North Dakota Charges for Crimes by Felony Class

A felony in North Dakota is a criminal offense for which a sentence of imprisonment of a year or more can be imposed.  The State of North Dakota utilizes a classification system for its felony offenses based upon letters.

Felony Sentencing and Convictions in North Dakota

North Dakota classifies its felony offenses by Class AA through C, with Class AA representing the most serious of felonious crimes.  The following provides an overview of the classifications with examples of offenses in each class and the sentence for the classifications.

North Dakota Records and Expungement

According to North Dakota Law, only certain individuals qualify for an expungement.  Based upon the law, one who was convicted of possessing one ounce or less of marijuana and has had no other convictions may apply for expungement of the conviction after two years.  In addition, North Dakota Criminal Statute 31-13-07 indicates that the following situations may result in expungement: one whose arrest led to the inclusion of a DNA profile which has not resulted in a felony charge within one year; or which has been resolved by a dismissal, acquittal, or a misdemeanor conviction; or has not resulted in a felony conviction; or the conviction on which the authority for including the DNA profile was based has been reversed or the case dismissed.

North Dakota Statute of Limitations

In North Dakota, there are time limitations on the filing of a criminal prosecution against an individual for the commission of a felony offense.  These limitations include the following:

• No limitation: murder
  
• 3 years: all others
  

Note that for the sexual abuse of children, the statute of limitations is seven years, or within three years o the reporting of the offense; however, if the victim was under age fifteen years old, the statute of limitations begins when the victim becomes fifteen years of age. View all Criminal Statute of Limitations in North Dakota

Getting Help from a Lawyer for a Felony in North Dakota

A criminal felony is a serious legal matter; therefore, if one is charged with a felony crime in the State of North Dakota, one should retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.  An experienced criminal law attorney can not only assist one in preserving one’s legal rights, but also an attorney can help navigate one through the process.