BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — North Dakota Representative Jason Dockter was sentenced to 250 hours of community service and a $2,500 fine Thursday, following his conviction on a misdemeanor charge of of using his office for personal gain. District 7 Rep. Jason Dockter During sentencing, the judge told Dockter he would spend his 250 hours of community service in a homeless shelter so he, "can see how the other side lives." Dockter had pleaded not guilty to speculating or wagering on official action. The charge stemmed from his co-ownership of the building leased out to the Attorney General's office and his legislative vote on the Attorney General budget. Construction on the building went nearly $2 million over the projected cost. In a one-day jury trial May 3, Dockter testified the cost overrun was due to the COVID pandemic, as well as paying for additional measure on the building, such as bulletproof glass and higher-grade ventilation. In the trial, state's attorney Ladd Erickson and defense attorney Lloyd Suhr both made claims about Dockter's participation in a legislative vote to approve budgets for the Attorney General's office. Erickson claims Dockter had a clear conflict of interest in the vote due to his involvement in leasing the building to the Attorney General's office. Erickson believes this conflict should have barred Dockter from participating in the vote, as House Rule 321 prohibits legislators from voting if they have a "personal or private interest," defined as an interest affecting the legislator "directly, individually, uniquely, and substantially." However, Suhr claims Dockter, as a legislator, had a duty to vote — saying Dockter's personal interest in the matter did not override this duty. This is a claim Dockter agreed with as he took the stand, testifying "It's my job to vote for all these bills, and unless I had COVID or I've been sick, I take every vote and I vote on everything." Suhr asked Dockter "Did you honestly believe that when you voted on these, you were following Rule 321, which you were required to do?," to which Dockter replied "Yes." After nearly two hours of deliberation, the jury made the decision to convict Dockter for his actions. Dockter has served for more than ten years in the state legislature as a representative from District 7. Since the district is an odd number, Dockter is not up for re-election this fall. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW