The Iowa Supreme Court has suspended the law license of South Dakota’s former Attorney General, Jason Ravnsborg, for two months following his involvement in a 2020 traffic fatality. This development comes after the South Dakota Supreme Court imposed a six-month suspension on Ravnsborg’s law license in September 2024, owing to the same incident. Ravnsborg served as South Dakota’s Attorney General from 2019 until his impeachment and removal from office in 2022.
This case has echoes throughout South Dakota, highlighting the state’s rigorous legal accountability standards. Known for its sprawling landscapes and vibrant communities, South Dakota upholds a strong judicial system aimed at maintaining the public’s trust in legal and political offices.
On the night of September 12, 2020, Ravnsborg was driving home from a political event in Redfield to Pierre when he struck and killed 55-year-old Joe Boever. The accident occurred near Highmore, South Dakota, raising questions about the state’s road safety and the responsibilities of its public officials.
Despite Ravnsborg’s initial statements to the 911 operator, claiming he was unsure of what he hit, it was later revealed that he was distracted by his phone, having checked emails and accessed a political news article moments before the crash. This revelation came from the metadata of his phone, which was inspected by investigators.
South Dakota’s Governor, Kristi Noem, played a pivotal role in handling the aftermath, appointing a new Attorney General following Ravnsborg’s removal until the election in January 2023.
Ravnsborg pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor charges of operating a vehicle while using a cell phone and improper lane driving. The charge of careless driving was ultimately dismissed, but the repercussions for Ravnsborg were significant. In June 2022, the South Dakota Senate impeached him, notably stripping him of his title and barring him from ever holding public office in South Dakota again. This decision reflected a commitment to integrity and public safety in South Dakota’s governance.
The Disciplinary Board of the State Bar of South Dakota initially recommended a more severe penalty of a 26-month suspension for Ravnsborg’s law license, citing concerns over his honesty with investigators and a lack of public apology or accountability. Additionally, Ravnsborg’s frequent identification as “the attorney general” during minor traffic interactions raised concerns within the board about potential misuse of his office for personal advantage.
Ravnsborg eventually settled civilly with Joe Boever’s estate, though the terms remain confidential. This tragic incident has resonated with many South Dakotans, prompting discussions about road safety, the ethics of public officials, and the legal professions’ disciplinary processes.
Today, Ravnsborg resides in Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, marking a new chapter away from his legal controversies. However, the conversation around ethics and accountability continues to thrive in South Dakota. The state, revered for its iconic landscapes such as the Badlands and Mount Rushmore, remains at the forefront of ensuring transparency and responsibility in public service.
While the legal fate of Jason Ravnsborg might seem like a chapter closed, it’s a reminder of the enduring values that are central to South Dakotans—a community deeply invested in the ideals of truth and justice.
With this significant case in the rearview, South Dakota looks forward, emphasizing a future grounded in ethical governance and public responsibility, themes echoed in the very fabric of the state’s culture and judicial practices.