JURISDICTION

2-1-1 Jurisdiction - Generally

The Court shall have jurisdiction over all offenses enumerated in this Code, or in other enactments of the Council.

2-1-2 Extradition

(a) If a person is charged with a violation of the laws of any other tribe or reservation or the federal or a state government, the Court mayorder that he be delivered up to the proper authority, provided that a copy of a warrant, or proof of its existence, is presented to a judge of the Court, and that such appears to the Court to be in the best interest of justice.

(b) On receipt of a valid warrant, the judge may issue a court order directed to the Chief of Police, instructing him that the person named shall be apprehended and delivered over to the proper authority.

(c) When the person is apprehended, it shall be the duty of the Chief of Police to notify the proper authority of his apprehension, and he may be detained in the Tribal jail for a period not to exceed 24 hours from the time of apprehension. If the lawful authority requesting apprehension of the person, after first being notified, does not take possession of the person within 24 hours, the judge shall not honor the same warrant for the person but shall require a new warrant to be presented and shall require the requesting authority's representative to accompany the Tribal officer to apprehend the person on the warrant and take immediate custody over the person apprehended by the tribal officer.

CRIMINAL PROCEDURE, GENERALLY

2-1-30 Complaints

(a) "Initiation." Except as otherwise provided in this Code section, all criminal proceedings shall be initiated by a complaint.

(b) "Contents." The complaint shall be in writing and shall set forth:

(a) the name of the court;

(b) the title of the action and the name of the offense charged;

(c) the name of the person charged; and

(d) the offense charged, in the language of the statue, together with a statement as to the time, place, person, and property involved to enable the defendant to understand the character of the offense charged.

(c) "Certification." The complaint shall contain a form of certificate by the Tribal prosecutor, or his or her designee, that he or she certifies, under penalty of perjury, that he or she has reasonable grounds to believe, and does believe, the person committed the offense contrary to law. The certificate need not be made before a judge, but shall be notarized.

(d) "Approval of form." The complaint shall be on a form prescribed or approved by the Administrator of the Court.

(e) "Citizen complaints." The judge may consider a complaint made by any person on the basis of an affidavit sworn to before the judge or Notary Public where the judge is satisfied that probable cause exists, that the complaining witness is aware of the gravity of initiating a criminal complaint, the necessity of a court appearance for himself and witnesses, the possible liability for false arrest and consequences of perjury, such affidavit may be in substantially the form prescribed or approved by the Administrator of the Court.

(f) "Issuance of summons." If it appears from the complaint or from an affidavit filed that there is reasonable cause to believe that an offense has been committed and that the defendant has committed it, the judge may order service of the complaint upon the defendant either by criminal summons or by a warrant to apprehend pursuant to Colville Tribal Code section 2-1-32. The judge shall issue a summons instead of a warrant unless there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant will not appear in response to a summons, or that arrest is necessary to prevent serious bodily harm to the accused or another, or a person summoned fails to appear in response to the summons, or if service is unsuccessful, a warrant for his arrest may issue.

2-1-31 Limitation on Filing of Complaints

No complaint shall be filed charging the commission of an offense as defined by this Code unless the offense shall have been committed within the time period for that class of offense as follows:

Class A or those offenses listed in CTC 3-3-40(a).............Five (5) years

Class B or those offenses listed in CTC 3-3-40(b)............Three (3) years

Class C or those offenses listed in CTC 3-3-40(c).............One (1) year

2-1-32 Warrants to Apprehend

Every judge of the Court shall have the authority to issue warrants to apprehend, the warrants to issue upon a showing of probable cause only after a written complaint shall have been filed bearing the signature of the complaining witness. Service of warrants shall be made by an officer. No warrant to apprehend shall be valid unless it shall bear the signature of a judge of the Court.

2-1-33 Arrests

No police officer shall arrest any person for any offense defined by this Code or by federal law, except when the offense shall occur in the presence of the arresting officer or he shall have probable cause to believe that the person arrested has committed an offense, or he shall have a warrant commanding him to apprehend the person.

