{"id":375521,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:15","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/north-dakota-law\/north-dakota-child-abuse-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-10T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T05:00:00","slug":"north-dakota-child-abuse-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-dakota-law\/north-dakota-child-abuse-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"North Dakota Child Abuse Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">North Dakota Child Abuse Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/natalie-moritz\/\">Natalie Moritz<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 10, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>North Dakota child abuse laws aim to protect children from harm and ensure their safety and well-being. These laws define child abuse as any action (or inaction) by an adult\u2014often a family member\u2014that jeopardizes a minor&#8217;s health or welfare. This includes physical or sexual abuse and neglect.<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>North Dakota Century Code (NDCC) <a href=\"https:\/\/ndlegis.gov\/api\/cencode\/t50c25-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chapter 50-25.1<\/a> outlines the state\u2019s legal framework for child abuse and neglect. These statutes govern:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Definitions of abuse and neglect<\/li>\r\n<li>Mandated reporting procedures<\/li>\r\n<li>The child abuse investigation processes<\/li>\r\n<li>How state services protect children and address situations of abuse or neglect in families<\/li>\r\n<li>And more<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Interpreting child abuse and neglect statutes can be confusing. Contact a North Dakota <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/north-dakota\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense attorney<\/a> if you need clarification or guidance.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article details child abuse and neglect laws in North Dakota. Learn about definitions, reporting, and penalties at a glance. The chart provided also contains links to full statutes.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Reporting Requirements: Who is a Mandatory Reporter in North Dakota?<\/h2>\r\n<p>State <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/mandatory-reporting-laws-child-abuse-and-neglect.html\">mandatory reporting<\/a> laws require certain individuals with close or regular access to children to report any credible suspicions of child abuse to the authorities.<\/p>\r\n<p>North Dakota law designates certain professionals with knowledge of suspected child abuse or neglect to report <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/cfs\/cps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">to the appropriate department<\/a>. Mandated reporters in North Dakota include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Healthcare workers (this even includes optometrists, dental hygienists, and medical examiners)<\/li>\r\n<li>Mental health professionals<\/li>\r\n<li>Clergy members, religious leaders, and practitioners of healing arts<\/li>\r\n<li>School teachers, principals, and other&#8230; educational professionals<\/li>\r\n<li>Law enforcement<\/li>\r\n<li>Social workers and other social services workers<\/li>\r\n<li>Childcare workers<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>See the statute for a <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-50-public-welfare\/nd-cent-code-sect-50-25-1-03.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">full list of mandated reporters<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>To make a report, call the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/cfs\/cps#:~:text=Neglect%20Reporting%20Line-,Reporting%20Suspected%20Child%20Abuse%20or%20Neglect,Child%20Abuse%20%26%20Neglect%20Reporting%20Line.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Child Abuse &amp; Neglect Reporting Line<\/a>&nbsp;at 1-833-958-3500. The state also provides an <a href=\"https:\/\/apps.nd.gov\/itd\/recmgmt\/rm\/stFrm\/eforms\/Doc\/sfn00960.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online form<\/a>. If you use the online form, you must fax it to the ND Child Protection Services Central Intake Unit at 701-328-0361 or drop it off at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/service-locations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">human service zone office<\/a> in the county where the child lives.<\/p>\r\n<h2>What Happens After a Child Abuse Report in North Dakota?<\/h2>\r\n<p>The North Dakota Department of Human Services investigates reports of abuse. It has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/service-locations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">service locations throughout the state<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>After a report, child protective services professionals gather information and facts. Then, local child protective services workers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/sites\/www\/files\/documents\/DHS%20Legacy\/broch-what-happen-next.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">assess and act on the report<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n<p>Under North Dakota law, the name of the person who made the report is confidential.<\/p>\r\n<h2>North Dakota Child Abuse Laws at a Glance<\/h2>\r\n<p>The following table provides an overview of child abuse laws in North Dakota and links to relevant statutes.<\/p>\r\n<p><i>Note: State laws are always subject to change at any time through the enactment of new legislation, voter-approved ballot initiatives, or other means. Contact a <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/north-dakota\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>North Dakota criminal defense attorney<\/i><\/a><i> or <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/north-dakota\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>family law attorney<\/i><\/a><i>\u2014or conduct your own legal research\u2014to verify the state law(s) you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<table cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"7\" border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody><tr><td><b>Code Section<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><a href=\"https:\/\/ndlegis.gov\/api\/cencode\/t50c25-1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 50-25.1, et seq.<\/a><\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><b>What Constitutes Abuse<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-50-public-welfare\/nd-cent-code-sect-50-25-1-02.