2018 Law Graduate Tyler Larsen Recognized as South Dakota Narcotics Officers Association Prosecutor of the Year
Originally from Yankton, South Dakota, Larsen prosecutes felony cases in Yankton County. As deputy state’s attorney, he is responsible for a wide variety of duties including grand jury cases, cooperating with the Human Services Center in mental illness hearings and advising other county offices.
In law school, Larsen participated in Trial Team and credits his skills to the foundational knowledge gained in class and the practical learning opportunities gained during competitions. “Participating in Trial Team and competing in San Francisco was truly an experience that I will not forget,” he said.
Following his graduation from law school in 2018, Larsen worked in private practice under a mentor for one year. “Working in private practice opened my mind and allowed me to experience criminal law on the defense side,” she said. “This was beneficial as it has allowed me to have the experience working both sides and understanding the process on the defense and prosecution.
After one year in private practice, he joined the Yankton County State’s Attorney’s Office as deputy state’s attorney. In January of 2025, he will be sworn in as Yankton County state’s attorney.
During his time at the Yankton County State’s Attorney’s Office, Larsen wanted to provide learning opportunities for USD law students, and since 2021, has helped place five students for internships and externships.
“When I started at the State’s Attorney’s Office, I pushed for the opportunity to host an intern,” he said. “As a law student, I experienced the lack of available internships in the Yankton area in general, specifically in the criminal law field. I wanted to be able to provide that opportunity to current USD students.”
We asked Larsen about the award, what he’s most proud of in his work and more, and this is what he had to say.
What does it mean to you to win this award?
Winning the South Dakota Narcotics Officers Association Prosecutor of the Year is a huge honor. It was humbling and rewarding winning the award. It means a lot because the award comes from the nomination and endorsement of the law enforcement officers I work with on a daily basis. It was humbling because it showed that my work is not going unnoticed and is appreciated. It has also shown me that the decisions I make are having an impact on the community. However, this award was not possible without those officers. They are just as hard-working and dedicated as I am and that makes my job just as rewarding.
What are you most proud of in your work?
I am most proud of the impact I believe I am having in the Yankton community. I feel that holding people responsible for their crimes is an asset to the community as a whole.
What motivated you to pursue a career in prosecution?
I have always had an interest in criminal law. I was approached by the state's attorney when he had an opening back in 2020 and was offered a job. It was what I was looking for at the time and was an area of the law that interested me.
What advice would you give current students interested in pursuing a career as a prosecutor?
The advice I would give to current law students who are considering a career as a prosecutor is to be as involved in and take as many classes as possible that involve criminal law and trial work. I took trial techniques with Professor Thomas Horton and the skills that he taught me I still use each and every day. I would also recommend interning or volunteering at a local prosecutor’s office. The amount of learning from just being around the environment will allow you to expand your knowledge and understanding of the criminal justice system.
Why South Dakota? What makes here so special?
South Dakota is home. I was born and raised in South Dakota. I have family from here and it was just fitting that I return to Yankton.
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