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Law and Order Code of the Fort McDowell
Yavapai Community, Arizona
Adopted by
Resolution No. 90-30
July 9, 1990 and Subsequently Amended
[Includes amendments dated 2000.]
Approved
by Area Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Phoenix Area Office
October 16, 1990
CHAPTER 5 - CIVIL AND CRIMINAL
PROCEDURE
Art. I. In General, §§ 5-1 - 5-10
Art. II. Civil Procedure, §§ 5-11 - 5-30
Art. III. Criminal Procedure, §§ 5-31 - 5-49
Art. IV. Receivers, §§ 5-50 - 5-60
ARTICLE I. IN GENERAL
Sec. 5-1.
APPLICATION OF LAW.
In all actions before the courts of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Community,
the law of the Fort McDowell Community shall be controlling. The law of the
Community consists of the Law and Order Code and the common law of the
Community. The common law of the Community is composed of both the customary law
of the community and the rules of law and decisions of the Community Court.
In cases where the Law and Order Code is silent as to an issue of procedural
law, the court may, in its discretion, use procedural rules or laws of the
United States to fashion a remedy.
In determining issues of law the Community Court may use as a resource cases
decided by the courts (1) of the Indian tribes, (2) of the United States, and
(3) of the several states and territories of the United States.
(Sec. 5-1 amended by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 93-12, Feb. 24, 1993.)
(Sec. 5-2 - 5-10. Reserved.)
Sec. 5-2. CRIME VICTIMS' RIGHTS
1. Definitions
- Victim.
As used in this section, a "victim" is defined as a person against
whom a criminal offense as defined by § 5-2(1)(b) has allegedly been
committed, or the spouse parent, lawful representative, or child of someone
killed or incapacitated by the alleged criminal offense, except where the
spouse, parent, lawful representative, or child is also the accused. With
regards to the rights to be notified and to be heard pursuant to this
section, a person ceases to be a victim upon the acquittal of the defendant
or upon the dismissal of the charges against the defendant as a final
disposition. If a victim is in custody for an offense, the victim's right to
be heard pursuant to this section is satisfied through affording the victim
the opportunity to submit a written statement, where legally permissible and
in the discretion of the court. A victim not in custody may exercise his or
her right to be heard pursuant to this section by appearing personally or,
where legally permissible and in the discretion of the court, by submitting
a written statement, an audiotape or videotape. The victims' rights of any
corporation, partnership, association, or other similar legal entity shall
be limited as provided by statute.
- Criminal
offense. As used in this section, a "criminal offense" is
defined as conduct that gives a peace officer or prosecutor probable cause
to believe that an adult or child has violated any one of the ordinances in
Chapter 6, Articles III, IV, V, VII, §§ 6-3, 6-5, 6-31, 6-36, 6-37 or
6-111.
- Criminal
proceedings. As used in this section, a "criminal proceeding"
is defined as a trial, hearing (including hearing before trial), oral
argument, or other matter scheduled and held before a trial court at which
the defendant has the right to be present, or any post-conviction
proceeding.
- Custodial
agency. As used in this section, a "custodial agency" is
defined as a tribal law enforcement officer or tribal detention facility
having custody of a person who is arrested or is in custody for a criminal
offense.
2. Victims'
Rights. These provisions shall be construed to preserve and protect a
victim's rights to justice and due process. This section does not limit any
rights guaranteed in section 11-83. A victim shall have and be entitled to
assert each of the following rights:
- Victims'
responsibility. Victims have the right to be notified of the status of
any criminal proceedings and to have the right to be heard at such
proceedings. The crime victim advocate must inform the victim of the rights
available. The rights are invoked by the victim, who must maintain an
updated address and/or contact information with the relevant agency in order
for the rights to apply.
- Notice of
initial appearance. The victim has the right to be notified of the date,
time and place of the initial appearance.
- Notice of
terms and conditions of release. Upon request, the custodial agency or
the prosecutor shall give the victim notice of the terms and conditions of
release of the accused.
- Pretrial
notice. The prosecutor shall give the victim notice of her victim
rights, the charge(s), the procedural steps, what the victim must do and a
contact person. If the prosecutor decides to drop the case, she must notify
the victim and tell her why. The victim can request to confer with the
prosecutor prior to dismissing the charges.
- Notice of
criminal proceedings. The prosecutor shall pass on notice of proceedings
as received from the court.
- Notice of
conviction, acquittal or dismissal and impact statement.
Within 15 days of the conviction, acquittal or dismissal, the prosecutor
shall notify the victim. If the defendant is convicted, the prosecutor shall
notify the victim of the right to submit an impact statement and what it
should contain.
- Notice of
post-conviction review and appellate proceedings.
Within 15 days, the prosecutor shall notify the victim of the sentence and
give them a form to request release information. Any change in the sentence
due to post-conviction proceedings or appellate review must be passed on to
the victim.
- Notice of
release on bond or escape. The custodial agency shall, on request,
notify the victim of release or escape and recapture of the defendant.
- Notice of
prisoner's status. The custodial agency shall, on request, notify the
victim of the release date.
- Notice of
post-conviction release. The victim has, on request, a right to be
notified of and heard at any meeting of the parole board concerning the
defendant.
- Notice of
probation modification. The victim has, on request, a right to be
notified of any probation revocation hearing.
- Notice of
release, discharge or escape from a mental health treatment agency. Upon
notice of such release, discharge or escape, the tribal agency or crime
victim advocate must, on request, give the victim ten days notice of the
release or immediate notice of escape of a patient.
- Victim's
property. The victim's property that is being used as evidence shall be
returned as soon as possible after final disposition of the criminal
proceeding.
- Privileged
information.
- A crime
victim advocate shall not disclose as a witness or otherwise any
communication except compensation or restitution information between
herself and the victim unless the victim consents in writing to the
disclosure.
- Unless the
victim consents in writing to the disclosure, a crime victim advocate
shall not disclose records, notes, documents, correspondence, reports or
memoranda, except compensation or restitution information, that contain
opinions, theories or other information made while advising, counseling
or assisting the victim or that are based on the communication between
the victim and the advocate.
- The
communication is not privileged if the crime victim advocate knows that
the victim will give or has given perjured testimony or if the
communication contains exculpatory material.
- A
defendant may make a motion for disclosure of privileged information. If
the court finds there is reasonable cause to believe the material is
exculpatory, the court shall hold a hearing in camera. Material that the
court finds is exculpatory shall be disclosed to the defendant.
- If, with
the consent of the victim, the crime victim advocate discloses to the
prosecutor or a law enforcement agency any communication between the
victim and the crime victim advocate or any records, notes, documents,
correspondence, reports or memoranda, the prosecutor or law enforcement
agent shall disclose such material to the defendant's attorney only if
such information is otherwise discoverable.
- Notwithstanding
the provisions of subsections 1 and 2, if a crime victim advocate is
employed or authorized by a prosecutor's office, the advocate may
disclose information to the prosecutor with the oral consent of the
victim.
- Victim
protections. The court shall provide appropriate safeguards to minimize
contact between the victim and the accused. The protection extends to
witnesses and family and covers the defendant's family and witnesses as
well. The victim can petition to revoke the bond of the accused if he is
harassing her or her immediate family. The victim has the right to refuse an
interview with the defendant or his attorney or to set limits on the
interview. After charges are filed, defense initiated requests to interview
the victim shall be communicated to the victim through the prosecutor. The
victim's response to such requests shall also be communicated through the
prosecutor. At any interview or deposition to be conducted by defense
counsel, the victim has the right to specify a reasonable date, time,
duration and location of the interview or deposition, including a
requirement that the interview or deposition be held at the victim's home,
at the prosecutor's office, or in an appropriate location in the courthouse.
The victim does not have to divulge her address, phone number, employment or
other locating information in court.
ARTICLE
II. CIVIL PROCEDURE
Sec. 5-11.
COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION.
Actions shall be commenced in the Fort McDowell Tribal Court by filing of a
claim, in concise form and free of technicalities. The plaintiff or his lay
advocate shall verify the claim by oath or affirmation in the form provided by
the clerk of the court or its equivalent, and shall sign it. When a claim is
filed, the clerk of the community court shall write upon the original of it the
day and hour on which it was filed and shall immediately issue a summons. The
summons shall be in the form prescribed by the community court and shall be
signed by the clerk and be under the seal of the court.
Sec. 5-12. PREPARATION OF CLAIM.
The clerk shall,
at the request of any individual, give reasonable assistance in preparing the
claim and other papers required to be filed in an action under this chapter.
Sec. 5-13. SERVICE OF PROCESS.
The summons and complaint shall be served together. Service shall be made as
follows:
- Service
upon individuals. Upon any individual by delivering a copy of the
summons and of the complaint to him or her personally or by leaving copies
of the summons and complaint at his dwelling, house or usual place of abode
with some person of suitable age and discretion residing in such place.
- Service
upon resident individuals, corporations, partnerships, etc. When the
defendant is a resident of this community or is a corporation doing business
in this community, or is a person, partnership, corporation or
unincorporated association subject to suit in a common name which has caused
an event to occur in this community out of which the claim which is the
subject of the complaint arose, service may be made as herein provided, and
when so made shall be of the same effect as personal service within the
community.
- A copy of
the summons and complaint shall be forwarded to the superintendent of
the reservation where the defendant is enrolled or found to be residing
and there the summons and complaint shall be served by an appropriate
officer.
- A copy of
the summons and complaint shall be mailed by certified mail, return
receipt requested, to the defendant's last known post office address by
the clerk of the community court.
- Time
limit upon answer. The defendant shall have thirty (30) days in
which to answer the complaint from the time of the completed service.
- Completion
of service. Service of summons and complaint shall be attested to by
an affidavit of the officer who personally served the summons and complaint
or by affidavit of the clerk of the court who mailed the summons and
complaint. Service shall be complete at the time personal service is made
(or at the time of mailing, if mailing is the method of service) providing
an affidavit of service or mailing is filed with the clerk within ten (10)
days after service is made. If such an affidavit is not filed within ten
(10) days after service is made, then service shall be deemed complete from
the date of the filing of such affidavit.
- Delivery
of papers to law department. Upon the issuance of a summons by the
clerk of the court or upon the issuance of an order or notice of hearing by
a judge of the court, the clerk of the court shall deliver the notice, order
or summons and complaint to the chief officer of the law department of the
Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Community or his designated agent for service
of said papers or to such other person appointed by the chief judge to serve
process within the community.
- Personal
service. The court bailiff, chief officer of the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Indian Community Law Department or his designated agent or
other duty designated process server shall personally serve the order,
notice or summons and complaint received from the Fort McDowell Tribal
Court, upon the person or persons designated.
- Time
limit upon service of notice. Service of the notice of hearing must
be completed at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the scheduled hearing
in proceedings before the juvenile division of the Courts of the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Indian Community or as otherwise provided in Chapter 11 of
this Code.
Sec. 5-14. SET-OFF OR COUNTERCLAIM.
