FROM 3,735 in 2021, the number of criminal cases in the CNMI increased to 6,500 in 2022, but 92% of them were traffic cases, according to the Office of the Attorney General’s 2022 annual report.
Attorney General Edward Manibusan on Tuesday submitted the report to the Legislature, saying it “reflects the important work and dedication of all the staff and attorneys” in his office.
He said the OAG “continues to focus its effort in ensuring the safety and security of the people of the Commonwealth,” and continues to provide advice to the executive branch as well as representing the CNMI government in the courts.
For his part, the OAG’s criminal division chief, Chester Hinds, said they made substantial progress in executing arrest warrants for felony cases and all cases involving family violence.
In addition, he said cases are being expedited by making an early offer in exchange for waiver of preliminary hearing and trial.
Hinds said majority of the criminal cases are successfully concluded with a guilty plea and agreed punishment recommendation.
According to the criminal case statistics he presented in the report, of the 6,500 new cases in 2022, 5,985 were traffic offenses. There were also 194 felony, 293 misdemeanor and 28 juvenile cases.
Of the total criminal cases in the CNMI last year, 6,275 were committed on Saipan, 158 on Tinian and 67 on Rota.
These included crimes against persons and family violence that totaled 206; general crimes, 148; property crimes, 148; drugs, 31; and crimes involving sexual violence, 31.
There was a total of 5,013 guilty pleas, one acquittal, seven dismissal and one pending.
The 2021 statistics showed that of the 3,735 criminal cases, 3,312 or 88.6% were traffic offenses; 145 felonies; 263 misdemeanors; and 15 juvenile cases.
There were 3,568 cases on Saipan; 107 on Tinian; and 60 on Rota.
There were 185 family violence cases; 104 general crimes; 82 property crimes; 15 drug-related crimes; and 31 sexual assault cases.
In 2020, there was a total of 3,353 cases of which 2,981 or 89% were traffic offenses; 121 felonies; 230 misdemeanors; and 21 juvenile cases.
On Saipan there were 3,243 cases; 38 on Tinian; and 72 on Rota.
There were 15 guilty pleas, six dismissals, and 241 pending.
Hinds also stated in his report that the OAG’s criminal division worked with the judiciary treatment courts to provide an opportunity for defendants to receive treatment in lieu of incarceration, which has led to a reduction in recidivism.
He said they also worked with the court and the Department of Public Safety to successfully finalize the revised DPS traffic citation form for cases to include the language ordering a defendant’s appearance in court.
Hinds said the criminal division likewise appeared and presented written and oral protests pertaining to parole applicants, and successfully objected to the early release of a convicted murderer, sex offender, and numerous offenders before the Board of Parole.
Edward Manibusan
