North Dakota Century Code Title 4.1. Agriculture § 4.1-72-04.1. Uniform complaint and summons--Promise to appear--Penalty

1. There is established a uniform complaint and summons that may be used by licensed peace officers under section 4.1-72-04 in cases involving violations of this title or other violations of state law. Whenever the complaint and summons established by this section is used, the provisions of the North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure apply. The uniform complaint and summons must comply with the North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure.

2. The time of court appearance to be specified in the summons must be at least five days after the issuance of the summons unless the defendant demands an earlier hearing.

3. Upon receipt from the defendant of a written promise to appear at the time and place specified in the summons, the defendant must be released from custody. After signing a promise to appear, the defendant must be given a copy of the uniform complaint and summons. Any individual refusing to give a written promise to appear may be arrested if proper cause exists, or proceeded against by complaint and warrant of arrest as provided in the North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure.

4. If an individual fails to appear in court after promising to do so, the court may issue an arrest warrant.