Can a complaint be filed against a constable for rape?

Full question:

I live in North Dakota. I was detained in the prison for a night for rash driving. One of the constables forced himself on me and had sex with me while the other constables were away for rounds. Can I file a complaint against the constable for such an act?

  • Category: Criminal
  • Subcategory: Statutory Rape
  • Date:
  • State: North Dakota

Answer:

In North Dakota, rape includes any sexual contact including nonconsensual sexual activity that the defendant knew is offensive and criminalized under the law.

Per North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-20-07:
 
“1. A person who knowingly has sexual contact with another person, or who causes another person to have sexual contact with that person, is guilty of an offense if:
     a. That person knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the contact is offensive to the other person;
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     d. The other person is in official custody or detained in a hospital, prison, or other institution and the actor has supervisory or disciplinary authority over that other person;
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2. The offense is a class C felony if the actor's conduct violates subdivision b, c, d, or e of subsection 1, or subdivision f of subsection 1 if the adult is at least twenty-two years of age…”

Therefore, you may file a complaint against the constable because he has committed a sexual offense under North Dakota law. He may be found guilty of a felony. 
 

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

In North Dakota, assault is defined under North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-17-01. It includes causing bodily injury to another person or attempting to cause injury. There are different degrees of assault, including simple assault, which is a Class B misdemeanor, and aggravated assault, which is a Class C felony if it involves serious bodily injury or the use of a weapon. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.