N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-426: Deposit in lieu of bail.

The defendant may, at the time of his arrest, instead of giving bail, deposit with the sheriff the amount mentioned in the order. The sheriff shall then give a certificate of the deposit to the defendant, who shall be discharged from custody. (C.C.P., s. 167; Code, s. 309; Rev., s. 744; C.S., s. 784.)