ND HB1123

State residents arrested for misdemeanor offenses must be released on their own recognizance without posting bail, unless the magistrate has reasonable grounds to believe they will disregard their promise to appear or face pending unrelated criminal charges.

Magistrates may designate conditions for release when issuing arrest warrants and shall consider release options at the time of warrant issuance.

For misdemeanor or infraction charges involving residents, magistrates must issue a summons to appear rather than an arrest warrant, except for offenses specifically designated by law.

Summons documents must include a conspicuous notice warning that failure to appear will result in arrest and detention unless the magistrate orders otherwise.

Magistrates and municipal judges may appoint a designee to arrange, receive, and forward bail to the court in traffic violation cases.