North Dakota court orders plea and bond review in Rice case

The North Dakota Supreme Court directed Ward County District Court to give Dallas Rice an opportunity to withdraw his guilty plea and consider whether he should be released on bond, KFYR/KMOT reported Oct. 14. The station described the decision as a partial ruling.

KFYR/KMOT reported that the Supreme Court said the lower court erred by sending Rice into custody without considering factors related to his appearance at future proceedings. The reported ruling requires bond consideration but does not order Rice’s release.

Rice pleaded guilty Sept. 28 to conspiracy to commit theft. A judge then rejected a proposed sentencing agreement and ordered him into custody, KNOX reported. Rice’s lawyer had asked the Supreme Court for release, reinstatement of bond and a different judge. Prosecutors allege more than $180,000 was taken over three years.

Rice was at Ward County Jail when KFYR/KMOT published its report. A status conference was scheduled for Oct. 16.