This bill amends several sections of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding orders prohibiting contact in cases involving crimes of violence, stalking, harassment, and sex offenses. Key changes include the introduction of provisions allowing a party or victim to request modifications or terminations of such orders, and clarifying that these orders will terminate upon dismissal, acquittal, or sentencing. Additionally, the bill mandates that law enforcement agencies must enter these orders into relevant databases, ensuring better tracking and enforcement. It also establishes that individuals who violate these orders will be guilty of a class A misdemeanor, and law enforcement officers are granted the authority to arrest individuals suspected of violating these orders without a warrant.

Furthermore, the bill revises the sentencing alternatives for individuals convicted of offenses, explicitly including "an order prohibiting contact" as one of the potential sentences. This addition emphasizes the importance of protecting victims and ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions. The bill also outlines the conditions under which treatment for addiction may be ordered, ensuring that time spent in treatment can be credited towards a sentence. Overall, these amendments aim to strengthen victim protections and improve the judicial response to violent and harmful behaviors.

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