A defendant may assert a set-off to the plaintiffs complaint in his answer and
may file a counterclaim against the plaintiff with his answer. If a counterclaim
is filed by the defendant, the plaintiff shall have ten (10) days to file a
reply to the counterclaim.
Sec. 5-15. TITLE, PLEADING, FORMS.
There shall be a claim (or complaint) and an answer which may include a
counterclaim; and there shall be a reply to a counterclaim. No other pleading
may be allowed without special order of the community court, and no action shall
be barred because it was not brought within the scope of the original action if
such action could not have been brought under this rule without special order of
the community court. The pleading permitted shall be in substantial compliance
with the official foams adopted.
Sec. 5-16. JUDGMENT BY DEFAULT.
Upon failure of the defendant to answer the complaint within the time permitted
by law, the plaintiff shall be entitled to a judgment for the amount claimed in
the complaint upon proof satisfactory to the court that the amount is correct.
The court may give judgment in any lesser proved amount.
Sec. 5-17. NOTICE OF TRIAL.
Within ten (10) days after the final pleading is filed in an action, the clerk
shall furnish the parties with a memorandum of the hour and day set for the
trial, which time shall be not less than thirty (30) days nor more than sixty
(60) days from the date of the filing of the final pleading in the action. The
court may extend the time of the trial for good cause, upon request of one or
more parties to the case, or upon its own motion.
Sec. 5-18. DISCOVERY OF INFORMATION.
Either party may, by notice to the other party, request the other party to
answer questions presented in writing, to turn over copies of documents or
photographs, or to admit or deny statements made in writing. Such questions,
requests for production of documents, and requests for admission or denial shall
be made by filing an original of the question or request with the clerk of the
community court and by mailing a copy to the other party. The party receiving
such copy shall have ten (10) days from the time of receipt to make reply. If no
reply is made within the time required, the community court may, upon request of
the party applying and notice given to the other party, grant judgment for the
moving party, subject to proof as required in section 5-16.
Sec. 5-19. WITNESSES.
The clerk of the community court shall, at the request of the party, cause a
subpoena to be issued to produce a witness at the time of trial of any case.
Upon similar request, the clerk of the community court shall cause a subpoena
duces tecum to be issued to require the presence of documents at the trial of
the case. The community court shall adopt a uniform form of subpoena and
subpoena duces tecum. The subpoena or subpoena duces tecum shall be served by
the community police in the same manner as a summons and complaint are served.
Witnesses subpoenaed shall be paid ten dollars ($10.00) per day and traveling
expenses as determined by the court. Payment of witness fees and expenses shall
be borne by the party requesting issuance of the subpoena.
Sec. 5-20. SERVICE OF ANSWER, COUNTERCLAIM, REPLY AND REQUESTS.
All papers required to be filed with the clerk, except summonses and complaints,
shall be served upon the other party by mailing such papers at the time of
filing to the other party by ordinary mail. All papers which may be served by
ordinary mail shall have noted on the originals filed by the party a statement
that copies were mailed, the date mailed, to whom mailed and at what address and
signed by the party filing the paper.
Sec. 5-21. CONCILIATION AND SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTE.
Immediately before the trial of any case, the community judge shall make an
earnest effort to settle the controversy by conciliation. If the community judge
fails to induce the parties to settle their difference without a trial, he shall
proceed with the trial upon the merits, or set a date for trial within thirty
(30) days.
Sec. 5-22. FAILURE OF PARTIES TO APPEAR.
If at the time set for trial the defendant fails to appear, judgment may be
entered for the plaintiff by default as above provided. If at the time set for
trial the plaintiff fails to appear, the suit may be dismissed for want of
prosecution or defendant may proceed to a trial on the merits, or the case may
be continued for further proceedings on a later date, as the community judge may
direct. If both parties fail to appear, the community judge may continue the
case for further proceedings at a later date, or order the same dismissed for
want of prosecution, or make any other just and proper disposition thereof as
justice may require.
Sec. 5-23. PROCEDURE.
The parties with witnesses shall be sworn. The community judge shall conduct the
trial in such manner as to do substantial justice between the parties and
according to the rules of the court.
Sec. 5-24. JUDGMENTS AND DAMAGES.
- Time
of making judgment. The court shall make and enter findings of fact,
conclusions of law and a judgment within ten (10) days after trial has been
concluded. The court may, on its own motion, extend the time for the making
and entering of findings of fact, conclusions of law, and judgment in those
situations in which the court in writing determines that a post-trial
investigation or supplementary hearing or proceedings are required. An
extension of time within which to make and enter findings of fact,
conclusions of law and judgment shall not exceed thirty (30) days.
- Judgments
in civil actions generally. In civil cases, judgments may consist of
an order of the court awarding money damages to be paid to the injured
party, or directing the surrender of certain property to the injured party,
or the performance of some other act for the benefit of the injured party.
In actions for divorce, annulment or separate maintenance, the court may
enter such judgments as are consistent with Chapter 10 of this Code.
- Damages
in cases of bodily injury or property damages. Where the injury
inflicted was the result of negligence of the defendant, the judgment shall
fairly compensate the injured party for the loss he has suffered.
- Damages
in cases involving contracts. The common law is adopted in assessing
damages in cases involving contracts as modified by traditional
understanding of justice in the community.
- Mitigated
damages. Where both the complainant and the defendant were at fault,
the judgment shall compensate the injured party for a reasonable part of the
loss he has suffered.
- Costs.