2-1-34 Hot Pursuit

Any police officer who observes any person inside the Reservation committing an offense defined by this Code or by federal law or who has probable cause to believe that the person has committed an offense, may pursue and capture the person or seize and impound the property in his possession if he attempts to flee the Reservation.

2-1-35 Search Warrants

Every judge of the Court shall have authority to issue warrants for search and seizure of the premises and property of any person under the jurisdiction of the Court. However, no warrant of search and seizure shall be issued except upon a presentation of a written or oral complaint based upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation and charging the commission of an offense against the Tribes. No warrant for search and seizure shall be valid unless it contains the name or description of the person or property to be searched and seized and bears the signature of a judge of competent jurisdiction. Service of warrants of search and seizure shall be made by an officer.

2-1-36 Search Without Warrant

An officer may search or seize property without a warrant in circumstances under which warrantless searches are permitted by federal criminal law.

CITATIONS

2-1-70 Citation in Lieu of Detention

Whenever a person is arrested for a violation of this Code, the arresting officer, or any other officer, may serve upon the arrested person a citation and notice to appear in Court, in lieu of keeping the person in custody or requiring bail or bond. In determining whether to issue a citation and notice to appear, the officer may consider the following factors:

(a) whether the person has identified himself satisfactorily;

(b) whether detention appears reasonably necessary to prevent imminent bodily harm to himself or to another, injury to property, or breach of the peace;

(c) whether the person has ties to the Tribes or is a local resident, so as to provide reasonable assurance of his appearance before the Court, or whether there is substantial likelihood that he will refuse to respond to the citation; and

(d) whether the person previously has failed to appear in response to a citation issued pursuant to this section or to other lawful process of the Court.

2-1-71 Citation: Contents

(a) The citation written to the offender by the officer shall include the name of the person, his address, the date of birth and sex, the date, time and place and description of the offense charged, the date on which the citation was issued, and the name of the citing officer. A space shall be provided for the person to sign a promise to appear.

(b) To secure his release, the person must give his written promise to appear in Court as required by the citation.

(c) The citation shall also state the time and place at which the person is to appear in Court to hear the charges against him and post bail, which shall be not less than 72 hours after the date of the citation, nor more than 15 days after the date of citation.

2-1-72 Citation: Effect, Procedure

(a) The citation when completed by the officer shall serve as the complaint for the purposes of prosecution in Court.

(b) If a defendant fails to appear, the judge may issue a warrant of arrest and may order any bail deposited by the defendant as hereinafter set forth forfeited.

ARRAIGNMENTS & PLEAS; TRIAL DATES

2-1-100 Arraignment

As soon as reasonably possible after arrest, but not more than 72 hours thereafter, or within the period designated on the citation, the defendant shall appear or be brought before a judge and the defendant shall again be informed of his rights under the Constitution of the Colville Confederated Tribes and under federal law, including his right to counsel at his own expense. If the defendant desires, but does not presently have a spokesman, he will be given a reasonable time to secure a spokesman before entering his plea.

2-1-101 Reading of Complaint and Defendant's Plea

When the defendant is brought before the judge the complaint shall be read and explained to the defendant, and he shall plead "guilty" or "not guilty". If the defendant refuses to plead, the judge shall enter the fact and a plea of "not guilty" on his behalf. The judge shall cause the defendant to be informed of the charge against him and the defendant's right to appear and defend against the charge either in person or with a spokesman. The defendant shall be provided with a copy of the complaint if he has not before received one.

2-1-102 Time of Trial

(a) When the defendant is brought before the judge upon a warrant of arrest, the cause shall be set for trial within 90 days unless continued for cause or at the request of the defendant. Bail shall then be set in accordance with the Subchapter on Bail, Bonds and Fines under this Chapter.

(b) When the defendant is summoned before the judge pursuant to a citation as provided herein, the defendant shall appear on the date indicated on the citation to hear the charges against him, post bail, enter a plea, and be assigned a trial date. Trial shall be set within 90 days unless continued for cause or at the request of the defendant.

