North Dakota continued its traditional low rate of crime. Criminal filings were down 4.06% in 1999, following a 2.98% decrease in 1998, and a .8% decrease in 1997
Of the criminal cases filed in district court, 89% were misdemeanors and 11% were felonies.
As with civil cases, docket currency standards have been established for criminal cases. Standards call for these cases to be decided within 120 days of the filing of the information in the district court. The presiding judge of the district or chief justice of the Supreme Court can waive the standards for specific cases if good cause is demonstrated.