Court Reverses Ruling on Fleeing Defendant's Plea
North Carolina's Supreme Court held that a defendant who fled and missed sentencing forfeited his right to withdraw a guilty plea decades later.
North Carolina Criminal Justice News
Coverage of criminal justice in North Carolina focuses on courts, sentencing, prisons, bail, prosecution and legislative reform. Reporting follows both the administration of law and the systemic changes impacting how cases move through the process.
Recent news
October 27, 2026
North Carolina Court Limits Juvenile Case AuthorityThe state Court of Appeals ruled that trial courts cannot end reunification efforts during a standard review hearing.
October 26, 2026
Tyler Technologies Seeks Approval for $1.5M NC SettlementAttorneys move to resolve class action claims regarding software issues that led to wrongful arrests and delayed releases.
October 26, 2026
North Carolina Voters to Decide Three Appeals Court SeatsThe statewide midterm elections occurring Nov. 3 include races for three seats on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
October 23, 2026
North Carolina Challenges Inmate Legal Fee AwardThe state asks the Fourth Circuit to reverse over $500,000 in legal fees awarded to a former inmate.
October 14, 2026
Governor Cooper Commuted Death Sentence of RoseboroNorth Carolina Governor Roy Cooper commuted the death sentence of Christopher Roseboro in December 2024.
October 14, 2026
North Carolina Parole Commission Approved Gary GilleyThe 69-year-old inmate was granted parole after serving time for a 1974 murder and armed robbery.
October 8, 2026
Judge Dismissed North Carolina Prison LawsuitA federal judge ruled that a former officer failed to prove discrimination in hiring practices.
October 2, 2026
North Carolina Death Row Reached 122 InmatesThe state has not conducted an execution in twenty years, leaving a large population on death row.
October 2, 2026
Judge Denied Bail for Trooper Nekime OxendineA North Carolina state trooper remains in custody after a judge rejected his request for bail in September 2026.
October 1, 2026
North Carolina Lawmakers Considered Stiffer Hit-and-Run LawsProposed legislation seeks to increase sentencing for hit-and-run offenses after a fatal crash in Monkey Junction.
More in Criminal Justice
Coverage takes in judicial proceedings, sentencing patterns, correctional facility conditions and the policies governing prosecution. Reporting reaches every corner of the state, from the urban court systems to rural facilities. The state judiciary structure creates a distinct pattern where individual judicial districts handle policy changes differently. Prison capacity and the shifting landscape of bail and sentencing requirements remain the most consistent drivers of new developments.