Disciplinary board, Supreme Court referee at odds over suspension for Jason Ravnsborg
The State Bar of South Dakota Disciplinary Board and lawyers representing former South Dakota Attorney General, Jason Ravnsborg, have presented their recommendations ahead of the oral arguments scheduled before the state’s Supreme Court next week. The dispute stems from Ravnsborg’s involvement in a fatal car crash in 2020 that claimed the life of a pedestrian.
The two court documents, obtained by the Argus Leader, reveal a disagreement between retired judge Bradley Zell and the disciplinary board regarding the appropriate punishment for Ravnsborg. Zell, who was appointed by the judicial tribunal, has recommended a public reprimand without any suspension for the former attorney general. This recommendation contradicts the disciplinary board’s view that a 26-month suspension is warranted.
The complaint against Ravnsborg, filed by Alexis Tracy, the former State’s Attorney for Clay County, is focused on the state’s Rules of Professional Conduct statute. It questions whether Ravnsborg’s actions constitute various forms of misconduct. Judge Zell reviewed four misconduct rules and determined that Ravnsborg only violated one, which involved implying an ability to improperly influence a government agency or official.
However, the disciplinary board maintains that a 26-month suspension of Ravnsborg’s law license is appropriate. If the Supreme Court agrees with the board, the suspension would be retroactively prorated to June 21, 2022, the day Ravnsborg was removed from office by the state Senate.
The recently revealed documents shed light on various aspects of the case, including Judge Zell’s findings, conclusions, and recommendation, as well as the original date of the complaint filing which occurred on September 6, 2022, less than two months after Ravnsborg’s impeachment.
In response to Judge Zell’s conclusion, the disciplinary board firmly disagrees for multiple reasons. Their argument is detailed in the following document: [insert link]
Ravnsborg’s impeachment, the first in South Dakota’s history, unfolded in the state Senate. It was based on two articles, one for causing death through criminal activities and the other for malfeasance in office. The impeachment decision followed Ravnsborg’s involvement in a fatal car crash on September 12, 2020, resulting in the death of Joseph Boever, a 55-year-old pedestrian.
In August 2021, Judge John Brown found Ravnsborg guilty of two class-2 misdemeanors. Ravnsborg, as part of a plea deal, pleaded no contest to driving outside his lane and driving while using an electronic device. The state dropped a third charge of careless driving.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the oral arguments on February 14, 2023, the fate of Jason Ravnsborg’s legal career hangs in the balance. The court’s decision will determine if he faces a suspension or if a public reprimand will be issued. The outcome of this high-profile case will undoubtedly have implications for South Dakota’s legal community and the public at large.