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 50-25.1-02<\/a><br>\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-14-domestic-relations-and-persons\/nd-cent-code-sect-14-09-22\/\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 14-09-22<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Suffering from serious physical harm or traumatic abuse caused other than by accidental means including sexual abuse, assault, exploitation, corruption, or solicitation<\/p>\r\n<p>The statute\u2019s definition of abuse and neglect also includes:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Lacking proper care or control, subsistence, and education as required by law, not primarily due to lack of financial means<\/li>\r\n<li>Being placed for care or adoption in violation of the law<\/li>\r\n<li>Abandonment<\/li>\r\n<li>Needing juvenile treatment and caregiver refusing to participate in treatment as ordered by the juvenile court<\/li>\r\n<li>Prenatal exposure to alcohol misuse or any controlled substance not lawfully prescribed<\/li>\r\n<li>Subjecting the child to exposure to a controlled substance, chemical substance, or drug paraphernalia (including marijuana)<\/li>\r\n<li>Human trafficking<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><b>Responsibility for the Child<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-50-public-welfare\/nd-cent-code-sect-50-25-1-02.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 50-25.1-02<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>North Dakota law specifies who is responsible for the child\u2019s welfare, care, and supervision. Persons responsible for the child include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>The child&#8217;s parent, an adult family member of the child<\/li>\r\n<li>Any member of the child&#8217;s household<\/li>\r\n<li>The child&#8217;s guardian or the foster parent<\/li>\r\n<li>Any person providing care for the child in school or childcare<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><b>Grounds for Placing Child in Protective Custody<\/b><br>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-50-public-welfare\/nd-cent-code-sect-50-25-1-07.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 50-25.1-07<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Any physician examining a child with respect to whom abuse or neglect is known or suspected, after reasonable attempts to advise the parents, guardian, or other person having responsibility for the care of the child that the physician suspects has been abused or neglected, may keep the child in the custody of the hospital or medical facility for not to exceed 96 hours.<\/p>\r\n<p>They must also immediately notify the juvenile court and the department in order that child protective proceedings may be instituted. &nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><b>Child Abuse Charge Classifications and Penalties<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-14-domestic-relations-and-persons\/nd-cent-code-sect-14-09-22\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 14-09-22<\/a><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>If a parent, guardian, or adult household member intentionally causes mental or physical harm to a child, they can be charged with a Class C felony. If the child is under six years old, it&#8217;s a Class B felony.<\/li>\r\n<li>If someone paid to care for a child (like in a daycare setting) abuses the child, they can be charged with a Class B felony. If this caregiver commits a sex crime against the child, they will face the penalties for sex crimes.<\/li>\r\n<li>If a child suffers permanent damage to a body part or organ because of the abuse, the abuser can be charged with a Class B felony (or Class A felony if the child is under six years old).<\/li>\r\n<li>Anyone found guilty of child abuse under this law will serve at least one year in prison.<\/li>\r\n<li>The court will order anyone convicted of child abuse to undergo evaluations for parenting skills, mental health, anger management, or other treatment programs.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><b>Mandatory Reporting Required By<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-50-public-welfare\/nd-cent-code-sect-50-25-1-03.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 50-25.1-03<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Physician, nurse, dentist, optometrist, coroner, medical or mental health professional, religious practitioner, school teacher\/administrator, social worker, daycare center worker, police\/law enforcement officer, addiction counselor, school counselor, member of the clergy<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><b>Basis of Report of Abuse or Neglect<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-50-public-welfare\/nd-cent-code-sect-50-25-1-01.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 50-25.1-01<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Having knowledge or reasonable cause to suspect that a child is abused or neglected or has died as a result of abuse or neglect<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><b>To Whom Reported<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nd\/title-50-public-welfare\/nd-cent-code-sect-50-25-1-03.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDCC 50-25.1-03<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Make reports to the Department of Human Services or its designee. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><b>Penalty for Failure to Report or False Reporting<\/b><\/td>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"http:\/\/50-25.1-13\/\">NDCC 50-25.1-13<\/a><\/p>\r\n<p>Class B misdemeanor; unless made to law enforcement officer, then Class A misdemeanor; willfully make false report, also liable for all civil damages including exemplary damages<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<h2>Learn More: North Dakota Child Abuse Laws and Resources<\/h2>\r\n<p>Use the links below to learn more about North Dakota child abuse laws and find related resources.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-dakota-law.html\">North Dakota Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/north-dakota-law\/north-dakota-family-laws.html\">North Dakota Family Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-abuse-defenses.html\">Child Abuse Defenses<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-abuse-penalties-and-sentencing.html\">Child Abuse Penalties and Sentencing<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/child-neglect.html\">Child Neglect<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/family-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a Family Law Attorney<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childhelphotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Childhelp National Abuse Hotline<\/a> (hotline 1-800-422-4453)<\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hhs.nd.gov\/cfs\/cps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">North Dakota Child Protection Program<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Child Abuse Issue in North Dakota? Get Legal Help<\/h2>\r\n<p>Child abuse, neglect, and sexual exploitation are serious crimes. If you are facing issues related to child abuse in North Dakota, it&#8217;s crucial to seek professional legal guidance. You can also face serious criminal penalties for not reporting suspected abuse or neglect.<\/p>\r\n<p>Contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/north-dakota\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">criminal defense attorney<\/a> in your area to understand your legal rights and options.