permit a court to commit a juvenile adjudicated delinquent for certain weapons offenses to the Department of Corrections.

Youth face correctional commitment for weapons offenses

South Dakota courts can now commit children found delinquent for specified weapons offenses to the Department of Corrections. Commitment is not automatic: the judge must find no workable alternative and that commitment is the least restrictive option. The judge must explain these findings in writing, while keeping the child's best interests and rehabilitation in mind. Other qualifying grounds remain, including specified serious crimes, significant risk of physical harm, or three prior findings of delinquency for separate acts within 12 months. Another ground requires a validated assessment showing high risk of another offense, plus failed felony probation or current supervised felony probation. That ground also requires intentional property damage over $5,000 or drug distribution punishable as a Class 4 felony or higher. Courts retain options such as probation, restitution, treatment, community service, and education programs.