Jason Ravnsborg, the former attorney general of South Dakota, continues to face scrutiny over his law license as Iowa considers suspending it for six months following disciplinary actions in South Dakota related to his involvement in a 2020 traffic fatality.
Ravnsborg, who was impeached and removed from office in 2022, argues that the suspension in Iowa would be excessive, citing his military service and alleging political interference by South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem during the investigation.
The incident in question occurred in September 2020 when Ravnsborg struck and killed pedestrian Joe Boever while driving home from a political event. Ravnsborg initially claimed he was unaware he had hit a person, only discovering Boever’s body the following day.
Investigators later determined that Ravnsborg had been driving outside his lane and using his phone shortly before the collision.
He pleaded guilty to two misdemeanors and reached a civil settlement with Boever’s family but faced criticism for his lack of apology or acknowledgment of responsibility.
The South Dakota Supreme Court suspended Ravnsborg’s law license for six months, citing dishonesty and prioritization of personal and political interests over public duty.
Ravnsborg is contesting similar disciplinary action in Iowa, asserting that he should receive no more than a private reprimand to move forward after years of legal and professional challenges. A hearing before the Iowa Supreme Court is scheduled for January 2025.