If the charge is tried by the court, it shall proceed as upon the trial of a civil action by the court. The decision of the court or the verdict of the jury must be "guilty" or "not guilty". Costs must be awarded as in a civil action. If the accused is found guilty, either by the decision of the court or by the verdict of the jury, the court shall render judgment that the accused be removed from office, and for the costs of the action. A statement of the case may be settled and an appeal taken as provided by law in a civil action. The court in its discretion, if the accused is found guilty, may award treble costs against the accused. If the court finds that the accusation was made without probable cause, it must tax the costs of the prosecution and trial against the complainant.
N.D.C.C. § 44-10-20