<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M6 21H3C2.46957 21 1.96086 20.7893 1.58579 20.4142C1.21071 20.0391 1 19.5304 1 19V12C1 11.4696 1.21071 10.9609 1.58579 10.5858C1.96086 10.2107 2.46957 10 3 10H6M13 8V4C13 3.20435 12.6839 2.44129 12.1213 1.87868C11.5587 1.31607 10.7956 1 10 1L6 10V21H17.28C17.7623 21.0055 18.2304 20.8364 18.5979 20.524C18.9654 20.2116 19.2077 19.7769 19.28 19.3L20.66 10.3C20.7035 10.0134 20.6842 9.72068 20.6033 9.44225C20.5225 9.16382 20.3821 8.90629 20.1919 8.68751C20.0016 8.46873 19.7661 8.29393 19.5016 8.17522C19.2371 8.0565 18.9499 7.99672 18.66 8H13Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\"\n                              stroke-linejoin=\"round\"><\/path>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3418\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"><\/rect>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"No\"\n                value=\"no\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">No<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-down\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3423)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                              d=\"M16 0.999995H18.67C19.236 0.989986 19.7859 1.18813 20.2154 1.55681C20.645 1.9255 20.9242 2.43905 21 3V10C20.9242 10.5609 20.645 11.0745 20.2154 11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Defense attorneys can help protect your rights\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many North Dakota attorneys offer free consultations.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum\" title=\"Criminal Defense Lawyer Directory\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">If you need an attorney, find one right now.<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                src=\"https://www.findlaw.com/static/c/images\/images\/w_1200,c_limit,dpr_auto\/f_auto,q_auto:eco\/v1745902396\/ability-law\/wp-prod\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1\/general-components-subscribe-module-Image-subscribeModule_1.png?_i=AA\"\n                alt=\"\"\n                loading=\"lazy\"\n            \/>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-content fl-flex fl-flex-wrap\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-text fl-mb25\">\n            <h4 class=\"fl-no-margin\">Enter your email address to subscribe<\/h4>\n        <\/div>\n\n        <form class=\"email-subscription-content-form\">\n            <input type=\"hidden\" name=\"distributionList\" value=\"latl\" \/>\n            <label for=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" class=\"fl-text-sm-bold\">Email (Required)<\/label>\n            <div class=\"email-subscription-content-form-group\">\n                <input id=\"email-subscription-content-form-group-input\" name=\"email\" autocomplete=\"email\"\/>\n                <button type=\"submit\" aria-label=\"Submit\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-success subscribe-success-message fl-text-sm-bold\" aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"status\">Thank you for subscribing!<\/p>\n            <p class=\"email-subscription-content-form-error subscribe-error-message fl-text-sm-bold\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/p>\n\n            <div id=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha\" class=\"email-subscription-content-form-recaptcha subscribe-recaptcha\"\n                data-sitekey=\"0x4AAAAAAABGBEkK9kEeKxO-\"><\/div>\n        <\/form>\n\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-content-footer fl-text-sm\">\n            <p><a href=\"https:\/\/newsletters.findlaw.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Learn more about FindLaw\u2019s newsletters<\/a>, including our terms of use and privacy policy.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"general-list\">\n    <h3>Helpful Links<\/h3>\n    <ul class=\"fl-list fl-no-margin\">\n                                    <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state.html\">\n                        Find Your State&#8217;s Laws\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/all-topics.html\">\n                        View All State Law Topics\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                                                <li class=\"fl-list-item fl-flex\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    <a class=\"fl-list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/statutes-of-limitations.html\">\n                        State Statutes of Limitations\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/li>\n                        <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"popularDirectory\">\n        <div class=\"general-popular-directory \">\n            <div class=\"general-popular-directory-title\">\n                <h3>Popular Directory Searches<\/h3>\n            <\/div>\n            <ul>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Criminal Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Domestic Violence Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Crime Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/dui-dwi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DUI\/DWI Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/sex-crime\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sex Offenses Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Litigation and Appeals Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                                    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/white-collar-crimes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">White Collar Crimes Lawyers<\/a><\/li>\n                            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw details North Dakota child abuse and neglect laws. Find state statutes and information on penalties, mandatory reporters, and more.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41135,"featured_media":0,"parent":375508,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"app\/Http\/Controllers\/Templates\/ArticleWithBreadcrumbsController.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":true,"_modified_date":"","_autodraft_ids":[],"_cloudinary_featured_overwrite":false,"_sb_is_suggestion_mode":false,"_sb_show_suggestion_boards":false,"_sb_show_comment_boards":false,"_sb_suggestion_history":"","_sb_update_block_changes":"","_is_real_time_mode":false,"_realtime_collaborators":"","footnotes":"","cf_checklist_status":[]},"categories":[2743],"tags":[],"state_laws_tags":[3285,3293],"flmsa":[],"class_list":["post-375521","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","category-state","state_laws_tags-statelaws_35_1","state_laws_tags-statelaws_35_2"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/375521","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/41135"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=375521"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/375521\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/375508"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=375521"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=375521"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=375521"},{"taxonomy":"state_laws_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/state_laws_tags?post=375521"},{"taxonomy":"flmsa","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/law-api\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/flmsa?post=375521"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}