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Legal Information: South Dakota

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of November 28, 2023

What if I don't register my protection order?  Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?

While neither federal law nor state law requires that you register your protection order in order to get it enforced, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be more difficult for a South Dakota law enforcement official to determine whether your order is real, which could take longer to get your order enforced.

If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in South Dakota. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in South Dakota, go to our SD Advocates and Shelters page.