(c) A defendant may post bail, enter a plea, and request a trial date prior to the return date of the citation if the defendant so desires, provided, that bail or other bond satisfactory to the judge is posted. A trial date shall be set within 90 days of the return date on the citation unless continued for cause or at the request of the defendant.

(d) Provided, a defendant not released from jail pending trial shall be brought to trial not later than 60 days after the date of arraignment.

2-1-103 Sentencing

Upon a plea of "guilty", the judge may impose sentence at once or at a later date not to exceed 60 days at his discretion.

2-1-104 Pre-dismissal Hearing

(a) Purpose. The purpose of the pre-dismissal hearing will be to determine if the case should be closed for compliance or if the matter should be set for a show cause hearing for non-compliance with a Tribal Court order.

(b) When scheduled. The pre-dismissal hearing shall be set at the time of sentencing and the date and time of the hearing shall be included in the Tribal Court order.

(c) Date of hearing. The pre-dismissal hearing shall be scheduled for not less than two weeks prior to the termination date of the condition(s) imposed.

(d) Proof required. It will be the defendant's responsibility to submit to the court written documentation that he/she has complied with the conditions set out in the Tribal Court order. This documentation must be signed by:

1. The program counselor assigned to the defendant;

2. The defendant's immediate supervisor, if community service hours are ordered;

3. Any other person directly associated with a program utilized by the defendant to comply with the Court order; or

4. The defendant's probation officer.

If more than one program is being utilized, written documentation must be submitted for each, except if the defendant is on probation, his/her probation officer may verify compliance with the other programs involved.

If sufficient written documentation is submitted to the Court prior to the pre-dismissal hearing verifying the defendant's compliance with the program(s) assigned, the defendant may be excused from appearing at the hearing.

(e) Failure to comply. If the defendant has not complied with a given program or has failed to provide written documentation to the Court, a show cause hearing shall be scheduled for within ten days of the pre-dismissal hearing for the purpose of determining if the suspended fine and/or jail term should be reinstated or modified.

(f) Failure to Appear. If the defendant fails to appear for the pre-dismissal hearing without good cause and has failed to provide written documentation to the Court of his/her compliance with the court order, the Court may issue a bench warrant to bring the defendant before the Court.

2-1-105 Deferred Prosecution

(a) In any motion for deferred prosecution, the defendant must:

(1) waive his/her right to trial within 60/90 days;

(2) stipulate to the truth of the police report;

(3) agree to pay the current court costs; and

(4) agree with the other terms and conditions included in the proposed order of deferred prosecution.

(b) The court shall grant a motion for deferred prosecution when presented by the Tribes.

(c) Unless the court finds that it is not in the interest of justice, the court shall grant a motion for deferred prosecution when presented by a defendant in any case where the defendant has no known criminal conviction in any jurisdiction for the preceding ten years and the current crime(s) charged does/do not include:

(1) serious injury or threat thereof, or

(2) sexual assault or threat thereof, or

(3) sale of delivery of a controlled substance.

(d) If at the end of the period of the deferred prosecution, the court finds that the defendant has complied with the requirements and conditions of the order of deferred prosecution, the charge(s) shall be dismissed with prejudice and expunged from the defendant's criminal record.

2-1-106 Waiver of Speedy Disposition

Waiver of the 90/60 rule regarding trial, 60 day rule regarding sentencing and other speedy disposition rights signed by an attorney of record, are valid provided that:

(a) The litigant personally signs a waiver on the next date when he personally appears in court; and

(b) Any waiver states that the litigant knowingly and voluntarily agrees to the waiver after advice of counsel.

(Adopted 10/5/1995, Resolution 1995-675)

BAIL, BONDS AND FINES

2-1-130 Bail and Bonds - Generally

Except as provided herein, every person charged with any offense before the Court may be admitted to bail. Bail shall be by cash deposit or by assurance of two reliable members of the Tribes resident within the boundaries of the Reservation who shall execute an agreement in compliance with the form provided therefor to the effect that they will pay any bail forfeited. In no case shall the bail specified in the agreement exceed twice the maximum penalty set by the section of this Code for the offense for which the accused has been charged. The cash or bond agreement shall be executed before the clerk or any bonded employee authorized by the Court to accept bail. All such bonds shall be promptly filed with the clerk.

