UPDATE: What I have been saying, improperly charged;
Attorney General Jason Ravnsborg should’ve been charged with manslaughter instead of misdemeanors  for his role in a vehicle crash that killed someone, according to South Dakota’s top public official.
Department of Public Safety Secretary Craig Price in a letter sent to leadership in the South Dakota House of Representatives said the first-term attorney general should not have avoided more serious charges after he struck and killed a Hyde County man last year.
“In my opinion as a 24-year law enforcement officer, and in the opinion of the highly trained highway patrol officers involved in this investigation, Mr. Ravnsborg should have been charged with 2nd Degree Manslaughter,” Price said in the letter sent along with investigation materials compiled in the aftermath of the Sept. 12, 2020 crash.
I actually believe the prosecutors should also resign for the gross mismanagement of this trial and the plea deal. Mr. Driving Down the Hill with my Recyclables should be in jail.
This is interesting, FF 8:40.
I still think he was improperly charged. The investigators clearly proved he was likely looking at his phone when he went off the road and hit Boever. For his lawyer to argue that he didn’t get special treatment is hogwash. When you have a former law school classmate as the prosecutor, you have to scratch your head a bit. It is obvious he was distracted. It was obvious that distraction was a phone. He should have been charged differently, and I do think he got the Janklow treatment.
Ultimately though, his political career is toast and if he had any sense left he would resign and get TFO of South Dakota.
I am not advocating a second or third law school to be built and opened in this state, but both the Janklow and Ravnsborg cases – in my opinion – are the realities of a state with a jurisprudence system which for the most part is a system dictated by the reality of a one law school state, which most of its lawyers come from, resulting in good old boy networking, cliquishness, and behind closed door negotiations which naturally come from such a singular legal world, and then allows outcomes like the ones with the Janklow and Ravnsborg cases.
During the OJ criminal murder trial, many thought it was a circus at times, which prompted local media outlets at the time to interview local lawyers about the events of that trial and to compare them to what happens in South Dakota with a murder trial. A course, local attorneys would comment that the theatrics of the OJ criminal murder trial would never be allowed in South Dakota and that our legal system is better run by our judges than the one witnessed by many in our country in California at the time with OJ.
But why is that? Are we just better people? Do we understand justice better? Or is this, or was this, really an issue of market economy and how a larger state with multiple law schools might actually make for a fairer jurisprudence system where lawyers need to win in court in the open to win, where a more true give and take unfolds, what some might call a circus, however, and where lawyers cannot depend upon a singular cliquishness, and cannot rely more heavily – especially with high profile cases – behind closed door decisions? That the absence of a true legal market found within our state’s jurisprudence system with competing law schools, law students turned lawyers from different law schools, and judges from different legal cultures and cliques within a given state, thus, makes for decisions to be made like the ones in the Janklow and Ravnsborg cases, and that even further emboldens lawyers in our state with assured commentary that an OJ style court proceeding would never happen in good old South Dakota.
Now, it would be fun to blame all of this on the realities of a one party state, but I think it is the reality of a one law school state that is the real problem here. AND as Scott points out, maybe a prosecutor of a case shouldn’t be a classmate of the alleged defendant to begin with. That’s cliquishness found within cliquishness, if you ask me and truly symbolic of the real problem at hand here.
I hope everyone that reads this goes to Mike Zitterich’s personal FB page and read what he has to say about this. IF Mike ever had any credibility, he’s lost it. I know that’s a big if, but seriously, go read it.
mike z is one of the great legal minds of our time. just ask him.
So what did I say that got you all worked up that you had to visit my personal facebook page to attack me? Some nerve. I guess a person cant formulate their own opinions, theories, comments, beliefs anymore without being dragged thru the mud…Unlike Democrats – I do not wish hate on anyone, nor do I attack anyone. If you disagree, so be it, but this is a America and ‘we are all Americans who have the right to our beliefs, opinions, and thoughts. You DO NOT go around attacking people.