The court may assess the accruing costs of the case based on a cost
statement prepared by the prevailing party, against the party or parties
against whom judgment is entered, such costs are limited to fees paid to the
clerk of the court, service of process, jury fees, witness fees, and
deposition transcript charges.
- Payment
of judgments from individual Indian moneys. Whenever the Fort
McDowell Tribal Court shall have ordered payment of money damages to a party
and the losing party refuses to make such payment within the time set for
payment by the court and when the losing party has sufficient funds to his
credit at the agency office to pay all or part of such judgment, the
superintendent may certify to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs the record
of the case and theamount of the available fiends. If the Commissioner of
Indian Affairs so directs, the disbursing agent shall pay over to the party
entitled by judgment to it, the amount of the judgment or such lesser amount
as may be specified by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs from the account
of the delinquent party. A judgment shall be considered a lawful debt in all
proceedings to distribute decedent's estate.
- Stay of
entry and of execution; installment payment. When judgment is to be
rendered and the party against whom it is to be entered requests it, the
community judge shall inquire fully into the earnings and financial status
of such party and shall have full discretionary power to stay the entry of
judgment, and to stay execution, except in cases involving wage claims, and
to order partial payments in such amounts, over such periods and upon such
terms as shall seem just under the circumstances and as will ensure a
definite and steady reduction of the judgment until it is finally and
completely satisfied. Upon a showing that such party has failed to meet any
installment payment without just excuse, the stay of execution shall be
vacated. When no stay of execution has been vacated as provided herein, the
party in whose favor the judgment has been entered shall have the right to
avail himself of all remedies otherwise available in the community court for
the enforcement of judgments, including the issuance of a writ of execution.
- Judgment
for wages; examination; payment. In all cases in which the judgment
is founded in whole or in part on a claim for wages or personal services,
the community judge shall, upon motion of the party obtaining judgment,
order the appearance of the party against whom such judgment has been
entered, but not more often than once every four (4) weeks for oral
examination under oath as to his financial status and his ability to pay
such judgment and the community judge shall make such supplementary orders
as may seem just and proper to effectuate the payment of the judgment upon
reasonable terms.
(Sec. 5-24,
subsec. (f) amended by Resolution No. Ft McD. 93-12, Feb. 24, 1993.)
Sec. 5-25. JURIES.
- Jury
trials in Civil Cases. Jury trials may be ordered by the court in
civil cases only upon the stipulation in writing of all of the plaintiffs
and defendants. The court shall have the discretion in cases where such a
stipulation is filed with it to either order a jury trial or not. The
court's order shall not be subject to appeal.
- Jury
Trials in Traffic Violation Cases. There shall be no jury trials in
cases where a person is charged with a traffic violation (1) when the
exclusive penalty is a fine, or (2) when the court determines after a
request for jury trial is made that no penalty of imprisonment shall be
imposed in the event the defendant is found guilty. In cases where the
possibility of imprisonment exists, the defendant shall have the right to
elect a trial by jury.
- Jury
Procedure. All procedures concerning trial by jury as found
in Article III of this Chapter shall apply to this section.
(Subsections (a)
through (c) of Sec. 5-25 amended by Resolution No. A McD. 93-12, effective
February 24, 1993; Subsection (c) of Sec. 5-25 subsequently amended by
Resolution No. Ft. McD. 98-02, effective January 5, 1998.)
(Sec. 5-26 - 5-30. Reserved.)
ARTICLE
III. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Sec. 5-31.
CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS.
- Any
misdemeanor action alleging a violation of tribal criminal law (except
traffic offenses pursuant to Chapter 16) shall be commenced by criminal
complaint. The criminal complaint is a written statement of the essential
facts constituting the offense charged, which shall include the name of the
defendant, a description of the offense, and the approximate date and time
of the offense, and shall list the code provision which defines the
prohibited conduct.
- A criminal
complaint may be signed by an authorized representative of the Tribal
Prosecutor's Office or a duly authorized law enforcement officer who
certifies that he/she has reasonable grounds based on information and belief
that an offense has been committed and that the named defendant committed
the offense.
- A criminal
complaint may be signed by a complaining witness who observes the commission
of an offense in his/her presence and such criminal complaint must also be
signed by an authorized representative of the Tribal Prosecutor's Office.
(Sec. 5-31
(a)-(c) amended by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 95-34, effective Apr. 24, 1995.)
Sec. 5-32. WARRANTS TO APPREHEND; SUSPENSION OF PER CAPITA PAYMENTS PENDING
OUTSTANDING WARRANT
- Any
judge of the Fort McDowell Tribal Court shall have the authority to issue
warrants to be issued at his discretion after a written complaint has been
filed. Service of warrants shall be made by an officer of the community
police, an officer of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or by a bailiff of the
community court appointed by the chief judge to serve warrants. Warrants to
apprehend shall bear the signature of a duly qualified judge of the Fort
McDowell Tribal Court.
- Whenever a
judge of the Fort McDowell Tribal Court issues a warrant, if the offender is
a member of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation and is currently receiving per
capita payments from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, the judge may issue
an order to the Nation suspending per capita payments to the offender until
such time as the offender surrenders himself or herself to the tribal police
and/or has appeared before the court. Reasonable efforts shall be taken to
execute the arrest warrant. If those reasonable efforts are not successful,
then the Fort McDowell Trial Court or its designee shall send by regular
mail a notice to the person's address as listed in the tribal membership
roll stating that the person's per capita payments will be Suspended unless
the person surrenders himself or herself to the tribal police or appears
before the Fort McDowell-Trial Court within ten (10) days from the date of
the notice. At the expiration of ten (10) day notice period, the judge may
issue the order suspending the her capita payments. Once the offender
addresses the warrant, the offender's per capita payments may resume and
he/she will be entitled to collect the per capita payments that were
suspended while the warrant was outstanding.
