This bill proposes significant amendments to the North Dakota Century Code, focusing on the costs associated with defendants' prosecution, presentence investigations, and indigent defense. Key changes include the deletion of the requirement for defendants to pay reasonable prosecution costs and the introduction of a $50 fee for presentence investigations. The bill also establishes new conditions for probation, such as community service and restrictions on internet use, while clarifying the court's authority to order restitution to victims and the process for challenging such claims. Additionally, it repeals existing sections related to the repayment of rewards from crimestoppers programs and fees for crime victim and witness programs, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on defendants while ensuring accountability for restitution.

Further amendments streamline the judicial process by allowing restitution ordered by the court to be docketed like civil judgments and specifying costs related to checks issued without sufficient funds. The bill also removes provisions regarding the reimbursement of indigent defense costs as a condition of probation and introduces a waiver for unpaid fines and fees for defendants who complete an approved drug court program, ensuring that restitution remains unaffected. Moreover, it mandates the collection of costs for presentence investigations while considering defendants' financial situations and establishes procedures for the seizure and forfeiture of firearms or dangerous weapons upon conviction. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance support for indigent defendants while maintaining the integrity of the justice system.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-32-02, 12.1-32-07, 12.1-32-08, 29-07-01.1, 29-26-22, 39-08-01, 54-12-14, 54-23.3-04, 62.1-05-01