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to Table of Contents Colville
Tribal Law and Order Code 2001 edition with 2002, 2003 and 2004 supplements TITLE
2 - RULES OF PROCEDURE CHAPTER
2-1 CRIMINAL ACTIONS JURISDICTION 2-1-1 JurisdictionGenerally The Court shall have jurisdiction over all offenses enumerated in this Code, or in other enactments of the Council.
(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 may order 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 twenty-four (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 twenty-four (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.
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:
(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. (Amended 4/17/86, Resolution 1986-172)
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:
(Amended 8/17/89, Resolution 1989-610) 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.
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.
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.
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.
An officer may search or seize property without a warrant in circumstances under which warrantless searches are permitted by federal criminal law.
(a)
The provisions in Chapter 5-5 shall be used in cases involving domestic violence.
To the extent that procedural and other relevant provisions in other parts of
the Code are not inconsistent with the provisions of Chapter 5-5 those other procedures
and provisions shall apply. (b) To invoke the provisions of Chapter 5-5, the charging document shall expressly state that the charge is being brought under that Chapter as well as under Chapter 3-1. (Amended 6/3/04, Resolution 2004-385)
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.
(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 seventy-two (72) hours after the date of the citation, nor more than fifteen (15) days after the date of citation.
(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.
2-1-100 Arraignment As soon as reasonably possible after arrest, but not more than seventy-two (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.
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.
(a)
When the defendant is brought before the judge upon a warrant of arrest, the cause
shall be set for trial within ninety (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 ninety (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 ninety (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 sixty (60) days after the date of arraignment. (Amended 5/19/88, Resolution 1988-264)
Upon a plea of "guilty", the judge may impose sentence at once or at a later date not to exceed sixty (60) days at his discretion. (Amended 5/19/88, Resolution 1988-265) (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:
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 (10) 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.
(a)
In any motion for deferred prosecution, the defendant must:
(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 (10) years and the current crime(s) charged does/do not include:
(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. (Adopted 7/23/96, Resolution 1996-313)
Waiver of the 90/60 rule regarding trial, sixty (60) day rule regarding sentencing and other speedy disposition rights signed by an attorney of record, are valid provided that:
(Adopted 10/5/95, Resolution 1995-675)
2-1-130 Bail and BondsGenerally 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (14) 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.
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.
A sentence shall be imposed at once or, in the discretion of the judge, at a later date not to exceed sixty (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. (Amended 8/17/89, Resolution 1989-612)
All additional procedures set out in this Code will be followed in any criminal action to the extent that they are applicable.
All accused persons shall be guaranteed all civil rights secured under the Tribal Constitution and federal laws specifically applicable to Indian Tribal Courts.
(a) Court Authority to Sentence: The Colville Tribal Court has the duty and authority to set the duration, starting date, and time of incarceration of criminal sentences. In determining an appropriate sentence, the Court shall not consider where or how defendants sentence will be carried out by the Jail Board. (b) Jail Board: A board is hereby established to exercise the authority of the Colville Tribes to execute any jail sentence imposed. The board shall be appointed by the Colville Business Council resolution (c) Authority of Jail Board: The board shall have the authority and duty to establish policies and procedures for incarceration of tribal inmates as authorized under this section. That duty shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(d) Violations of alternative forms of incarceration: The Department of Probation and Parole shall monitor each individual permitted an alternative form of incarceration. Probation officers shall have authority to request a warrant of arrest for defendant for any violation of conditions place on such alternative forms of incarceration. (e) The Tribal Court shall issue such arrest warrant where the probation officer files an affidavit and request for warrant. (f) Serverability: Each portion of this section is serverable, if any provisions of this section is held invalid, the remainder of the section shall not be affected. (g) Implementation: Until such time as the members of the Jail Board are appointed, and the Jail Board certifies to the Court that it is assembled and has procedures in place to begin receiving referrals from the Court, the Court shall continue its authority over all aspects of sentencing including the manner in which sentences will be served. (Enacted
7/15/99, Resolution 1999-427)
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.
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.
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:
The Writ must be served upon the person to whom it is directed and must be served in the same manner as a summons.
