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Non-Criminal Procedures
Non-Criminal Offense
A noncriminal offense is classified by city ordinance and carries only a monetary penalty. Noncriminal offenses include speeding and many other traffic-related offenses. See the bond schedule for a detailed list of noncriminal offenses and their penalties. The Municipal Court has no authority regarding drivers' licenses or points that may be assessed by the North Dakota Drivers Licenses Division.
When receiving a parking ticket, you must do one of the following within 30 days:
- Pay the ticket at Bismarck Municipal Court 514 E. Thayer Ave. Bismarck, ND 58501 or visit Bismarck parking payment portal. Traffic tickets cannot be paid through the parking payment portal.
- Write a letter of explanation, include your name and address with your letter.
Failure to take action is an infraction under city ordinance and is treated procedurally as a criminal offense, punishable by a fine up to $1,000. A defendant will be sent a summons and complaint.
If you have received a traffic citation you must do one of the following:
- You may pay your citation (ticket)within 14 days from the date the citation is issued.
- You may request an extension to pay the fine or to make a statement concerning the violation. You must appear in court on the date and at the time stated on the citation or appear in court on a Monday or Wednesday at 8 am or 9 am within the 14 days of the date the citation is issued.
- If you wish to deny the citation you need to:
- Appear in court on the date listed on your citation.
- Appear on a Monday or Wednesday at 8 am or 9 am within 14 days of the citation.
- Sign and date the citation and pay the required bond on the citation. The bond amount for a noncriminal offense must be paid in full by check, cash or money order.
Failure to follow the above procedures regarding your citation may result in the suspension of your driver's license by the North Dakota Driver License and Traffic Safety Division or by the licensing authority in the state where you are licensed.
The City of Bismarck is the plaintiff, persons named in the citation or complaint are the defendant. The City and defendant may subpoena witnesses to testify and present evidence.
When the defendant is found not guilty, the bond is returned. The individual who posted the bond must bring the receipt issued at the time bond was paid to have the bond returned to them.
In cases where the court finds the defendant guilty, the bond is applied to fine, fees, costs, and restitution. There are no additional costs in a non-criminal case.
To appeal a guilty verdict in a non-criminal case, a notice of appeal must be filed in writing with the Municipal Court within 30 days. Clerk of Court will transmit your court file to the Clerk of District Court who will notify the defendant of future court appearances.
- Your conviction is reported to the state licensing authority when an appeal is filed.
When you are issued a citation for a noncriminal offense, you will be asked to sign the citation.
- Your signature is an acknowledgment you received the citation and consent to either appear in court or post bond (pay the ticket) as required.
- Your signature is NOT an admission of guilt.
Your citation will include a bond, the bond schedule may be viewed here Version OptionsNon-Criminal ProceduresHeadline.
- Your citation MUST be paid within 14 calendar days or
- You must appear in court on the date indicated on the citation.