If a defendant dies following the entry of a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or a finding of guilt at trial and the time for taking an appeal has not expired, the court may order substitution of the proper parties for the purpose of an appeal. The personal representative of the defendant’s estate may make a motion for substitution, together with a notice of hearing, and shall serve the same on the prosecuting attorney.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 23A-27-50

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Nolo contendere: No contest-has the same effect as a plea of guilty, as far as the criminal sentence is concerned, but may not be considered as an admission of guilt for any other purpose.
  • Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

Source: SL 2008, ch 116, § 2.