The person upon whom the Writ is served must make a return to the Court and state in the return:
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;
(Adopted
6/7/90, Resolution 1990-350)
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 CTC § 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. (Chapter enacted-original code 5/7/79) (June 2004 version of Chapter 2-1) JURISDICTION 2-2-1 Jurisdiction Generally The Court shall have jurisdiction of all suits involving persons residing within the Tribal jurisdiction as defined by this Code and all other suits in which a party is deemed to have consented to the jurisdiction of the Court, or in which the events giving rise to the action occurred within the Tribal jurisdiction as defined by this Code. 2-2-2 through 2-2-29 [Reserved] COMPLAINTS 2-2-30 ComplaintsElements A complaint filed in the Tribal Court shall contain: (b) A statement of the facts constituting the cause of action; (c) A request for whatever relief the party wants, including the amount, if monetary damages are requested; (d) The signature of the plaintiff, witnessed by a member of the Court staff or a licensed Notary Public. 2-2-31 Limitation on Filing of Complaint No complaint shall be filed in a civil action unless the events shall have occurred within a three (3) year period prior to the date of filing the complaint: provided, that this general statute of limitations shall not apply to suits filed to recover public moneys or public property intentionally or erroneously misspent, misappropriated, or misused in any way; and further provided that this general statute of limitations shall not apply to any debt owed the Tribes or any of its agencies, arms, or instrumentalities, whether organized or not under tribal law. (Amended 12/20/90, Resolution 1990-681) (Certified 10/31/91) 2-2-32 Filing Fees In all civil suits the plaintiff shall be required to pay to the Court a filing fee of $30.00. The fee may be waived by the Court upon a show of good cause. No fee shall be charged if the Tribe is the plaintiff. 2-2-33 Answers An answer filed in the Tribal Court shall contain: (b) A statement of any new matter constituting a defense or counterclaim, in ordinary and clear language. 2-2-34 through 2-2-69 [Reserved] NOTIFICATION 2-2-70 Notice and Service Civil actions may be instituted either by voluntary appearance and agreement of the parties or by service upon the defendant of a true copy of the filed complaint and notice either personally by a person not a party in the action or as provided herein. The notice shall be attached to the copy of the complaint, and cite the defendant to answer in writing, by filing with the Court and serving a copy on the plaintiff, not less than twenty (20) days from the date of service of the complaint and notice. The service may be made by means of certified mail, return receipt requested. Evidence of the receipt of notice shall be kept as part of the record in the case. 2-2-71 Substituted Service (a) Upon a showing by the plaintiff to the Court that diligent efforts were made to serve the Notice and Complaint on the defendant and that for sufficient reasons service could not be made, the judge may allow substituted service pursuant to CTC §2-2-71(b). Diligent efforts shall include an attempt of service by certified mail to the defendant's last known address. If the defendant is a tribal member and the plaintiff is the Tribe, or a tribal entity or program (including CTEC and related businesses), then there shall be an attempt of service by certified mail to the defendant's address used for enrollment purposes. (b) Substituted service shall be made as follows: (2) Service must also be made by publication of a copy of the Notice once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Reservation District where the defendant resides. If the defendant does not reside on the Reservation, then the Notice must be published for three (3) consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Reservation District where the cause of action arose. Publication for two (2) consecutive issues in the Tribal Tribune may be substituted for publication in a newspaper of general circulation. The Notice, when published, shall state the general nature of the case and the nature of the relief requested. 2-2-72 through 2-2-99 [Reserved] CIVIL PROCEDURE 2-2-100 Standard of Proof The plaintiff in a civil case shall have the burden of proving his case by the greater weight of the evidence. 2-2-101 Jury Civil actions, other than appeals, shall be tried by a jury upon written request filed by any party at least fourteen (14) days before the trial date and upon such party's posting of a fee or other security in the amount of $75.00 to cover costs, disbursements and jury fees in the case. The fee may be waived by the Court upon a showing of good cause. 2-2-102 Applicable Law In all civil cases the Court shall apply in the following order of priority, any applicable laws of the Colville Confederated Tribes, tribal case law, tribal customs, state statute, state common law, federal statues, and federal custom law, and international law. (Amended 12/21/82, Resolution 1982-775) 2-2-103 Customs Where any doubt arises as to the customs of the Tribes the Court may request the advice of counselors familiar with those customs. 2-2-104 Other Law Repealed by Tribal Resolution 1982-775 on December 21, 1982. 2-2-105 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 action. 2-2-106 through 2-2-139 [Reserved] JUDGMENTS 2-2-140 JudgmentsGenerally In all civil cases, judgment shall consist of an order of the Court awarding money damages to be paid to the injured person, or directing the surrender of certain property to the injured person, or the performance or prohibition of some other act. 2-2-141 JudgmentsCompensation The judgment shall fairly compensate the injured person for the loss he has suffered or shall follow any rules of compensation set out in any ordinance or section of this Code pursuant to which the action is brought. 2-2-142 Punitive Damages If an injury is adjudged deliberately inflicted, the judgment may award punitive damages to the prevailing person. 2-2-143 Costs in Civil Actions The judge may access the accruing costs of the case against the person against whom judgment is given. Such costs shall include the expenses of voluntary witnesses for which either party may be responsible under this Code, and the fees of jurors in jury cases, and any further incidental expenses or fees connected with the procedure required by this Code as the judge may direct. 