South Dakota has implemented ‘truth in sentencing’ legislation, advocated by Pennington County State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel, which aims to ensure that offenders serve their full sentences without early release for good behavior or community service.
This change seeks to increase accountability for serious violent felony offenders and provide more closure to victims.
However, it raises concerns about the rehabilitation and treatment of high-level felony offenders, such as those convicted of first-degree rape, robbery, or attempted murder.
The law went into effect in the summer of 2023, creating two sets of rules for felons booked before and after its implementation.