3-17-20. Suspension of certain county officials pending completion of criminal prosecution--Appointment of person to discharge duties--Restoration to office. If any officer is arrested for or charged with any offense against the laws of this state or the United States of America, and the board of county commissioners is informed that criminal proceedings are pending before any court or officer, the board of county commissioners may in the case of a Class 1 misdemeanor charge that is relevant to the responsibilities and duties of the office and shall in the case of a felony charge suspend that officer from office until such charge is prosecuted. The officer who is suspended pursuant to this section is relieved from all responsibilities provided by law which are pertinent to that office. The county commission shall appoint one of the officer's assistants or a suitable person to discharge the duties of the office during any suspension imposed in accordance with the provisions of §§ 3-17-20 to 3-17-22, inclusive. If it is determined during the criminal proceeding that the officer suspended is not guilty of the offense charged, the court shall so notify the board of county commissioners. If the term for which the officer was elected or appointed has not expired, the suspended officer shall be restored to that office by the board of county commissioners. For the purposes of §§ 3-17-20 to 3-17-22, inclusive, the term, officer, includes the county auditor, county treasurer, and county register of deeds.

Source: SL 2007, ch 22, § 1.