N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-416: Vacation of order for failure to serve.

The order of arrest is of no avail, and shall be vacated or set aside on motion, unless it is served upon the defendant, as provided by law, before the docketing of any judgment in the action. (C.C.P., s. 153; Code, s. 295; Rev., s. 734; C.S., s. 774.)