2-2-144 Judgments and Decedents' Estates A judgment shall be considered a lawful debt in all proceedings held by the Department of the Interior or by the Court to distribute decedents' estates. 2-2-145 JudgmentsDuration and Interest A judgment of the Tribal Court shall be valid until satisfied in full, including interest upon the judgment. Interest on judgments shall accrue as follows: (b) Except as provided under subsection (1) of this section, judgments shall bear interest from the date of entry at the maximum rate permitted under R.C.W. 19.52.020 on the date of entry thereof: Provided, that in any case where a judgment entered on verdict is wholly or party affirmed on review, interest on the judgment or on that portion of the judgment affirmed shall date back to and shall accrue from the date the verdict was rendered. 2-2-146 through 2-2-169 [Reserved] EXECUTION OF JUDGMENTS 2-2-170 Procedure If, after the time for appeal has run, it is made to appear to the Court that the judgment debtor has not paid the judgment amount in full or is not making payments in a manner agreed to by the parties or required by the Court, the judge shall order the judgment debtor to appear before him and answer under oath regarding his personal property. The judge shall then determine what property of the judgment debtor is available for execution and order the police to seize as much of the property as reasonably appears necessary to pay the judgment Failure of the judgment debtor to appear may be deemed a contempt of court and the judge may proceed without his appearance. 2-2-171 Sale of Property Sale of the seized property shall be at public auction conducted by the police after giving at least ten (10) days public notice posted in at least three public places on the Reservation. Property shall be sold in a commercially reasonable manner to the highest bidder. Payment for the property and transfer of title shall take place after the retention period has expired, as described below. If the sale results in a price higher than the debt plus expenses of sale, the debtor shall be given the surplus. The judgment shall continue in effect in the amount not recovered at the sale, plus expenses of the sale. 2-2-172 Exemption from Execution The judge shall order seizure and sale of only such property of the judgment debtor as will not impose an immediate and substantial hardship on his immediate family. Only property of the judgment debtor himself may be subject to execution and not property of his family. 2-2-173 Redemption At any time within fourteen (14) days after the sale under section 2-2-170 above, the judgment debtor may redeem the sold property by paying the judgment amount in full, plus expenses of the sale. Upon such payment, the property shall be returned to the judgment debtor and the purchaser shall be notified that the property has been redeemed. 2-2-174 Per Capita Payments/Dividends Unless otherwise provided by the Business Council, the Tribal Court and all the judges thereof shall have the authority and power to order that all per capita payments/dividends of judgment debtors, as authorized by 25 U.S.C.A. §117b, be available for execution of judgment and to order appropriate tribal or federal officials to seize and all per capita payments/dividends of judgment debtors which may arise in the present or future, as much of said payments/dividends as appears necessary to satisfy any judgment of the Tribal Court where the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, as party plaintiff, was awarded money damages or money judgment for payment of contracted obligations, contracted indebtedness, or otherwise. (Adopted 2/21/83, Resolution 1985-80) 2-2-175 through 2-2-199 [Reserved] JUDGMENTS OF OTHER COURTS 2-2-200 Application Any person may apply to the Court by written application for an order accepting a civil judgment from another tribal court or a state or federal court as a judgment of the Court. 2-2-201 Review by Court The judge shall review the application within five (5) days of its filing. The judge shall then decide whether to enter the judgment of the other court as a Tribal Court judgment. Unless otherwise provided by the Business Council or this Section, the judge shall have full and total discretion regarding this matter and shall be guided by the best interests of the Tribes and the parties. The Tribes shall automatically recognize, for a period not to exceed three (3) days following issuance, any no contact or restraining order issued by another court of competent jurisdiction in which domestic assault or violence is involved, provided that such order is filed with the Tribal Court in accordance with this Subchapter within the three (3) day time period. (Amended 3/21/96, Resolution 1996-128) 2-2-202 Payment of Judgment Upon the entry of the order declaring the other court's judgment to be a judgment of the Tribal Court, all provisions of this Code regarding judgments and execution shall be applicable. GENERAL PROVISIONS 2-3-1 Findings Lawbreakers are using devices, items, substances, objects and vehicles on the Reservation in violation of federal law and this Law and Order Code and are taking, possessing and using the natural resources of the Reservation in violation of federal law and this Law and Order Code. These activities are interfering with law enforcement and endangering the peace, safety, morals and general welfare of all persons on the Reservation. It is the purpose of this Chapter to provide for a procedure for adjudicating infractions and other civil violations and forfeiture of objects used or possessed in violation of this Code. These procedures are intended to be remedial and not punitive and should compensate the Tribes for the damage done to the peace, security, welfare and natural resources of the Colville Indian Reservation and for the actions taken by the Colville Tribes to protect the Reservation and its resources and people. These civil procedures are also intended to coerce individuals into obeying the Ordinances and regulations of the Colville Confederated Tribes and not to punish such individuals for violations of those Ordinances and regulations.
