Opinions

Matter of Didier 2023 ND 218
Docket No.: 20230118
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Civil Commitment of Sexually Dangerous Individual
Author: Tufte, Jerod E.

Highlight: A district court must have sufficient factual findings to show a sexually dangerous individual continues to have an inability to control his behavior. Past conduct is relevant and may be considered with present conduct to determine whether an individual continues to have an inability to control his behavior. The district court’s findings, showing not just a lack of progress, but a lack of participation, are sufficient to show the individual continues to have an inability to control his behavior.

State v. Nelson 2023 ND 217
Docket No.: 20230038
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Theft
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: An issue will not be addressed on appeal when an appellant fails to raise it in the district court or brief it under the obvious error standard of review.

The standard for reviewing the sufficiency of evidence is the same for both a bench trial and a jury trial. A conviction will not be set aside if competent evidence allows the trier of fact to draw an inference reasonably tending to prove guilt and fairly warranting a conviction.

Olson Family Limited Partnership v. Velva Parks 2023 ND 216
Docket No.: 20230108
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Real Property
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A movant under N.D.R.Civ.P. 60(b) has the burden of establishing sufficient grounds for disturbing the finality of the judgment. A disregard of service of process does not constitute mistake, inadvertence, or excusable neglect. Bare assertions without credible facts or specific legal grounds do not give rise to an allegation of a meritorious defense.

Benter v. State 2023 ND 215
Docket No.: 20230202
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Order denying a post-conviction relief application is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (7).

Bravera Bank v. Craft, et al. 2023 ND 214
Docket No.: 20230095
Filing Date: 11/24/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Foreclosure
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: When a district court’s order granting summary judgment is entered on a fully submitted motion without any request for oral argument, and the order fully resolves the pending claims, it may not be necessary for the court to specifically address the remaining motions.

A district court does not err in cancelling a hearing set by the court if its notice was issued after the time for the parties to request a hearing has expired and neither party made a request.

A party opposing summary judgment must explain the connection between the factual assertions and the legal theories in the case. It cannot leave the district court the chore of determining if there are nonbriefed issues material to the claim for relief.

State v. Sparkman 2023 ND 212
Docket No.: 20230134
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: Per Curiam

McGinnis v. State 2023 ND 211
Docket No.: 20230119
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: A district court’s order denying postconviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

State v. Anderson 2023 ND 210
Docket No.: 20230145
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Jensen, Jon J.

Highlight: When the intent element of terrorizing is met based on reckless disregard of the risk, awareness of the risk is not required if the absence is due to self-induced intoxication.

Preventing arrest under N.D.C.C. § 12.1-08-02 includes not only preventing the arrest but also effecting such an arrest. Preventing law enforcement actions such as being placed in handcuffs or being secured for transport could be the basis for a preventing arrest charge.

State v. Morales 2023 ND 209
Docket No.: 20230080
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Homicide
Author: Crothers, Daniel John

Highlight: North Dakota Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(d) governs the withdrawal of a guilty plea. To withdraw a guilty plea after the court has accepted the plea but before sentencing, a defendant must show a fair and just reason for the withdrawal.

State v. Yalartai 2023 ND 208
Docket No.: 20230065
Filing Date: 11/9/2023
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Sexual Offense
Author: McEvers, Lisa K. Fair

Highlight: A defendant moving to withdraw his guilty plea before sentencing bears the burden of establishing a fair and just reason exists.

Among the factors that a district court may consider in determining whether a fair and just reason exists to withdraw a guilty plea before sentencing are: (1) the amount of time that has passed between the entry of the plea and the motion to withdraw; (2) defendant’s assertion of innocence or a legally cognizable defense to the charge; (3) prejudice to the government; (4) whether the plea was knowing and voluntary; (5) whether the plea was made in compliance with Rule 11, N.D.R.Crim.P.; (6) whether adequate assistance of counsel was available to the defendant; (7) the plausibility of the reason for seeking to withdraw; (8) whether a plea withdrawal would waste judicial resources; and (9) whether the parties had reached or breached a plea agreement.

A defendant who voluntarily pleads guilty waives the right to challenge nonjurisdictional defects, including alleged violations of constitutional rights that occur before the guilty plea.