The bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding orders prohibiting contact in cases involving violent crimes, stalking, harassment, and sex offenses. It introduces new provisions that allow the court to issue such orders not only at the time of arraignment but also upon arrest or during sentencing. The bill specifies that individuals subject to these orders may request modifications or terminations, and it establishes that these orders will automatically terminate upon dismissal, acquittal, or completion of sentencing. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must enter these orders into relevant databases to ensure compliance and tracking.

Furthermore, the bill revises the sentencing alternatives available for individuals convicted of offenses, explicitly including "an order prohibiting contact" as one of the options. It also clarifies the conditions under which sentences may be imposed, ensuring that they do not exceed the maximum durations specified in existing laws. The amendments aim to streamline the process of issuing and enforcing contact prohibitions while providing courts with more flexibility in managing cases involving victims of violence and ensuring their protection throughout the legal process.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 12.1-31.2-02, 12.1-32-02, 39-08-01
Adopted by the House Judiciary Committee: 12.1-31.2-02, 12.1-32-02, 39-08-01
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 12.1-31.2-02, 12.1-32-02, 39-08-01
Enrollment: 12.1-31.2-02, 12.1-32-02, 39-08-01