Before a writ of attachment may be executed in a tort action, the plaintiff or someone on his behalf shall make and attach thereto an affidavit, stating that a cause of action in tort exists in favor of the plaintiff and against the defendant, that the damages sustained exceed fifty dollars specifying the amount claimed and either:

(1) The defendant is not a resident of this state; or that his residence is unknown and cannot with due diligence be ascertained; or

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 21-17A-4

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Attachment: A procedure by which a person's property is seized to pay judgments levied by the court.
  • Corporation: A legal entity owned by the holders of shares of stock that have been issued, and that can own, receive, and transfer property, and carry on business in its own name.
  • Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
  • Tort: A civil wrong or breach of a duty to another person, as outlined by law. A very common tort is negligent operation of a motor vehicle that results in property damage and personal injury in an automobile accident.
  • Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.

(2) The defendant is a foreign corporation.

Source: SL 1983, ch 168, § 4.

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