Criminal law is dynamic, constantly changing to fit the growing population and evolving culture in any given area; and North Carolina Law is no exception. Our state added 26 new laws to the books over the course of 2023. At the Gross Law Group, we believe in keeping our clients (and all citizens, for that matter) informed on new additions and updates to our ever-developing legal code. Below, we’ve listed a summary of the most pertinent rules and regulations that came into effect last year:

The Pretrial Integrity Act brought significant changes to our state’s bail process. The law outlines new conditions for defendant release, including a shift in judicial authority, 48-hour holding periods, and thorough background checks. For more information on the Pretrial Integrity Act, check out our article to view the full details of this new ruling.

Senate Bill 41, Guarantee 2nd Amendment Freedom and Protections: Citizens who hold concealed carry permits are now allowed to enter houses of worship, including non-secular school facilities. The bill also ends the condition that all residents must obtain a permit to purchase a handgun. However, Federal Law still requires background checks for any pistol purchased through a licensed dealer.

Criminal History Record Checks: The North Carolina criminal justice system revised their background check requirements for individuals applying to work in law enforcement. Under this new law, all applicants must have their fingerprints taken for statewide and nationwide checks. Fingerprints will be cross-referenced with biometric data from the FBI to provide a comprehensive criminal history record. This is part of a broader criminal justice reform aimed at increasing accountability and training of law enforcement officers.

Sale of Stolen Goods Online: A law targeting the sale of stolen goods on websites, like Facebook and Amazon, will enhance the penalties for large-scale thefts. These new regulations require online marketplaces to collect and maintain identifying information for high-volume, third-party sellers.

Other Notable Laws include changes to abortion regulations, election procedures, and parental consent for the medical treatment of minors.

HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS? CALL GROSS LAW GROUP TODAY.

Criminal laws are constantly being updated to fit modern-day situations and challenges. If you’re facing a misdemeanor or felony charge at the start of the year, it’s crucial to seek expert advice and representation from a seasoned legal team as soon as possible. Choose The Gross Law Group led by Attorney David K. Gross for expert criminal defense. Protect your future with personalized attention and aggressive representation. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation.