South Dakota Supreme Court Suspends Former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s Law License for Six Months

Judge with gavel and Supreme Court nameplate.

Former South Dakota Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg’s law license suspended for six months following a fatal 2020 accident.

At a Glance

  • South Dakota Supreme Court suspends Ravnsborg’s law license for six months
  • Suspension stems from 2020 incident where Ravnsborg struck and killed pedestrian Joe Boever
  • Court cites multiple violations of professional conduct, including dishonesty
  • Ravnsborg must reimburse court and State Bar costs before license reinstatement

Supreme Court Takes Action Against Former Attorney General

The South Dakota Supreme Court has taken decisive action against former Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg, suspending his law license for six months effective immediately. This ruling stems from Ravnsborg’s conduct following a fatal 2020 accident that claimed the life of pedestrian Joe Boever. The court’s decision underscores the critical importance of honesty and ethical behavior in our public officials, especially those tasked with upholding the law.

The suspension follows Ravnsborg’s impeachment and removal from office in 2022 for his actions following the collision. The court ruled that Ravnsborg’s conduct after the crash and during the investigation was unbecoming of an attorney, citing multiple violations of professional conduct, including dishonesty.

Court’s Criticism and Disciplinary Action

The South Dakota Supreme Court’s ruling was particularly critical of Ravnsborg’s behavior following the accident. The court emphasized the former attorney general’s lack of candor and inappropriate use of his position during the investigation.

“His evolving explanation regarding the extent of his cell phone use while driving involved actual dishonesty and misrepresentations,” the ruling said. “He only reluctantly admitted that he ‘looked at stuff’ on his phone after he was confronted with specific information found on his phone.”

The court’s decision to suspend Ravnsborg’s law license for six months came after the Disciplinary Board initially recommended a 26-month suspension. Chief Justice Steven Jensen noted that Ravnsborg’s misdemeanors did not warrant an automatic suspension like the felony conviction in a similar case involving former Governor Bill Janklow.

Implications and Future Prospects

The suspension aims to preserve the integrity of the legal profession and deter similar conduct by other attorneys. Ravnsborg must reimburse the court and the State Bar of South Dakota for the costs of the proceedings before his license is returned. The earliest he can practice law in South Dakota again is March 18, 2025.

It’s worth noting that Ravnsborg is prohibited from ever holding state office again. He is currently involved with a political action committee named $99 for Freedom and is known to be on military duty out of state. Attempts to contact Ravnsborg for comment have been unsuccessful, and he has not practiced law since his removal from office.

Sources:

  1. State Supreme Court suspends law license of former attorney general for six months
  2. South Dakota Court Suspends Law License of Former Attorney General After Fatal Accident
  3. SD Supreme Court suspends law license of former attorney general for six months
  4. SD Supreme Court suspends Ravnsborg’s law license for 6 months
  5. South Dakota court suspends law license of former attorney general after fatal accident
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