Juvenile Delinquency Procedure in North Carolina

This flowchart reflects the law that applies to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2024, as enacted in Session Law 2024-17. Beginning on this date, all Class A–Class E felony offenses alleged to have been committed at ages 16 and 17 will begin as criminal matters. This includes all offenses that are transactionally related to the Class A–Class E felony offenses unless that felony is contained in Chapter 20 of the General Statutes. These offenses will originate under criminal jurisdiction and can only become juvenile matters if they are removed to juvenile court according to the procedure contained in Session Law 2024-17.