North Dakota Century Code Title 12.1. Criminal Code § 12.1-32-02.3. Mandatory sentences--Exceptions

1. In addition to any other provision of law, when sentencing an individual convicted of a violation in chapter 19-03.1 for which there is a mandatory minimum sentence, the court may depart from the applicable mandatory minimum sentence if the court, in giving due regard to the nature of the crime, history and character of the defendant, and the defendant's chances of successful rehabilitation, finds a compelling reason on the record that imposition of the mandatory minimum sentence would result in manifest injustice to the defendant and that the mandatory minimum sentence is not necessary for the protection of the public.

2. Subsection 1 does not apply if the individual is sentenced under section 12.1-32-02.1.

3. Upon departing from a mandatory minimum sentence, a judge shall report to the state court administrator who shall make available in electronic form and on the world wide web an annual report by July 1 of each year on the total number of departures from mandatory minimum sentences.