---
title: "Jeffrey Lynn Viken | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/jeffrey-lynn-viken-3321"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Jeffrey Lynn Viken

U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota · Judge

## Profile

- Court: U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota
- State: South Dakota
- Role: Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-10-02

## Biography

### Professional career

- U.S. District Judge, District of South Dakota, 2009-2023
- Retired American federal judge who served on the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota from 2009 until his retirement in 2023
- 2013–2019: Chief Judge of the District of South Dakota
- 1981–2003: Partner in Rapid City, SD law firms, including Finch, Viken & Viken and Viken, Viken, Pechota, Leach & Dewell, LLP
- Assistant U.S. attorney, District of South Dakota, 1977-1981; acting U.S. attorney, 1981
- Viken is recognized for his long service in both the prosecution and defense roles, his leadership as Chief Judge, and his role in shaping the judicial process in South Dakota

### Education

- University of South Dakota School of Law (now the Knudson School of Law) in — J.D. (1977)
- University of South Dakota in — B.A. (1974)

### Additional information

- Assumed senior status, 2021-10-01; retired, 2023-10-01
- 30, 2009: Commissioned as Judge
- Federal public defender, Districts of North Dakota and South Dakota, 2003-2009
- Private practice, Rapid City, South Dakota, 1981-2003
- Born August 8, 1952, in Huron, South Dakota.
- Date of birth: 1952-01-01
- He was admitted to the South Dakota bar under the diploma privilege and did not take the bar exam
- Birth place: Huron, SD

## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/viken-jeffrey-lynn)
- [Official roster](https://www.fjc.gov/history/judges/viken-jeffrey-lynn)
- [U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/3321/jeffrey-lynn-viken/)

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