(a) Unless otherwise provided by specific language found elsewhere in this Code, this Chapter shall apply to any general or traffic infraction, field bond procedure, civil offense or forfeiture action listed in this Code or regulation adopted thereunder. (b) Unless other procedures are provided by this Chapter, the Civil Actions Chapter 2-2 of this Code shall govern all questions of procedure arising as a result of the enforcement of this Chapter.
(a) "Defendant" means the person against whom an action is filed under this Chapter. (b) "Infraction" means a civil offense in which the remedy involved is a civil fine or penalty which has been predetermined by the Business Council as provided by the subchapter "Infractions" of this Chapter. An infraction is not a crime and the punishment imposed therefore shall not be deemed for any purpose a penal or criminal punishment and shall not affect or impair the credibility of a witness or otherwise of any person convicted thereof. (c) "Law Enforcement Officer" means an officer or agent of a law enforcement department, from the Colville Tribes, or a county or local government, who is certified as a police officer. (Amended
7/11/02, Resolution 2002-417) (d) "Notice" means a notice of infraction as provided by this Chapter. (e) "Regulatory Enforcement Officer" means the person or persons charged with the responsibility of enforcing Colville Tribal civil laws, regulations, and tribal resolutions promulgated pursuant thereto and shall include all Colville Tribal:
(Amended
7/1 1/02, Resolution 2002-417)
(a) A final judgment against the defendant in favor of the Colville Confederated Tribes as determined under this Chapter shall include:
(b) Any final judgement under this section shall be an obligation of the defendant to the Colville Confederated Tribes and is subject to collection or execution. Such judgment shall become a lien upon any available real, personal or other property of the defendant located within the boundaries of the Colville Indian Reservation or within the jurisdiction of the Colville Tribal Court. When necessary, the Colville Tribes may bring suit in any court to reach property of the defendant located outside the boundaries of the Colville Indian Reservation or outside the jurisdiction of the Colville Tribal Court. Nothing in this Chapter shall be deemed to preclude the Tribal Court, to the extent authorized by tribal law, from:
Issuance\Response (a) Any regulatory enforcement officer who has reasonable grounds to believe that a person has committed a general or traffic infraction either in or out of the officer's presence, shall identify himself to such person and promptly request any identifying information necessary to carry out the enforcement procedures under this subchapter. In making such determination, the officer may demand identification and ask questions as the officer reasonably believes are necessary to making the determination. (b) In the event a person cannot be or refuses to be identified as provided by this section, the regulatory enforcement officer shall issue and file a notice of infraction according to the procedures of this subchapter, substituting for the suspected violator's name a fictitious name such as John Doe. Upon determination of the true name of any person designated by a fictitious name in a notice of infraction, counsel for the Tribes shall amend the complaint to reflect the person's true name. (Amended
7/1 1/02, Resolution 2002-417)
(a) A notice of infraction constitutes the basis for the enforcement of this subchapter and shall serve as the civil complaint under this subchapter and shall satisfy any and all requirements for the filing of a civil complaint under the Civil Actions Chapter 2-2 of this Code. The content of the notice shall include the following:
(b) A notice may be issued by:
(c) In the event the notice is issued by a regulatory enforcement officer, he shall serve a copy of the notice on the defendant by personal delivery to him when the defendant is present. When served with a notice by a regulatory enforcement officer, the defendant shall sign the promise to appear located on the notice and shall be released unless held for arrest, expulsion, federal prosecution or any other applicable procedures provided by this Chapter or this Code. When the notice is for a traffic infraction and the defendant is not present, the officer may serve the notice by issuing the notice to the registered owner of the vehicle involved and affixing it in plain view on the vehicle. In the event the defendant is not present and the infraction is for another civil regulatory violation other than a traffic infraction, the officer may serve the notice by certified mail, return receipt requested. Certification of service of the notice or other evidence of delivery satisfactory to the court shall be indicated on the face of the notice by the issuing officer. One copy of the notice shall be filed by the issuing officer with the tribal prosecutor, who shall file the notice with the court if the officer has not already filed the notice. (Amended
