The State Bar of South Dakota Disciplinary Board and lawyers for Jason Ravnsborg, the former South Dakota Attorney General who was involved in a fatal 2020 car crash that killed a pedestrian, have made formal recommendations ahead of oral arguments expected before the state’s Supreme Court next week.
Ravnsborg will be appearing before the court to take on the board at 9 a.m. Feb. 14 at the state Capitol.
The crux of two court documents obtained by the Argus Leader indicate retired judge Bradley Zell has recommended the former attorney general should not lose his ability to practice, a conclusion at odds with the disciplinary board’s view that a 26-month suspension is appropriate.
Instead, Zell, who was appointed by the judicial tribunal in June to furnish a decision on the matter, concluded the court should issue a public reprimand without suspension, the documents read.
The complaint against Ravnsborg, which was filed by Alexis Tracy, the former State’s Attorney for Clay County, is centered on the state’s Rules of Professional Conduct statute, particularly about whether Ravnsborg’s actions fall under various misconduct rules.