In allA criminal prosecutions, the trial must be
in the county in whichwhere the offense
was committed, except as otherwise provided by law or by these Rulesunless a statute or
these rules permit otherwise. The initial appearance, arraignment, or other hearing or
proceeding may take place outside the county of venue.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rule 18 was amended, effective March 1, 2001;_____________.

Rule 18 was amended, effective March 1, 2001, to allow proceedings, other than the trial,
to occur outside the county of venue. In deciding to move a trial or proceeding, a trial court
must consider N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin. R. 6(B) and 7(B).

The exception clause is intended to emphasize the provisions of Rules 19, 20 and
21.

Rule 18 was amended, effective ______________, in response to the December 1,
2002,
revision of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. The language and organization of the
rule were changed to make the rule more easily understood and to make style and
terminology consistent throughout the rules.

CROSS REFERENCE: N.D.R.Crim.P. 19 (Transfer Within District); N.D.R.Crim.P. 20
(Transfer From County for Plea and Sentence); N.D.R.Crim.P. 21 (Transfer From the
County or Municipality for Trial); N.D.Sup.Ct.Admin.R. 6 (Judicial Districts);
N.D.Sup.Ct.Admin.R. 7 (Designation of Judgeships and Chambers with Assignments).