21-35-11. Offer to deposit compensation with clerk--Evidence of offer not admissible--Costs avoided.When the remedy is exercised under the provisions of this chapter, the plaintiff may at the time of service of the summons on any defendant serve upon him an offer in writing to the effect that the plaintiff will deposit with the clerk of the court in which the action is pending a sum of money specified, with costs, to be paid to defendant or other parties entitled thereto as compensation for all of the property taken or damaged. If the defendant fails to accept the offer by filing notice of acceptance with the clerk of the court within ten days after service of the offer upon him, it is deemed to be withdrawn, and cannot be given in evidence; and if the defendant fails to obtain a judgment for a greater sum of money than offered by the plaintiff, he cannot recover costs, and each party shall pay his own costs. Source: SL 1937, ch 125; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, §37.4002.
South Dakota Legal Code