– Mike Zitterich
I got the chance to actually meet the Attorney General, Jason Ravnsborg today, I have to admit, he is a very quiet, laid back, caring individual. I have supported him from day one in this entire ordeal involving a traffic accident, and after meeting him, I am glad to support him even more. We got to admit accidents happen, things will never always not always go as planned, and that’s why they are called accidents. The Fact is, I am proud of the fact that I am a South Dakota Citizen, I am proud of the fact I live in a State where the Government is not overly intrusive on our rights, and I am proud of the fact we have an Attorney General that is 100% in support of defending the People of this Great State, we have how many Lawsuits against the Federal Government? I first thought of 15, after spending a few minutes with the Attorney General, I found out that we have 43. Most of them are ‘we the people’ forming coalitions with other States, with a few defending the people of South Dakota. Upon meeting Jason Ravnsborg today, I 100% feel he is very sincere about his job, he is a very likable and caring person, and I feel he is very devastated by what happened on that highway slightly over a year ago. Yes, the Media will never tell the truth, nor honestly report the facts of the matter, I have known this for more than a year now, things have gotten said that were flat out wrong, ignorant, and distasteful. The fact of the matter is, there were two victims that fateful night, but what I am proud of, is the fact that the Attorney General, the man I voted for in 2018, stayed true to himself, remained in full support of the People of South Dakota, and still did an awesome job of defending the State of South Dakota and the 885,000 people who reside within our borders. “WE” are a proud and caring State, we are a people who strongly believe in doing the right thing, and we are a people who strongly and bravely stand up in defense of our Sovereignty as a Free and Independent State, one of which has become a guiding light to the rest of the Country itself. Kristi Noem is wrong by wishing to instruct the Legislature to impeach the Attorney General, over such a common incident that happens nearly 2-3 times a month in fact. This entire issue has become political, but at the same time, we are going to move on, learn from this, and together we will make this State a much better place to live. You can say all the ugly words you want, I have had my fair share of criticisms on Social Media and in public as well, but we have to stand tall, stand above all the hate, all the arguing and bickering, we are better than this, and if I can say one thing I love about the People of South Dakota, is the fact they are a very lovable, enjoyable, and forgiving people. That is what makes this State head and shoulders above all other States. I voted for Jason Ravsborg in 2018, and I will do so again. Once in a lifetime, we get a true, and honest Political Figure who cares so much for the people, they are willing to go all in to defend them, even through the darkest times. Help Protect the Sovereignty of Our Great State – Thank You Jason Ravsnborg For All You have Done over the past few years as “our” Attorney General.
– Mike Zitterich
Not sure what media reports Mike has been reading, but I got my info from the investigators interview with Jason. They concluded he was distracted, nothing political about it. I do agree Noem should keep her nose out of it, but the facts are the facts, it was no accident, it was distracted driving that could have been prevented that killed Boever. As for all the benign lawsuits, that’s political, and our taxes shouldn’t be spent on foolishness.
If you didn’t want to read that whole thing, Mike thinks
Jason is a victim.
My comments are not bad, nor wrong. It is funny, I am more respectful to people regardless of what side of the fence we are one.
So, if I use Scott’s logic, any motor vehicle incident on the highways and roads where you show the driver was DISTRACTED is now “NOT” an accident.
That pretty much will “incriminate” every motor vehicle incident on the roadways today, this is your DEMOCRAT logic today.
Do not mind the fact that alot of things could cause DISTRACTION – the sun, the stars, kids, the radio, being tired, road map, talking on a phone, cracked windshield, a tree, a sign, the Moon, where do I stop?
What you fail to actually understand is the fact a ACCIDENT happens by chance, not expected.
So many of you on these blogs talk so much crap, behiind hidden names, at least I use “My” name, and I am not hiding nothing. You know where I stand, what I believe, and you know what I feel.
Where I am different than many of you, is I give people the benefit of doubt, I allow them to tell their side of the story, I let them be free to provide their opinion, as they interpret the law, let alone the facts, the story.
I have done my best to never attack no one on these blocks, social media, let alone others. Why – Cause we are ‘free’ and ‘independent’ and I rather be respectful.
Sure will we disagree? Yes. All the Time, but that does not give you the right to attack peoples beliefs.
The STATE has to protect all people, good and bad, and the STATE has to ensure that ALL OF US have the common right to Life, Liberty, and Property. IT has to defend both you and me, and Scott. And if that means the State has to bring forth lawsuits to defend those rights, so be it.
