State v. Lang

MESCHKE, Justice.

Ernest Lang appeals from a judgment of conviction for criminal mischief in violation of Section 12.1-21-05, N.D.C.C. 1 He contends that he was precluded from introducing evidence that his conduct was justified or excused. We conclude that he was not precluded from introducing competent evidence of a mistake of law and, accordingly, affirm the conviction.

The criminal complaint alleged that Lang willfully damaged one of Basin Electric Cooperative’s transmission towers by removing soil at the foundation of the tower and intentionally causing pecuniary loss of more than $100. At…