(Sec. 5-32
amended by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 2000-55,
effective May 30, 2000.)
Sec. 5-33. ARRESTS
- Authority
to arrest. An officer of the Fort McDowell Police Department or of
the Bureau of Indian Affairs shall have the authority to arrest any person
for any violation of an ordinance of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian
Community or a federal law when such offense shall occur in the presence of
the arresting officer, when the arresting officer shall have reasonable
cause to believe that person has committed such offense or when the officer
has a warrant commanding him to apprehend such person.
- Custodial
arrest. When a person is arrested for any violation of the criminal
code of the fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Community, the arrested person
shall be immediately taken into custody in any of the following cases:
- When a
person arrested demands an immediate appearance before a judge.
- When the
person is arrested upon a charge which involves endangerment to any
person or destruction of property.
- When it
reasonably appears to the arresting officer that the person arrested is
about to leave the jurisdiction of the community.
- In any
other event when the person arrested refuses to give his written promise
to appear in court as provided in this section.
- Noncustodial
arrest; notice to appear.
- In any
situation not governed by subsection (b) hereof,the arresting officer
may make a noncustodial arrest by use of the procedures set out in this
subsection.
- When a
person is arrested for any violation of the criminal code of the Fort
McDowell Yavapai Indian Community and that person is not immediately
taken into custody, the arresting officer shall prepare in quadruplicate
written notice to appear in court, containing the name and address of
the person, the offense charged and the time and place when and where
the person shall appear in court. Traffic citation forms may be used as
such notice.
- The time
specified in the notice to appear shall be at least five (5) days after
the arrest unless the person arrested demands an earlier hearing.
- The place
specified in the notice to appear shall be before a judge of the Fort
McDowell Tribal Court.
- The
arrested person, in order to secure release as provided in this section,
shall give his written promise so to appear in court by signing at least
one copy of the written notice prepared by the arresting officer. The
officer shall deliver a copy of the notice to the person promising to
appear. Thereupon, the officer shall forthwith release the person
arrested from custody.
- Violation
of promise to appear, counsel.
- Any person
willfully violating his written promise to appear in court, given as
provided for in this section, is guilty of the charge upon which he was
originally arrested and upon conviction shall be sentenced to
imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months or a fine not to
exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00), or to both such imprisonment and
fine with costs.
- A written
promise to appear in court may be complied with by an appearance by
counsel.
- Procedure
nonexclusive.
- The
provisions of this section, subsections (a) through (d), shall govern
all law enforcement officers in making arrests without a warrant for
violations of this chapter, but the procedure prescribed in this section
shall not otherwise be exclusive to any other method prescribed by law
for the arrest and prosecution of a person for offense of like grade.
- For any
criminal violation alleged to have been committed in violation of the
criminal code of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Community wherein an
officer is not authorized to arrest without a warrant, the officer may
present such alleged violation before a judge in the same manner as any
other misdemeanor and proceed either under a warrant of arrest or a
summons and notice to appear.
Sec. 5-34. SEARCH WARRANTS.
Any judge of the Fort McDowell Tribal Court shall have the authority to issue
warrants for search and seizure of the premises and property of any person under
the jurisdiction of said court. However, no warrant of search and seizure shall
be issued except upon a duly signed and written affidavit based upon reliable
information or belief charging that an offense has been committed. 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 describes the articles or property
to be seized and bears the signature of a duly qualified judge of the Fort
McDowell Tribal Court. Service of warrants of search and seizure shall be made
only by officers of the Bureau of Indian Affairs or the community police. No
policeman shall search or seize any property without a warrant unless he shall
know, or have reasonable cause to believe that the person in possession of such
property is engaged in the commission of an offense under this Code. Unlawful
search and seizure will be deemed trespass and punished in accordance with
section 6-111 of this Code.
Sec. 5-35. ARRAIGNMENT.
Within forty-eight (48) hours after arrest, excluding Friday afternoons,
Saturday, Sundays and holidays, the defendant shall be brought before a judge
who shall inform the defendant of the charges against him and advise him of his
legal rights, including right to counsel and trial by jury and to confront the
witnesses against him. No defendant shall be required to testify against
himself. The defendant shall be given an opportunity to make a plea of
"guilty" or "not guilty." If no plea is made by the accused,
the court shall enter a plea of "not guilty."
- Plea
of "guilty." If the defendant shall make a plea of
"guilty," the judge shall inquire if the defendant has any reason
for not being sentenced at that time. If no reason is advanced, the judge
shall pass sentence forth-with. If the defendant shows good cause why
sentence should not be passed at that time, the judge shall give due
consideration and act thereon within his discretion, considering his oath to
uphold the laws.
- Plea of
"not guilty." The plea is "not guilty,"
the case will be set for trial within ten (10) days. The judge shall set an
appearance bond or release the defendant on his own recognizance. If an
appearance bond is required and the defendant fails to post the required
security, the judge shall place the defendant in custody of the keeper of
the community jail until the date set for the hearing of said case. Upon the
request of the defendant, the court shall continue the time for trial for
the period of time requested by the defendant, but not to exceed thirty (30)
days unless justice requires a longer continuance. The community may request
a continuance of a trial date which may be granted by the court only if
justice requires and the defendant is not in custody for the offense for
which the trial is set, during the continuance.
(Sec. 5-35
amended by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 2000-55,
effective May 30, 2000.)