I seem to be one of the few “Conservative Participants” on this blog, and I am not hiding, if you got something to say, I will invite you to my office and we can sit down, discuss our differences, and share each others beliefs face to face. Real Men Settle their Differences at the Table, not behind Computer Screens.
My comments were professional, honest, and respectful, and to turn them into what they are not, is very distasteful. But then again, I have to think who I am discussing matters with should I…
This is why there is so much divide between Democrats and Republicans, cause some of you refuse to truly and honestly debate the facts, the matter, and respectively disagree where the other side cant convince the other.
I am lost for words by how much some of you can be so distasteful, and cruel to those who may disagree with you. I am dumbfounded.
Until then, if you like to discuss and share each others opinions face to face, you can find me @ the contact info below:
Mike Zitterich
ZITTERICH AUTO SALES
909 N. Lincoln Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 376-0527
“Real Men” Discuss Matters Face to Face.
Thank You,
“over such a common incident that happens nearly 2-3 times a month in fact”. I’m 49. I don’t recall an AG running over someone in the ditch once in my lifetime. Certainly not 2-3 times a month. Jason’s career is over. Mike, your online footprint has insured yours is dead before it gets a start. This, combined with all the racist things you’ve spewed that people have saved, your goose is cooked. I’d also like to add that I’m about as conservative as a guy can be. Not the Lib you think. I come to this page mostly for comic relief.
Says a guy who uses a “Fake Name”
I am farthest thing from a racist, and if calling someone out that threatened to attack Mt Rushmore is racist, I have no clue what one is anymore. The goal post must be changing more and more each day.
People who know me know I am respectful, I treat people as they treat me, and that I am honest. You want to make these up, let alone take things out of context, be my treat. But use your real name next time.
People who hide behind fake names, have something to hide themselves.
I have never hurt anyone, attacked anyone, nor slandered anyone, nor have I ever intentionally called them a bad name, insulted them, nor attacked them. If you want to attack me for calling out those who wish death onto America, nor who wish to tear down our Nations Monuments, Disrespect the Flag, Attack Our Symbols, then rest assured, in the living memory of my Great Great Grand Parents, Great Grand Parents, Grand Parents, and Parents, I will defend America, the same America that our ancestors all fought for that gives you the right to hide behind a ‘screen name’ and slander people, attack people, and demonize people.
This is my last post on this blog, I am done. I have never said one thing bad about anyone, and you all know it. Good Bye.
– Mike Zitterich
https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2021/08/31/sd-attorney-general-jason-ravnsborg-gets-speeding-ticket-his-7th-since-2014/
“If I was in trouble, I would want Mike to defend me”… “He’s always for the underbird”….
I think it’s important to remember that Jason is the victim here. So says Mike.
This space is not for defending or promoting oneself or others. Comments are an individual response to the subject matter. Often there’s a value added perspective. Lengthy individual unrelated substance is nothing more than unwelcome filibuster. It’s hard but one must abstain from individual battles. I suggest we agree with certain unnamed but obvious rules.
The attorney general is guilty whether it was an accident or he was distracted. The common man might get a suspended sentence and probation but their career would not be ruined. He’s disgraced publicly and professionally such that his punishment is harsh and permanent. Perhaps it’s appropriate. The victims family has civil recourse. His problems continue for more than a probation length with also a financial liability. Lawyers who get ruined this way become public defenders. We need a good lawyer when we can’t afford one.
Strom Thurmond, or as some once knew him, “‘Sperm’ Thurmond”, once filibustered with the help of a DC phonebook. Do you dare me?
VSG,
I advocate for at least one school of law in the state which can produce competant barristers.
Incompetant and insular – really a bad combination for the system of jurisprudence in South Dakota.
Presumptuous and a bit cheeky for Secretary Price to detail the charges warranted from the investigation.
But that is where you are at when working with attorneys the product of USD Law.
“I know what the law says, I just need you to put it on letterhead and represent before the courts in South Dakota.”
Maybe we should have at least two law schools in our state. The School of Competence, and then the other could be called the School of Partisan Interests and Judge Shopping.
( and Woodstock adds: “So let me get this right”…. “Jason got a speeding ticket just for picking up a light bulb and taking his recycling to a dumpster?”…. “I just can’t imagine being so chased in my life”…. )
“the other” one would be graced with the name of the lackey lieutenant of T. Denny’s choosing.