NC Criminal Law
This post summarizes two recent decisions by the Supreme Court of the United States.
A state law prohibiting individuals from carrying guns onto private property without the express approval of the property owner violates the Second Amendment.
Wolford v. Lopez, __ U.S. __ (June 25, 2026) (Alito, J.). For...
A trial judge may permit any party to introduce additional evidence at any time before verdict. See G.S. 15A-1226(b).
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).
In felony cases, a defendant is entitled to inspect the complete files of all law enforcement agencies, investigatory agencies, and prosecutors' offices involved in the investigation of the crimes committed or the prosecution of the defendant. See G.S. 15A-903(a).
If the defendant (or any defendant in a multi-defendant case) puts on evidence, then state has the right to the first and last closing argument.
When a conviction or sentence imposed in superior court has been set aside on direct review or collateral attack, a judge may not impose a new sentence for the same offense, or for a different offense based on the same conduct, that is more severe. G.S. 15A-1335.