This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

Treble Damages in South Dakota

Under South Dakota law, a party who commits waste against a conservator or tenant may be liable for treble damages, meaning the actual damages are multiplied by three. This rule is found in S.D. Codified Laws § 21-7-1, which authorizes the court to award three times the proven loss and also permits eviction from the premises. The statute applies specifically to actions for waste brought against a conservator or tenant, providing a punitive multiplier to deter misuse of the property. The exact calculation of treble damages depends on the actual damages established in the case. The worked example below illustrates how the multiplier applies. For your own situation, use the DocketMath calculator to estimate damages based on your specific facts.

Governing authority

In South Dakota, the treble damages rule is set by S.D. Codified Laws § 21-7-1 (Action for waste against conservator or tenant — Treble damages and eviction from premises). The verified packet cites S.D. Codified Laws § 21-7-1 (Action for waste against conservator or tenant — Treble damages and eviction from premises) (https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/title-21/chapter-07/section-21-7-1/).

South Dakota treble damages: the verified value is 3x under S.D. Codified Laws § 21-7-1 (Action for waste against conservator or tenant — Treble damages and eviction from premises). The verified packet cites S.D. Codified Laws § 21-7-1 (Action for waste against conservator or tenant — Treble damages and eviction from premises) (https://law.justia.com/codes/south-dakota/title-21/chapter-07/section-21-7-1/).

Estimate your own result: every situation has exceptions that can change the outcome. Use the treble damages calculator to estimate your specific figure.

This page provides general legal information and calculation tools, not legal advice. DocketMath is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and exceptions apply, so deadlines and amounts specific to your situation should be confirmed with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.