7/1 1/02, Resolution 2002-417) (a) If the defendant named in the notice of infraction does not contest the determination that an infraction took place as stated in the notice he shall within fifteen (15) days of the date of the notice respond by completing the appropriate portion of the notice and submit it either by mail or in person to the Tribal Court. A check or money order in the amount of the liquidated damage amount set out in the notice must be submitted with the response. When a response under this subsection is received, an appropriate notation shall be entered in the court's records. No further proceedings under this subchapter shall be initiated against any defendant who pays the liquidated damage amount as provided in this section and, unless held for forfeiture as provided by this Chapter, any bond held by the Court for such payment shall be returned. (b) If the defendant named in the notice wishes to contest the determination that an infraction took place as stated in the notice or if the defendant named in the notice does not contest the determination that an infraction took place as stated in the notice, but wishes to explain mitigating circumstances surrounding the infraction, he shall, within fifteen (15) days of the date of the notice, respond by completing the portion of the notice requesting a hearing for such purpose and shall submit it either by mail or in person to the Tribal Court.
2-3-43 Hearings-Rules of Practice (a) All infractions that are not resolved pursuant to administrative procedures provided by this subchapter shall be determined by a hearing before the Colville Tribal Court pursuant to this part. Unless the defendant has made arrangements with the Clerk of the Court and scheduled a hearing date, the Court shall set a hearing date and notify the relevant law enforcement agency and the defendant of the time, place and date. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the date of the hearing shall be within thirty (30) days of the receipt of the notice in which the defendant contests the infraction and the notice from the Court setting the hearing shall be sent to the defendant within five (5) business days of the receipt of the notice that the infraction is contested. (b) Any person subject to proceedings under this subchapter may be represented by counsel admitted to practice before the Colville Tribal Court. The Tribes shall not have any duty to either appoint counsel for or compensate a person for his attorney's fees. The prosecutor or in the case of conflict of scheduling or interest, such other counsel for the Tribes as the Business Council may designate, shall represent the Tribes in all actions under this subchapter. An attorney representing the Tribes may, but need not, appear in any proceeding under this subchapter. (c) Hearings held under this subchapter to contest the determination that the infraction took place shall be as follows:
(d) [Reserved/not used] (e) Hearings held under this subchapter to explain mitigating circumstances shall be as follows:
(f) Additional procedures for hearings provided for under this subchapter may be established by rule of the Tribal Court. (Amended
7/1 1/02, Resolution 2002-417)
(a) As directed by the Business Council, the directors of the appropriate tribal department(s) shall prepare for the approval of the council, and from time to time shall review and, as necessary, propose revisions to a schedule of liquidated damages consisting of a dollar determination or dollar determinations calculated to closely approximate the cost of providing equitable restitution to the Tribes for the damage or loss which would be caused by any infraction(s) of this Code or regulation adopted thereunder. In calculating liquidated damages, the Business Council may consider, in addition to any other factors they reasonably deem relevant:
(b) The director of the tribal department preparing or updating the Liquidated Damages Schedule shall post notice of the adoption of the schedule in a conspicuous place in Nespelem, Keller, Omak and Inchelium. Such notice shall provide that schedules will be available at the Tribal Police Department and in the case of schedules of liquidated damages for violations of the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Chapter 4-1 of this Code, all outlets where fish and wildlife licenses are issued. Schedules of liquidated damages shall also be available at the office of the Code Reviser. Provided, the failure to have the schedule of liquidated damages at the office of the Code Reviser shall not affect the enforceability or the applicability of the liquidated damage amount. (c) In the case of traffic infractions:
(d) If, on a showing of good cause, the defendant is unable to pay the liquidated damage amount when due, the court shall grant one three (3) month extension, and may grant additional extensions of time in which such damages shall be paid or may allow payment in installments. The court may, in its discretion, waive, reduce, or suspend the liquidated damage amount prescribed for the infraction after a hearing. At the option of the defendant named in the notice, the court may, but need not allow performance of a number of hours of community service in lieu of payment of the liquidated damage amount. Work performance shall be credited against the liquidated damage amount at the rate of the then federal minimum wage per hour. (e) Any liquidated damage amount assessed and determined due under this subchapter by the Tribal Court order for which a judgment has been entered or through failure to contest the amount shall be collected in the same manner as any other judgment entered in a civil action. In any action on collection, the court may award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the prevailing party. (f) Exclusive jurisdiction for the collection of a judgment shall be in the Colville Tribal Court. Provided, if the domicile of the defendant subject to a judgment under this section is off the Colville Indian Reservation, the Tribes may, but need not file the judgment in a court of competent jurisdiction where the person subject to the judgment is domiciled, and there collect the same.
