North Dakota

The state of North Dakota funds and administers indigent defense services in adult criminal trials for most court levels. Local governments are responsible for other court levels. A state commission is responsible for providing oversight of state-administered services only.

The state of North Dakota funds and administers almost all indigent defense services for adult criminal cases in its appellate courts. Local governments are responsible for a small portion of cases. A state commission provides oversight of state-administered services only.

  • 53 Counties Primarily State Funded

  • 53 Counties Shared State and Locally Administered

  • 53 Counties with a Commission With Limited Authority

  • 53 Counties Primarily State Funded

  • 53 Counties Primarily State Administered

  • 53 Counties with a Commission With Limited Authority

The state-funded North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents (CLCI) administers all indigent defense services, except for violations of county ordinances and municipal matters heard in municipal court or transferred to district court. CLCI provides services through public defender offices and monthly contracts with private attorneys. Counties and municipalities may request that CLCI provide services in cases for which they are responsible, but the localities must still pay for the services received. CLCI also provides appellate representation.

CLCI is responsible for overseeing state-administered indigent defense services. Diverse authorities appoint the commission’s seven members, who in turn appoint a director. The CLCI director is responsible for setting standards, among other duties. The state has no oversight of locally administered services unless a locality has chosen to contract with the state for services.

The state-funded North Dakota Commission on Legal Counsel for Indigents (CLCI) administers almost all appellate representation across the state. Appeals from local ordinance violations, which make it to the state’s appellate courts, are the responsibility of the local government in which they arise. CLCI provides services through contracts with private firms. Local governments may request that CLCI provide services in cases for which they are responsible, but the localities must still pay for the services received.

CLCI is responsible for overseeing state-administered appellate services. Diverse authorities appoint the commission’s seven members, who in turn appoint a director. The CLCI director is responsible for setting standards, among other duties. The state has no oversight of local indigent defense unless a locality has chosen to contract with the state for services.

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