PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA) – Jason Ravnsborg, the impeached former attorney general of South Dakota, made his case before the state’s Supreme Court Wednesday morning to avoid the suspension of his law license for a two year period of time.
The complaint comes from the South Dakota Bar Association’s disciplinary committee, which is specifically seeking a 26 month suspension of Ravnsborg’s law licenses. However, the suspension would be retroactive from when the Senate removed him from office, meaning he would be eligible to practice law again in August of this year.
Thomas Frieberg, representing the South Dakota Bar Association, highlighted Ravnsborg’s conduct after the 2020 accident, comparing it to former Gov. Bill Janklow’s case. “The Board feels Ravnsborg’s conduct did that much damage or more,” Frieberg said.
Mike Butler, Ravnsborg’s attorney, countered allegations of dishonesty and unprofessionalism, citing retired Judge Bradley Zell’s findings. When Ravnsborg appealed the disciplinary committee’s decision, Zell was the presiding authority. “He (Zell) did not find him dishonest or unethical,” said Butler, a Sioux Falls based attorney.
Chief Justice Steven Jensen questioned Ravnsborg’s decision not to resign during the investigations, emphasizing the higher standard expected from someone in his position: “Is he able to perform his duties while this investigation is going on?” Jensen asked. Ravnsborg defended his actions, citing concerns about if Gov. Kristi Noem would be able to appoint his replacement even if he just stepped away. He pointed out that he had several investigations ongoing into the governor’s office at the time that could be jeopardized if so.
“There were other considerations at play.” Ravnsborg said, “It’s been 1,251 days since the accident, I count them each down, and I say a prayer for the Boever family and myself on each one.”
The Court holds total authority to decide the fate of Ravnsborg’s legal career, with no set timeline for a decision. In lieu of dismissing the inquiry into Ravnsborg or going with the Bar’s recommendation, they can also come up with their own punishment.