Sec. 5-36. COMMITMENTS.
Except in the case of an emergency or extraordinary circumstances, no person
shall be detained, jailed or imprisoned under this Code for a longer period than
forty-eight (48) hours unless there is issued a commitment bearing the signature
of a judge of the Fort McDowell Tribal Court. There shall be issued for each
person held for trial a temporary commitment and for each person held after
sentence a final commitment on the forms prescribed. A temporary commitment
shall include a probable cause determination by the judge and the judge shall
make an initial determination for bail or bond pursuant to section 5-37 of this
Code.
(Sec. 5-36 amended by Resolution No. Ft. McD.
2000-55, effective May 30, 2000.)
Sec. 5-37. BAIL OR BOND.
No person charged with an offense before any Fort McDowell Court shall be denied
bail Two (2) reliable members of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Community may
appear before a judge of the Fort McDowell Tribal Court where complaint has been
filed and there execute an agreement to guarantee the appearance of the
defendant at trial by posting a security bond. The defendant may deposit with
the court cash or property to secure his appearance at trial. In no case shall
the penalty or deposit specified in the agreement exceed twice the maximum
penalty set by these ordinances for violation of the offense with which the
accused is charged. A judge may, in his discretion, release a defendant on his
own recognizance.
Sec. 5-38. WITNESSES' SUBPOENAS.
- Issuance.
The clerk of the Fort McDowell Tribal Court may issue subpoenas for the
attendance of witnesses on the request of any of the parties to the case,
which subpoenas shall bear the signature of the clerk issuing it. Any
witness subpoenaed shall be paid ten dollars ($10.00) per day and traveling
expenses as are determined by the court. Payment of witness fees and
expenses shall be borne by the party requesting the issuance of the
subpoena, except that if the court finds that the defendant is unable to
bear such cost, it will be borne by the community court.
- Service.
Subpoenas shall be served by the community police or such other person
appointed by the chief judge or in his absence any judge of the court to
serve process within the community in the same manner as civil summons and
complaints are served.
- Failure
to obey subpoenas. Failure to obey such subpoena shall be deemed an
offense as provided in section 6-42 of this Code.
Sec. 5-39. TRIAL PROCEDURE.
- Reading
of complaint; choice to change plea or stand trial. The date having
been set for the hearing, the defendant shall be brought before the court,
with witnesses as subpoenaed, on said appointed day. The complaint shall
then be read to the defendant and an opportunity there given the defendant
to:
- Change his
plea; or
- Stand
trial and produce evidence in his behalf. If the defendant changes his
plea from "not guilty" to "guilty," the sentence may
be passed and the case closed.
- Swearing
in of witnesses; presentation of evidences. If the defendant chooses
to stand trial, the judge shall require the witnesses to be sworn and shall
hear evidence. The prosecution shall present evidence to support the
complaint and be followed by evidence in behalf of the defendant.
- Rights
of defendant. The defendant shall have the right to argue his case
and cross examine the witness. The defendant shall have the right to counsel
as provided for by section 4-4 of this Code.
- Rendering
of verdict; sentencing. After evidence has been submitted,
the judge or jury shall render a verdict. If the defendant is found
"not guilty," the defendant shall be released forthwith. If the
defendant is found "guilty," the judge shall determine if there is
good cause why sentence should not there and then be imposed. If the
defendant advances such good cause, the judge shall defer sentence for not
more than five (5) days during which time defendant shall remain in the
status as to his personal liberty as shall be determined by the judge.
Sec. 5-40. JURIES.
- Right
to jury in criminal cases. Any person prosecuted for any criminal
offense or any alleged violation of any provision of this Code punishable by
imprisonment shall have the right to a trial by jury upon request. Where a
request for jury trial has not been made prior to or at the time of the
pre-trial hearing in the case, all requests for a jury trial must be made in
writing no later than seven (7) calendar days after the pre-trial hearing.
- How
constituted. A jury shall consist of six (6) persons whose names
shall be drawn by the clerk of the court at random from the list of eligible
jurors maintained by the clerk of the court.
- Eligible
jurors. Every enrolled Fort McDowell tribal member who has reached
the age of twenty-one (21) years, and every employee of the Tribe and all
tribal enterprises whose regular work location is within the exterior
boundaries of the reservation and who has reached the age of twenty-one (21)
years, shall be eligible for jury service provided each such person is not
otherwise unqualified for jury service according to standards established by
the Council.
- Preparation
of list. No later than five (5) days following the beginning of each
calendar quarter, the tribal enrollment office, the tribal Human Resources
Department and the human resources official of each tribal enterprise shall
submit to the clerk of the court a list of persons eligible for jury service
pursuant to subsection (C) of this section. Such lists shall include the
name and mailing address of each tribal member or employee and shall be
triple spaced between each entry so as to facilitate the drawing of names
pursuant to subsection (E) of this section.
- Drawing
of names. The clerk of the court shall prepare separate name tickets
for each person named in the jury list. The tickets shall be placed in a
drawing box, shall be thoroughly mixed, and the clerk of the court shall
draw no less than fifteen (15) names at random. The persons so selected
shall be summoned by the clerk of the court to appear for jury service.
(Former Sec. 5-40
repealed and current Sec. 5-40 enacted by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 98-02,
effective January 5, 1998.)
Sec. 5-40.01. CHALLENGE TO THE PANEL.
Any party may challenge the panel on the ground that there has been an error in
the procedure used in selecting or summoning the prospective jurors. Challenges
to the panel shall specify the facts on which the challenge is made, and shall
be made and decided before any individual prospective juror is examined.
