{"data":{"id":"us-nc/n.c.-gen.-stat.-15a-1031","jurisdiction":"us-nc","citation":"N.C. Gen. Stat. § 15A-1031","heading":"Custody and restraint of defendant and witnesses.","body":"A trial judge may order a defendant or witness subjected to physical restraint in the courtroom when the judge finds the restraint to be reasonably necessary to maintain order, prevent the defendant's escape, or provide for the safety of persons. If the judge orders a defendant or witness restrained, he must:\n(1)\tEnter in the record out of the presence of the jury and in the presence of the person to be restrained and his counsel, if any, the reasons for his action; and\n(2)\tGive the restrained person an opportunity to object; and\n(3)\tUnless the defendant or his attorney objects, instruct the jurors that the restraint is not to be considered in weighing evidence or determining the issue of guilt.\nIf the restrained person controverts the stated reasons for restraint, the judge must conduct a hearing and make findings of fact. (1977, c. 711, s. 1.)","path":["Chapter 15A. Criminal Procedure Act.","SUBCHAPTER X. GENERAL TRIAL PROCEDURE.","Article 59. Maintenance of Order in the Courtroom."],"source_url":"https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_15A/GS_15A-1031.html","current_through":"S.L. 2026-30","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-27T17:56:42Z","sha256":"b934a016779e1b098c317b05c2b640805c241c78b7a914a14a1bfdb362117995","source_id":"us-nc","stale":false,"prev":"us-nc/n.c.-gen.-stat.-15a-1030","next":"us-nc/n.c.-gen.-stat.-15a-1032"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}