filed to help individuals with mental illness or cognitive challenges receive necessary treatment, even when they are unable or unwilling to seek help voluntarily.