South Dakota Supreme Court’s Major Decision on Jason Ravnsborg

Wooden gavel on a block with books behind.

Former South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s law license suspended for six months following fatal accident.

At a Glance

South Dakota Supreme Court suspends Ravnsborg’s law license for six months
Suspension stems from Ravnsborg’s conduct after a 2020 fatal accident
Court cites violations of professional conduct rules, including dishonesty
Ravnsborg was previously impeached and removed from office in 2022

Supreme Court Ruling on Ravnsborg’s Law License

The South Dakota Supreme Court has handed down a six-month suspension of former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s law license, effective immediately. This decision comes in the wake of Ravnsborg’s involvement in a 2020 fatal vehicle accident that claimed the life of pedestrian Joe Boever. The court’s ruling underscores serious concerns about Ravnsborg’s professional integrity and conduct following the tragic incident.

The suspension is a significant blow to Ravnsborg’s legal career, compounding the political fallout he has already faced. In 2022, Ravnsborg was impeached, convicted, and removed from his position as Attorney General, marking a dramatic fall from grace for the once-prominent South Dakota official.

The South Dakota Supreme Court is suspending former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s law license for six months.https://t.co/3yUhrrBAPp

— SDPB News (@SDPBNews) September 20, 2024

Court’s Criticism of Ravnsborg’s Conduct

The Supreme Court’s decision was scathing in its assessment of Ravnsborg’s behavior following the accident. The justices highlighted multiple instances where Ravnsborg’s actions fell short of the ethical standards expected of an attorney, particularly one serving in such a high-ranking public office.

“It is evident, even as of the time of oral argument to this Court, that Ravnsborg failed to consider how his actions following the accident and the subsequent investigation, would impact his office’s ability to fulfill its duties in such a way that maintained the public’s confidence,” the state Supreme Court’s opinion says.

One of the primary points of contention was Ravnsborg’s dishonesty regarding his cell phone use during the trip. The court stated, “His evolving explanation regarding the extent of his cell phone use while driving involved actual dishonesty and misrepresentations. He only reluctantly admitted that he ‘looked at stuff’ on his phone after he was confronted with specific information found on his phone.”

Legal and Professional Consequences

The suspension of Ravnsborg’s law license is not just a personal setback but also serves a broader purpose within the legal community. The court emphasized that this action was necessary to maintain the integrity of the legal profession and deter similar conduct by other attorneys. Before his license can be reinstated, Ravnsborg must reimburse the court and the State Bar of South Dakota for the costs of the proceedings.

“While Ravnsborg is unlikely to continue practicing law in South Dakota, we conclude suspension is necessary to preserve the integrity of the profession and deter like conduct by other attorneys.”

It’s worth noting that Ravnsborg had previously pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor charges in 2021 and settled a civil case with Boever’s family. The court’s decision to suspend his license for six months came after the Disciplinary Board initially recommended a more severe 26-month suspension.

Ravnsborg’s Response and Future Prospects

During a February hearing, Ravnsborg expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to Boever’s family. However, his attempts at conveying regret did little to sway the court’s decision. Ravnsborg has indicated that he does not plan to practice law in South Dakota after these proceedings, and he is currently known to be on military duty out of state.

The earliest Ravnsborg can practice law in South Dakota again is March 18, 2024. However, given the severity of the court’s rebuke and the public nature of this case, his future in the legal profession remains uncertain. Ravnsborg is also prohibited from holding state office ever again, effectively ending his political career in South Dakota.

As the dust settles on this legal saga, the case serves as a stark reminder of the high ethical standards expected of public officials and legal professionals, and the consequences that can follow when those standards are not met.