2-1-131 Bail: Personal Recognizance

In lieu of bail, a person charged with any offense may be released on his personal recognizance (PR) without posting bail or bond, pursuant to the discretion of the judge. In determining whether to grant PR, the judge may consider the following factors:

(a) whether the person has identified himself satisfactorily;

(b) whether detention appears necessary to prevent imminent bodily harm to himself or to another, injury to property, or breach of the peace;

(c) whether the person has ties to the Tribes or is a local resident, so as to provide reasonable assurance of his appearance before the Court, or whether there is substantial likelihood that he will refuse to appear for trial; and

(d) in any case, to secure his release, the person must give written promise to appear in Court as required by the citation.

2-1-132 Bail Schedule

The Chief Judge may establish a bail schedule for all offenses under this Code. Any person arrested and taken into custody for violation of this Code may be released upon posting the specified bail with the clerk, or other person authorized by the Court to receive bail, unless release on personal recognizance or detention is ordered by the Court.

2-1-133 Denial of Bail, Detention

The judge may deny a person release on bail if it appears reasonably certain that the person will pose a serious threat to the safety and well-being of himself, the Reservation, or its residents, if released, or if there is a substantial likelihood that the person will not appear for trial.

2-1-134 Fine Schedule

The Chief Judge may also establish a schedule for fines for specified violations of this Code, within the limits prescribed by this Code and the section establishing the offense.

TRIAL PROCEDURE

2-1-170 Prosecution

The Tribes shall prosecute the charge by presenting the evidence against the defendant by the testimony of the law enforcement officer and any other witnesses called to support the charge, and in presenting such evidence, the Tribes may make use of either a Tribal official or a professional attorney approved as a spokesman pursuant to this Code.

2-1-171 Evidence

The Court shall not be bound by common law rules of evidence, but shall use its own discretion as to what evidence it deems necessary and relevant to the charge and the defense.

2-1-172 Standard of Proof

The Court shall require the charge to be proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The defendant shall be afforded a full opportunity to present his defense.

2-1-173Trial by Court

In a case tried without a jury, the judge shall make a general finding of guilt or innocence and shall, upon request of any party, make specific findings which may be embodied in a written decision.

2-1-174Jury

Any person accused of an offense punishable by imprisonment may demand a jury trial. The demand may be made by oral demand in open court or by filing a written demand with the clerk. In any case, the demand must be made at least fourteen days before the date set for trial, or the right shall be deemed waived. The verdict of the jury shall be unanimous and shall be returned by the jury to the judge in open court.

2-1-175Lesser Offenses

The defendant may be found guilty of a lesser offense necessarily included in the offense charged, without the necessity of having been formally charged with the lesser offense.

2-1-176Sentencing

A sentence shall be imposed at once or, in the discretion of the judge, at a later date not to exceed 60 days from the day of judgment. The judge may suspend all or any part of the fine or sentence imposed by him upon a person found guilty of violating any of the provisions of this Code as provided in section 3-1-263. Pending sentence, the judge may commit the defendant to jail or continue the bail. Before imposing sentence, the judge shall allow a spokesman or the defendant to speak on behalf of the defendant and to present any information which would help the judge in setting the punishment.

2-1-177 Other Procedures

All additional procedures set out in this Code will be followed in any criminal action to the extent that they are applicable.

2-1-178 Civil Rights

All accused persons shall be guaranteed all civil rights secured under the Tribal Constitution and federal laws specifically applicable to Indian tribal courts.

HABEAS CORPUS

2-1-210 Who May Prosecute Writ

Every person imprisoned or otherwise restrained of his liberty on the Reservation may prosecute a Writ of Habeas Corpus to inquire into the cause of his imprisonment or restraint and, if it be illegal, to be delivered therefrom.

2-1-211 Writ for Purpose of Bail

When a person is imprisoned or detained in custody on any criminal charge, for want of bail, such person is entitled to a Writ of Habeas Corpus for the purpose of giving bail, upon averring that fact in his petition, without alleging that he is illegally confined.

2-1-212 Application For - How Made

Application for the Writ is made by petition, signed either by the person for whose relief it is intended, or by some person in his behalf, and must specify:

(a) That the person in whose behalf the Writ is applied for is unlawfully imprisoned or restrained of his liberty, why the imprisonment or restraint is unlawful, the officer or person by whom he is confined or restrained, and the place where, naming all the parties if they are know, or describing them if they are not known.

(b) The petition must be verified by the oath or affirmation of the person making the application.

2-1-213 Content of Writ

(a) The Writ must be directed to the person having custody of or restraining the person on whose behalf the application is made and must command him to have the body of such person before the Court at a time and place therein specified.

(b) The issues to be determined upon return of the Writ may be stated either in the Writ, or in an order attached to the Writ, or in a copy of the petition attached to the Writ.

2-1-214 Service of the Writ

The Writ must be served upon the person to whom it is directed and must be served in the same manner as a summons.

2-1-215 Return, What to Contain

The person upon whom the Writ is served must make a return to the Court and state in the return:

(a) Whether he has the detained person in his custody or under his restraint, and the authority for holding the detained person.

(b) If he had the detained person in his custody or under his restraint, the return must state particularly to whom, at what time and place, for what cause, and by what authority custody was released.

(c) The return must be signed by the person making it and unless he is a sworn public official and makes the return in his official capacity, it must be verified by his oath.

2-1-216 Hearing on Return

(a) The detained person shall be brought before the Court by the person commanded by the Writ as soon as possible.

(b) The hearing must be held on the day set and may be summary in nature.

(c) Evidence may be produced and compelled as in civil actions.

2-1-217 Judgment

(a) If the detained person is in official custody, he may not be released on a Writ of Habeas Corpus for any technical defect in commitment not affecting his substantial rights.

(b) Following the hearing, the judge shall make a judgment regarding the custody of the detained person as the facts and circumstances warrant and the judgment shall be effective immediately.

RECIPROCAL CRIMINAL JURISDICTION - COLVILLE TRIBAL MEMBERS -MEMBERS OF OTHER FEDERALLY RECOGNIZED TRIBES

2-1-250 Reciprocal Jurisdiction

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in exercise of its retained sovereignty over its enrolled members hereby grants to the tribal courts of any said federally recognized Indian tribe, band, or nation, the right to try and punish any enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation who is alleged to have committed an offense within the jurisdiction of the said federally recognized Indian tribe, band or nation pursuant to the written tribal code of laws of the said federally recognized Indian tribe, band or nation; provided (a) that the said Indian tribe, band or nation has, prior to charging the enrolled member of the Colville Tribe of the Colville Reservation with a criminal offense under its tribal code, effectively authorized by ordinance, statute or compact, the Courts of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation to try and punish members of the said federally recognized Indian tribe, band, or nation who are alleged to have committed an offense within the jurisdiction of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation pursuant to the Colville Tribal Code; and (b) that the said Indian tribe, band, or nation provides effective protection for the civil rights of criminal defendants before its tribal courts by recognizing and enforcing the provisions of the Indian Civil Rights Act, 25 USC §1302 or recognizes protection of the rights of criminal defendants in its courts by enforcing a tribal civil rights act which provides the same or broader protection than the Indian Civil Rights Act.

2-1-251 Filing

Tribal governments seeking authority to criminally prosecute members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation pursuant to this Chapter shall file documents bearing a certification or seal showing compliance with §2-1-250(a) and (b) with the Administrator of the Colville Tribal Courts and shall receive, in return, from the said Administrator a copy of this Chapter and the Colville Tribal Civil Rights Act under Seal of the Colville Tribal Court.

Subchapter "Reciprocal Criminal Jurisdiction -Colville Tribal Members - Members of Other Federally Recognized Tribes", Adopted 6/7/90, Certified 6/18/90, Res. 1990-350