BISMARCK - Violent sex offenders would receive a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and lifetime probation if legislation discussed today is approved.
The bill would apply to offenders convicted of a Class AA felony who compelled their victims to submit to a sexual act by force or threat of imminent death, serious bodily injury or kidnapping.
This would include first-time violent offenders, said Ryan Bernstein, legal counsel for Gov. John Hoeven.
"It is unjust to the victim that the perpetrator of such a horrible crime could be back on the street within a few years because, of right now, there is no minimum sentence a violent sexual offender must serve," Bernstein said.
"We need to make sure that anyone who commits a violent sexual crime in North Dakota receives a sentence that fits the crime and protects the public."
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The bill also allows the court to impose lifetime supervised probation for other Class AA felony sex offenses.
The House Judiciary Committee did not immediately act on the bill. Three of the bills sponsors serve on the committee.