(a) Since in most instances the exact amount of damages caused to the Tribes by a particular infraction of this Code or regulation adopted thereunder will be difficult or impossible to determine, it shall be presumed by the court adjudicating an infraction of this Code that the amount fixed by the schedule of liquidated damage amount represents the damages owed to the Tribes as restitution if the defendant is found to be liable. This presumption may be rebutted by evidence which shows that the amount indicated by the schedule of liquidated damage amount is excessive, or special circumstances warrant a reduction of the liquidated damage amounts in the particular case. In any case in which the presumption is successfully rebutted, the parties may introduce evidence to prove the actual damages as in any other civil case. (b) All persons shall be deemed to have consented to the liquidated damages provision of this subchapter by their entry onto the Reservation, and where applicable, by their signature on a tribal permit or permits.
(a) Unless otherwise provided by this part, the Tribal Court shall enter a default judgment against any defendant who is cited for an infraction of any provision of this Code or regulations promulgated under this Code and does not appear at the hearing or otherwise respond to the notice of infraction as provided in this subchapter. If a default judgment is entered, the court clerk shall, if feasible, issue notice of judgment to the defendant advising him that he must pay the judgment by a date certain which shall not be less than fifteen (15) days after the date of the notice. The notice shall state that failure to pay the judgment may result in forfeiture of a bond held pursuant to this Chapter, if any, and/or a civil proceeding in Tribal Court to collect the liquidated damage amount, and an additional fee of one hundred and fifty dollars ($ 150.00). Before ordering collection of the liquidated damage amount and additional civil penalty, the Tribal Court shall find:
(b) Any person who has:
Unless otherwise provided by specific language found elsewhere in this Code, all fees resulting from all fines, costs, monies, penalties or damages collected for an infraction of this Code or regulations promulgated thereunder or any cash bond posted as provided by this Chapter shall be deposited in a special fund and shall be available for expenditure pursuant to a Business Council approved budget in connection with the conservation, restoration and protection of the property or interests of the Colville Indian Reservation and for Tribal Court Administration of this subchapter.
No plea, finding or proceeding regarding any infraction adjudicated under this subchapter shall be used for the purpose of res judicata or collateral estoppel, nor shall any plea, finding or proceeding upon any infraction be admissible as evidence, in any civil proceeding.
2-3-80 Demand for Bond A law enforcement officer may demand that a defendant, who is alleged to have committed an infraction of this Code or a criminal violation of the Fish, Wildlife and Recreation Chapter 4-1, post a bond if both subsections (a) and (b) below are met:
(Amended
7/1 1/02, Resolution 2002-417)
(a) In all cases where it is feasible, the law enforcement officer shall prepare and issue a bond notice to the defendant, allow him to read it, and have him sign the bond notice before the officer takes possession of any bond property. (b) The bond notice shall inform the defendant of:
(c) Bond notices shall be prepared in duplicate and the original signed by the defendant shall be filed by the law enforcement officer with the copy of the notice of infraction or citation. A copy of the bond notice shall be given to the defendant. (d) Bond notices shall contain the name and address of the defendant, the serial number of the notice of infraction or citation which has been issued, the date, and the signature and identification number of the issuing officer, and such other information as the Business Council deems necessary. (e) The officer may seize bond property first and then issue a bond notice in any case in which he has reasonable grounds to believe that the delay caused by the bond notice procedure could:
(a) Cash Method: The defendant may post a cash bond with the law enforcement officer in the form of a personal check or money order made out to the order of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, in the specified amount. The decision to accept a personal check shall be within the discretion of the officer who shall consider whether the alleged violator lives on the Reservation, has other ties with the Reservation, the nature of the infraction, and persons with Reservation ties who will vouch for the alleged violator.
