NC Criminal Law
In Part I of this three-part series revisiting Simeon v. Hardin, 339 N.C. 358 (1994), I explored the district attorney’s calendaring practices that were challenged in the landmark case, and I discussed the first of three major issues: pretrial delays for tactical advantage. In this second part, I will explore the second major issue: trial orders that lack “order.”
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All criminal pleadings must name or otherwise identify the defendant. See G.S. 15A-924(a)(1).
The court is not bound by the rules of evidence (except for rules on privilege) when deciding whether challenged evidence is admissible.
The rules of evidence do not apply at sentencing. G.S. 8C-1101(b)(3).
Venue is proper in the entire district of the alleged offense, not just the particular county where the offense allegedly occurred. See G.S. 15A-131(b). Probable cause hearings are an exception and must be held in the county where the offense occurred. See G.S. 15a-131(c).
If the defendant appeals from a conviction arising out of a plea agreement in district court, the superior court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors that were dismissed, reduced, or modified pursuant to the agreement. See G.S. 15A-1431(b); 7A-271(b).