(Sec. 5-40.01 added by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 98-02, effective January 5,
1998.)
Sec. 5-40.02. PEREMPTORY CHALLENGES TO INDIVIDUAL PROSPECTIVE JURORS.
Each party, including the Tribe in criminal cases, shall be entitled to two (2)
peremptory challenges of prospective jurors for which no reason need be given by
the challenging party.
(Sec. 5-40.02 added by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 98-02, effective January 5,
1998.)
Sec. 5-40.03. CHALLENGES FOR CAUSE.
- Any
party in an action may challenge a prospective juror for cause. Challenges
for cause shall be tried by the Court.
- The Court
shall administer an oath or examination of all prospective jurors that they
will answer truthfully all questions concerning their qualifications and
eligibility for jury service.
- The Court
shall initiate the examination of the prospective jurors by identifying the
parties and their counsel, briefly outlining the nature of the case, and
explaining the purposes of the examination.
- The Court
shall conduct the voir dire examination, putting to the jurors all
appropriate questions regarding each prospective juror's qualifications,
including questions requested by any party or their counsel which the court
deems appropriate. The Court may permit a party or his counsel to examine a
prospective juror.
- Challenges to
prospective jurors for cause may be taken on any one or more of the
following grounds:
- Standing
in relation of guardian and ward, master and servant, employer and
employee, or principle and agent to any party; or being a partner in
business with any party; or a member of the immediate family of any
party, subject to the provisions of subsection (E)(4) of this section.
- Having
served as a juror or been a witness in a previous civil or criminal
trial regarding the basis or the subject matter of the present
litigation.
- Having
been a party adverse to any instant party in a civil action, or having
complained against or been accused by any instant party in a criminal
action.
- Having
formed or expressed an unqualified opinion or belief as to the merits of
the action, or showing such a state of mind as will preclude the juror
from rendering a just verdict, but in the trial of any action, the fact
that a person called as a juror has formed an opinion or impression
based only upon rumor or news media statements shall not disqualify that
person to serve as a juror in the action if the person, upon oath,
states that he believes he can fairly and impartially render a verdict
therein in accordance with the law and evidence, and the Court is
satisfied or the truth of such statement.
- The
existence of a state of mind evincing enmity or bias for or against any
party.
- Lack of
any qualifications pursuant to Sec. 5-40(C) to render a person competent
as a juror.
(Sec. 5-40.03
added by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 98-02, effective January 5, 1998.)
Sec. 5-40.04. JURY INSTRUCTIONS AND VERDICT.
- The
judge shall instruct the jury in the law governing the case. Prior to trial,
any party may file written requests that the Court instruct the jury on the
law as set forth in the request. The Court shall inform the parties or their
counsel of its proposed action upon such request prior to trial. No party
may assign as error the giving or the failure to give an instruction unless
that party objects thereto before the jury retires to consider its verdict,
stating specifically the matter objected to and the grounds for the
objection. Opportunity shall be given to make the objection out of the
hearing of the jury. The Court shall either give or refuse the instruction
as requested, or may modify the instruction indicating on the record the
modifications made, and give it as modified.
- In a civil
case, a majority vote of at least four (4) of the six (6) jurors is
necessary for a verdict.
- In criminal
cases, a unanimous jury vote is necessary for a verdict.
- In any
criminal case, if the jury cannot reach an unanimous verdict, a mistrial
shall be declared by the judge who shall advise the Tribal Prosecutor that
within thirty (30)calendar days he may request a new trial.
- The judge in
all cases shall announce and enter a judgment in accordance with the verdict
and existing law.
(Sec. 5-40.04
added by Resolution No. Ft. McD. 98-02, effective January 5, 1998.)
Sec. 5-41. LIABILITY FOR PAYMENT OF FINES.
In the event a person is granted an installment plan for the payment of a fine,
the judge shall set a reasonable time for the payment of said fine, and, in the
event the installment plan is not adhered to by the defendant, the clerk of the
community court shall advise the judge and a bench warrant shall be issued for
the arrest of said defendant.
(Sec. 5-42 -
5-49. Reserved.)
ARTICLE
IV. RECEIVERS
Sec. 5-50.
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT.
Application for the appointment of a receiver shall be in the form of a verified
petition filed in the Fort McDowell Tribal Court. The petition shall set forth
the facts supporting the application. The petition shall be accompanied with
affidavits concerning the debts of the entity that is the subject of the
receivership.
Sec. 3-51. HEARING ON APPLICATION.
The Fort McDowell Tribal Court shall hold a public hearing within thirty (30)
days of the filing of the petition. Notice of the hearing shall be given to all
interested parties by registered mail or in such other manner as the court may
by order provide.
Sec. 5-52. FINDINGS OF FACT.
The judge of the Fort McDowell Indian Community presiding at the hearing shall
make findings of fact concerning the eligibility of the receiver, the scope of
the receiver's duties, any bond required to be posted by the receiver,
compensation to the receiver and requirements concerning periodic accountings to
the community court.
Sec. 5-53. QUALIFICATIONS OF RECEIVER.
- The
community court shall not appoint as a receiver a member of the immediate
family of any owner of the subject matter of the receivership, any employee
or officer of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Indian Community, or any person
otherwise interested in the subject matter of the receivership except under
the provisions of subsection (b) of this section.
- After such
notice as the community court shall find is adequate, and if no party shall
have objected, the court may appoint a person interested in the subject
matter of the receivership if the court finds the subject matter of the
receivership has been abandoned or that the duties of the receiver will
consist chiefly of physical preservation of the property (including crops
growing thereon), collection of rents or the maturing, harvesting, and
disposition of crops then growing thereon.
