The South Dakota Supreme Court has issued a ruling ordering a six-month suspension of the law license of former state Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg. This decision comes in light of actions taken by Ravnsborg following a fatal accident involving a pedestrian that ultimately led to his political downfall.
The Supreme Court ruling, issued on Wednesday, cited violations of the 'Rules of Professional Conduct' by Ravnsborg. The court expressed concerns about Ravnsborg's dishonesty regarding his phone usage and highlighted forensic evidence that raised doubts about the integrity of his statements related to the accident.
Ravnsborg, a Republican who was elected in 2018, was impeached and removed from office less than two years after the 2020 accident that resulted in the death of 55-year-old Joe Boever, who was struck while walking along a rural highway.
During a hearing before the South Dakota Supreme Court in February, Ravnsborg expressed remorse and apologized to the Boever family. However, the disciplinary board of the South Dakota State Bar sought a 26-month suspension of his law license, which Ravnsborg may appeal.
Ravnsborg had resolved the criminal case in 2021 by pleading no contest to traffic misdemeanors and was fined by a judge. He also reached a settlement with Boever's widow the same year.
Prosecutors at the 2022 impeachment hearing alleged that Ravnsborg had used his position as attorney general to influence the handling of the case following the accident. His attorney defended his actions, stating that Ravnsborg was merely responding to inquiries made by law enforcement.
The suspension of Ravnsborg's law license reflects the court's concerns about his conduct and its impact on the legal profession and the administration of justice.
