This section provides for the designation of a crime as domestic
violence or family violence, which gives notice that the NHBP may
seek additional conditions at sentencing.
A. Any crime as defined by Title VIII, Chapter 6, or within this chapter
is considered domestic violence if committed against a current or
former intimate partner, current or former spouse, an individual with
whom the victim has a child in common, or an individual with whom
the victim has or has had a dating relationship or family violence
if against a family or household member, and is subject to the provisions
of this chapter. Domestic violence or family violence is a Class A
misdemeanor.
B. Aggravated domestic violence.
(1) A crime will be designated as aggravated domestic violence, which
also involves one or more of the following elements:
(a)
A dangerous weapon was used during the commission of the domestic
violence;
(b)
Strangulation of the victim occurred during the domestic violence;
(c)
The domestic violence caused an injury which required medical
treatment; or
(d)
The victim suffered a traumatic brain injury.
(2) Aggravated domestic violence is a felony.
C. The designation of domestic violence or family violence should not
be removed as part of a plea bargain.
[Added 4-21-2016 by Res.
No. 04-21-16-04]
Any person with two or more convictions for crimes of domestic
violence or family violence shall be deemed a habitual domestic violence
or family violence offender, and any subsequent violation shall be
a felony, except where inconsistent with federal laws.
Any person who prevents or attempts to prevent a victim or witness
of domestic violence or family violence from calling 911, the NHBP
Tribal Police, or other law enforcement agency, or from obtaining
medical assistance or making a report to any Tribal, state or federal
law enforcement official, has committed the crime of interfering with
the reporting of domestic violence or family violence. Interfering
with the reporting of domestic violence or family violence is a felony.
Any person who prevents or attempts to prevent a witness from
testifying in a Court proceeding, or otherwise impedes the prosecution
of a case involving domestic violence or family violence, has committed
the crime of interfering with the prosecution of domestic violence
or family violence. Interfering with the prosecution of domestic violence
or family violence is a felony.
If requested by the victim, and if the presence of the advocate
does not cause any unnecessary delay in the investigation or prosecution
of the case, an advocate of the victim's choosing shall be present
at any interview with the victim and at any judicial proceeding related
to criminal acts committed against the victim.
Notwithstanding other provisions of the Domestic Violence Code,
a victim of a crime under this chapter shall have the following rights:
A. The right to be reasonably protected from the accused;
B. The right to reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any public
Court proceeding, or any probation proceeding, involving the crime
or of any release or escape of the accused;
C. The right not to be excluded from any such public Court proceeding,
unless the Court, after receiving clear and convincing evidence, determines
that testimony by the victim would be materially altered if the victim
heard other testimony at that proceeding;
D. The right to be reasonably heard at any public proceeding in Court
involving release, plea, sentencing, or any parole proceeding;
E. The reasonable right to confer with the Prosecutor in the case;
F. The right to full and timely restitution as provided in law;
G. The right to proceedings free from unreasonable delay;
H. The right to be treated with fairness and with respect for the victim's
dignity and privacy;
I. The victim has the right to provide a victim impact statement. A
victim impact statement is a written or oral statement given to the
sentencing judge by the victim. Such statements may include the impact
of the crime on the victim, and how the crime affected the victim
psychologically, financially, and physically. The Prosecutor may assist
the victim to provide this statement, or the victim's advocate
may also assist. The Court shall make all reasonable efforts to accommodate
the participation of the victim at the sentencing hearing, being mindful
of the unique emotional and psychological barriers victims may experience
when facing a perpetrator in Court.
Any written or verbal threat or any assault upon a person acting
in an official or professional capacity in the protection of victims
of domestic violence or family violence, sexual assault, stalking
or dating violence shall be considered to be an assault of the most
serious nature and a felony.
Upon violation of a judgment and sentencing order, the Court
may modify, reduce, or enlarge the conditions of probation at any
time prior to the expiration or termination of the term of probation
and the provisions applicable to the initial setting of the conditions
of probation. However, the Court may not set aside or modify the requirement
to complete domestic violence perpetrator's treatment without
notice to the Prosecutor and a hearing.
The Court shall direct the probation officer to provide the
defendant with a sufficiently clear and specific written statement
that sets forth all of the conditions to which the sentence is subject,
which is to serve as a guide for the defendant's conduct and
for such supervision as is required. This statement shall be signed
and dated by the defendant when received.