(b) Property Method: The defendant may post as bond with the officer any property which the officer reasonably believes is valued at an amount at least equal to the required bond amount.
(c) The defendant may choose between the following alternatives as to the disposition of his bond property:
Nothing in the field bond procedures shall affect or diminish the authority of a law enforcement officer to seize any item taken or used in violation of this Code or regulation promulgated thereunder.
Within three (3) business days of being posted all cash bonds shall be deposited in a trust account established by the Colville Tribal Court for disposition as provided by this Chapter.
All bond property shall be deposited with the Tribal Court for placement in secure storage within twenty-four (24) hours, excluding weekends and holidays, of being posted.
Any law enforcement officer who has followed the procedures of this subchapter may use any reasonable force necessary to seize bond property from a defendant who refuses to comply with the bond procedures provided by this subchapter.
2-3-120 Civil Action When any Ordinance or regulation of the Colville Confederated Tribes, other than an infraction violation, shall provide for the assessment of a civil fine or penalty against any person, association, partnership, company, or corporation for the violation of such tribal Ordinance or regulation, the Tribes shall proceed against such individual or group by civil complaint under the applicable civil action procedures of this Code. The Colville Confederated Tribes in such action shall have the burden of showing by a preponderance of the evidence that such person or group violated the applicable Ordinance or regulation. If it is determined in a civil action under this subchapter that the defendant violated the applicable Ordinance or regulation, the court shall impose a civil penalty of not less than $25.00 nor more that $5000.00 against the defendant. (Amended
7/1 1/02, Resolution 2002-417)
2-3-150 Forfeiture, Generally Property shall be forfeited to the Colville Confederated Tribes pursuant to this subchapter when it is found to be "contraband." Contraband is defined as property which was or is:
Upon a presentation of a written or oral complaint based upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, it shall be made to appear to the judge that contraband as defined in this subchapter is possessed or used on the Reservation, the judge shall issue a warrant directed to any law enforcement officer, commanding him to search for and seize any such contraband, to keep it safely and to make a return of the warrant within three (3) days showing all acts and things done thereunder, with a specification of all contraband seized and the name of the person in whose possession it was found, if any. No warrant for search and seizure of contraband shall be valid unless it contains a description of the property to be seized and bears the signature of a judge of the Tribal Court. A law enforcement officer may search or seize contraband as defined in this subchapter without a warrant in circumstances under which warrantless searches and seizures are permitted by federal law. The officer shall keep such contraband safely and report the seizure to a judge of the Tribal Court within three (3) days after seizure, showing all acts and things done, with a specification of all contraband seized and the name of the person in whose possession it was found, if any.
(a) If the property seized under the provision of this subchapter is seized pursuant to a lawful arrest for violation of this Code, then upon conviction of the person arrested or upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence of the judge that the property is contraband, the judge shall order the contraband to be destroyed immediately, or disposed of and all proceeds therefrom shall be the sole property of the Tribes. If the property may be adapted to any lawful use, it shall be forfeited to the Tribes for their use. (b) If the property seized under the provision of this subchapter is not seized pursuant to a lawful arrest for violation of this Code, then a hearing shall be held within ten (10) days after such seizure, and notice of such hearing shall be given in writing to the person in whose possession the property was found, if any. If the owner or possessor of the property is not known, then such notice of hearing shall be posted for ten (10) days in a public manner on the premises from which the property was seized. Upon a finding by a preponderance of the evidence of the judge that the property is contraband, the judge shall order the contraband to be destroyed immediately, or disposed of, and all proceeds therefrom shall be the sole property of the Tribes. If the property may be adapted to any lawful use, it shall be forfeited to the Tribes for their use. (c) If the property seized under the provisions of this subchapter is not found to be contraband pursuant to this section, it shall be immediately returned to the person(s) from whom it was taken. In such case, no storage, impoundment or other charges shall be assessed against the owner or person from whom the property was taken. (July 2002 version of Chapter 2-3)
2-4-1 Administrative Procedure Act Limited in Its Application |