Sec. 5-54. BOND.
Before entering upon his duties, the receiver, if the community court so
requires, shall file a bond to be approved by the community court. The bond
shall be in the amount fixed by the order of appointment and conditioned that
the receiver shall faithfully discharge his duties and obey orders of the
community court. The receiver shall make an oath to the same effect, which oath
shall be endorsed on the bond. The clerk of the community court shall thereupon
deliver to the receiver a certificate of his appointment. The certificate shall
contain a description of the property involved in the action.
Sec. 5-55. REMOVAL OR SUSPENSION OF RECEIVER; TERMINATION OF RECEIVERSHIP.
- Dismissal
of action. An action wherein a receiver has been appointed shall not
be dismissed except by order of the community court.
- Termination
of receivership. A receivership may be terminated upon motion served
with at least ten (10) days notice upon all parties who have appeared in the
proceedings. In the notice of hearing the community court shall require that
a final account and report be filed and served upon all parties served with
the notice. The final account and report shall include an audit of the books
and records of receivership. An opportunity for written objections to said
account shall be provided. In the termination proceedings the court shall
take such evidence as is appropriate and shall make such order as is just
concerning its termination, including all necessary orders in regard to the
fees and costs of the receivership.
- Suspension;
removal of receiver. The community court may at any time suspend a
receiver and may, upon notice, remove a receiver and appoint another.
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
P.O. Box 17779, Fountain Hills, Arizona 85269
Phone (480) 837-5121 Fax (480) 837-1630
President
Dr. Clinton M. Pattea Vice President Robin Russell Treasurer Larry
Doka
Council
Member Gwen Bahe Council Member Benedict Smith, Sr.
Resolution No.
Ft. McD 2000-55
WHEREAS the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council (Tribal Council)
has the power "[t]o govern the civil and criminal conduct of persons within
the jurisdiction of the Nation." Article V, Section 13(A)(2), 1999
Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
WHEREAS the Tribal Council has the power "[t]o enact and enforce
ordinances regulating ...crimes, law enforcement...." Article V, Section
13(A)(3), 1999 Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
WHEREAS the Tribal Council has the power "[t]o establish law
enforcement agencies." Article V, Section 13(A)(4), 1999 Constitution of
the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
WHEREAS the Tribal Council has the power "[t]o protect and regulate the
public health, safety and morals of the Nation." Article V, Section
13(A)(5), 1999 Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
WHEREAS the Tribal Council has the power "[t]o enact laws,
ordinances, resolutions and take such actions as shall be necessary or
incidental to the [above-stated] legislative powers." Article V, Section
13(8)(1), 1999 Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
IT IS RESOLVED THAT the Tribal Council enacts the following laws:
- Amends
Sections 5-32, 5-35, and 5-36, Law and Order Code.
- Sections 8-3,
Law and Order Code. This newly enacted section repeals former section 8-3.
- Section 8-6,
Law and Order Code. This newly enacted section repeals former section 8-6.
- The
above-stated enacted laws shall take effect immediately.
CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to the
authority stated in Article V, Section 13(A)(2) & (3) and (B)(1) & (2),
Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, revised by the Nation on
October 19, 1999 and approved by the Secretary of Interior on November 12, 1999,
the foregoing Resolution was adopted the 30th of May, 2000, by the
Tribal Council of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, at which a quorum of 5
members were present and 0 were absent, by a vote of 3 for and 1
opposed and 0 abstained.
Dr. Clinton M. Pattea
President
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Mona Nunez
Secretary
May 30, 2000
Date
Fort
McDowell Yavapai Nation
P.O. Box 17779, Fountain Hills, Arizona 85269
Phone (480) 837-5121 Fax (480) 837-1630
President
Dr. Clinton M. Pattea Vice President Robin Russell Treasurer Larry
Doka
Council
Member Gwen Bahe Council Member Benedict Smith, Sr.
Resolution No.
Ft. McD 2000-144
WHEREAS the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation Tribal Council (Tribal Council)
has the power "[t]o govern the civil and criminal conduct of persons within
the jurisdiction of the Nation." Article V, Section 13(A)(2), 1999
Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
WHEREAS the Tribal Council has the power "[t]o enact and enforce
ordinances regulating ...crimes, law enforcement...." Article V, Section
13(A)(3), 1999 Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
WHEREAS the Tribal Council has the power "[t]o protect and regulate
the public health, safety and morals of the Nation." Article V, Section
13(A)(5), 1999 Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
WHEREAS the Tribal Council has the power "[t]o enact laws, ordinances,
resolutions and take such actions as shall be necessary or incidental to the
[above-stated] legislative powers." Article V, Section 13(B)(1), 1999
Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation.
WHEREAS the Tribal Council has determined that victims of crimes are
entitled to and need certain protections.
IT IS RESOLVED THAT the Tribal Council enacts the following laws:
- Adopting
Section 5-2 of the Law and Order Code, a copy of which is attached as
Appendix A
CERTIFICATION
Pursuant to the
authority stated in Article V, Section 13(A)(2) & (3) and (B)(1) & (2),
Constitution of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, revised by the Nation on
October 19, 1999 and approved by the Secretary of Interior on November 12, 1999,
the foregoing Resolution was adopted the 13th of December, 2000,
by the Tribal Council of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, at which a quorum of 4
members were present and 1 was absent, by a vote of 3 for and 0
opposed and 0 abstained.
Dr. Clinton M. Pattea
President
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Mona Nunez
Secretary
December 13, 2000
Date
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