Opinions

Hilgers v. Hilgers 2002 ND 173
Docket No.: 20010208
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Child Support
Author: Kapsner, Carol

Highlight: A decision to appoint a guardian ad litem for a child is within the trial court's discretion, and its determination will not be overturned absent an abuse of discretion.
The trial court errs by not deciding the issue of visitation when both parties present requests for modification that are different from the existing visitation provisions.
The standard of review for the effective date of a child support modification is abuse of discretion. The burden is on the obligor to present sufficient documentation of income to justify a modification.
A party seeking custody modification is entitled to an evidentiary hearing if the party provides sufficient evidence that a material change in circumstances has occurred since the prior order and modification is necessary to serve the best interests of the child.

State v. Fontaine 2002 ND 172
Docket No.: 20020135
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Assault
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Conviction for simple assault of a correctional officer is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(3).

State v. Leher 2002 ND 171
Docket No.: 20020085
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - Misc. Misdemeanor
Author: VandeWalle, Gerald

Highlight: A police officer approaching a stopped vehicle and inquiring in a conversational manner whether the occupant is okay or needs assistance is not a Fourth Amendment seizure. An officer directing a citizen to exit a parked vehicle, or otherwise ordering a citizen to do something may be a Fourth Amendment seizure.

State v. Fitterer 2002 ND 170
Docket No.: 20020076
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: Moving papers for a motion to suppress evidence require neither exceptional particularity nor supporting affidavits or other evidence, but must provide adequate notice to the trial court and the prosecution of the issues being raised.
At a motion to suppress hearing, the initial burden is the defendant's to show a prima facie case.

State v. Rohde (consolidated w/20020030-20020033) 2002 ND 169
Docket No.: 20020029
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Criminal - DUI/DUS/APC
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Appeal from a conviction for driving under suspension or revocation, driving without liability insurance, and driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(1).

Hemmesch v. Bonebrake 2002 ND 168
Docket No.: 20020119
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Divorce - Property
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Property division, temporary spousal support award, and refusal to award attorney fees is summarily affirmed, as modified, under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2) and (4).

Johnson v. ND Dept. of Transportation 2002 ND 167
Docket No.: 20020141
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Administrative - Department of Transportation
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: License suspension is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(5).

Whiteman v. State 2002 ND 166
Docket No.: 20020163
Filing Date: 11/5/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Civil - Post-Conviction Relief
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Trial court judgment dismissing a petition for post-conviction relief is summarily affirmed under N.D.R.App.P. 35.1(a)(2).

Judicial Conduct Commission v. Berg 2002 ND 165
Docket No.: 20020302
Filing Date: 11/4/2002
Case Type: Discipline - Judge - Original Proceeding
Author: Per Curiam

Highlight: Former municipal judge censured and prohibited from serving in the future as a municipal judge.

Interest of K.S. and A.S. (CONFIDENTIAL) 2002 ND 164
Docket No.: 20010315
Filing Date: 10/15/2002
Case Type: Appeal - Juvenile - Termination of Parental Rights
Author: Neumann, William

Highlight: To terminate parental rights under N.D.C.C. 27-20-44(1)(b)(1), the juvenile court must find clear and convincing evidence that: (1) the child is a deprived child; (2) the conditions and causes of the deprivation are likely to continue; and (3) the child is suffering, or will probably suffer, serious physical, mental, moral, or emotional harm.