What is the penalty in South Dakota for using a false academic degree?

In South Dakota, no person can knowingly use a false academic degree or falsely claim to have a valid academic degree for the following purposes:

(1) To obtain employment;

(2) To obtain a promotion or higher compensation in employment;

(3) To obtain admission to postsecondary education; or

(4) In connection with any business, trade, profession, or occupation.

A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor and provides cause for the revocation of any license obtained in connection with the false degree.

About Swier School Law Counsel™

Swier School Law Counsel™ is a boutique education law department within Swier Law Firm.

We recognize the needs of South Dakota's school officials to obtain first-rate legal advice on a broad range of issues. Our attorneys provide creative, timely, and cost-efficient legal strategies that balance the needs of students, parents, employees, and citizens with the interests of keeping a school district on solid legal footing.

Swier School Law Counsel™ and its attorneys author The South Dakota School Law Deskbook™ and South Dakota School Law Notes™. The Group's attorneys also have years of experience teaching the popular "Education and the Law" class at the University of South Dakota School of Law.

Swier Law Firm has served as legal counsel for school districts throughout the state and for the School Administrators of South Dakota and its membership. SASD is an educational association comprised of over 800 school administrators (Superintendents, Business Managers, Principals, Special Education Directors, and Curriculum Directors) throughout South Dakota.