Delaying Initial Appearances and Detaining Impaired Drivers

Published for NC Criminal Law on July 02, 2025.

After law enforcement arrests someone, they must take that person before a judicial official “without unnecessary delay” pursuant to G.S. 15A-501(2). This is for the judicial official—often a magistrate—to conduct an initial appearance. During an initial appearance, magistrates review the validity of the arrest, issue charging documents, inform the arrested person of their rights, and ... Read more

The post Delaying Initial Appearances and Detaining Impaired Drivers appeared first on North Carolina Criminal Law.