GSNC

§ 50C-1. Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this Chapter:

Abuse. - To physically or mentally harm, harass, intimidate, or interfere with the personal liberty of another.
Civil no-contact order. - An order granted under this Chapter, which includes a remedy authorized by G.S. 50C-5.
Nonconsensual. - A lack of freely given consent.
Sexual conduct. - Any intentional or knowing touching, fondling, or sexual penetration by a person, either directly or through clothing, of the sexual organs, anus, or breast of another, whether an adult or a minor, for the purpose of sexual gratification or arousal. For purposes of this subdivision, the term shall include the transfer or transmission of semen.
Repealed by Session Laws 2004-199, s. 50, effective August 17, 2004.
Stalking. - On more than one occasion, following or otherwise harassing, as defined in G.S. 14-277.3A(b)(2), another person without legal purpose with the intent to do any of the following:
1. Place the person in reasonable fear either for the person's safety or the safety of the person's immediate family or close personal associates.
2. Cause that person to suffer substantial emotional distress by placing that person in fear of death, bodily injury, or continued harassment and that in fact causes that person substantial emotional distress.
Unlawful conduct. - The commission of one or more of the following acts by a person 16 years of age or older upon a person, but does not include acts of self-defense or defense of others:
1. Nonconsensual sexual conduct, including single incidences of nonconsensual sexual conduct.
2. Stalking.
Victim. - A person against whom an act of unlawful conduct has been committed by another person not involved in a personal relationship with the person as defined in G.S. 50B-1(b).

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2004-199, s. 50; 2007-199, s. 1; 2009-58, s. 6.)

Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2004-199, s. 50, provides: "If House Bill 951, 2003 Regular Session [2004-194], becomes law, then G.S. 50C-1(5) as enacted by Section 1 of House Bill 951, 2003 Regular Session [2004-194] is repealed." G.S. 50C-1(5) is set out above as repealed.

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2007-199, s. 1, effective July 8, 2007, substituted "On more than one occasion, following" for "Following on more than one occasion" in subdivision (6) and inserted "by a person 16 years of age or older" in subdivision (7).

Session Laws 2009-58, s. 6, effective June 5, 2009, substituted "G.S. 14-277.3A(b)(2)" for "G.S. 14-277.3(c)" in the introductory language of subdivision (6).

CASE NOTES

Stalking. - Trial court's findings on a no-contact order and the uncontested testimony reasonably supported a finding of stalking because there was evidence that the complainant's neighbor had engaged in a sustained pattern of harassing and verbally abusing the complainant and the complainants family members. In addition, on multiple occasions the neighbor used language that could have placed the complainant in reasonable fear either for the complainant's safety or the safety of the complainant's immediate family or close personal associates. Angarita v. Edwards, - N.C. App. - , - S.E.2d - (Aug. 3, 2021).

Harassment Could Not Support Civil No-Contact Order. - Finding that a blogger had harassed the victims under G.S. 50C-1(6) and (7) by knowingly publishing electronic or computerized transmissions directed at the victims that tormented, terrorized, or terrified the victims and served no legitimate purpose could not support a civil no-contact order, even though the correct definition of harassment under G.S. 14-277.3(c) [now G.S. 14-277.3A] was used. Ramsey v. Harman, 191 N.C. App. 146, 661 S.E.2d 924 (2008).

Harassment Supported No-Contact Order. - Neighbors' conduct in beating on the victim's door, following the victim in her car, and implicitly threatening vandalism to her carport after the victim reported the neighbor to the police constituted unlawful conduct sufficient for the issuance of a no-contact order under G.S. 50C-1 and G.S. 50C-5. Such behavior constituted intimidating a witness in a pending criminal case, in violation of G.S. 14-226(a). St. John v. Brantley, 217 N.C. App. 558, 720 S.E.2d 754 (2011).

trial court properly found that defendant has caused plaintiff substantial emotional distress under G.S. 50C-1(6) where over the course of five years, defendant made frequent contact with plaintiff in person, screaming derogatory language at her, he involved law enforcement by making false reports to the county sheriff's department, and physically threatened plaintiff by charging a moving vehicle at her. Norrell v. Keely, 238 N.C. App. 441, - S.E.2d - (2014).

Civil No-Contact Order Improper. - Civil no-contact order was improperly entered for stalking under G.S. 50C-1(6) since there was no evidence that a blogger intended to cause and caused the victims to suffer substantial emotional distress as: (1) the trial court found that the messages on a website did not contain language "threatening to inflict bodily harm" or "physical injury"; (2) a claim that a child became "embarrassed" when the child had allegedly observed teachers viewing the blogger's website in the school library was implausible; (3) the blogger never had any communication with the victim or the child, and the child's name was not mentioned on the website; and (4) the blog was posted in retaliation for messages posted by the victim on a rival website, and an alleged threatening phone call from the victim's mother. Ramsey v. Harman, 191 N.C. App. 146, 661 S.E.2d 924 (2008).

Trial court exceeded its authority because it had no authority to order defendant not to possess or purchase any firearms, to surrender his firearms, or to revoke his concealed carry permit; neither the complaint nor the ex parte no-contact order mentioned firearms, so defendant had no notice of the possibility of an order requiring surrender, and since the trial court imposed the provision after the hearing, sua sponte, neither party had an opportunity to address it at the hearing or to object. Russell v. Wofford, 260 N.C. App. 88, 816 S.E.2d 909 (2018).

Order Improperly Issued. - Trial court erred in entering an ex parte Temporary No-Contact Order against defendant because it failed to make any finding that defendant specifically intended to cause any of the harm set forth in subsection (6), and such a finding had to be specifically made, not inferred; even if an intent finding could be inferred, it would still fail because two minor teenagers with learning and processing issues mutually exchanged disturbing communications during a volatile yet consensual relationship. Diprima v. Vann, - N.C. App. - , - S.E.2d - (May 18, 2021).

§ 50C-2. Commencement of action; filing fees not permitted; assistance.

An action is commenced under this Chapter by filing a verified complaint for a civil no-contact order in district court or by filing a motion in any existing civil action, by any of the following:
1. A person who is a victim of unlawful conduct that occurs in this State.
2. A competent adult who resides in this State on behalf of a minor child or an incompetent adult who is a victim of unlawful conduct that occurs in this State.
No court costs or attorneys' fees shall be assessed for the filing or service of the complaint, or the service of any orders, except as provided in G.S. 1A-1, Rule 11.
An action commenced under this Chapter may be filed in any county permitted under G.S. 1-82 or where the unlawful conduct took place.
If the victim states that disclosure of the victim's address would place the victim or any member of the victim's family or household at risk for further unlawful conduct, the victim's address may be omitted from all documents filed with the court. If the victim has not disclosed an address under this subsection, the victim shall designate an alternative address to receive notice of any motions or pleadings from the opposing party.
All documents filed, issued, registered, or served in an action under this Chapter relating to an ex parte, emergency, or permanent civil no-contact order may be filed electronically.

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2013-390, s. 2; 2015-62, s. 3(c).)

Cross References. - As to electronic filing in Chapter 50B and Chapter 50C cases, see G.S. 7A-343.6.

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2013-390, s. 2, effective October 1, 2013, in subsection (b), added "or attorneys' fees shall be" and ", except as provided in G.S. 1A-1, Rule 11." For applicability, see editor's note.

Session Laws 2015-62, s. 3(c), effective December 1, 2015, added subsection (e). For applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Verification. - Trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction over complaints filed by plaintiffs, a former brother-in-law and his current wife, seeking entry of no-contact orders requiring defendant former brother-in-law to refrain from stalking and harassing plaintiffs, because there was no indication that either of the complaints had been properly verified as required by G.S. 50C-2 and G.S. 1A-1, N.C. R. Civ. P. 11(b). Fansler v. Honeycutt, 221 N.C. App. 226, 728 S.E.2d 6 (2012).

§ 50C-3. Process for action for no-contact order.

Any action for a civil no-contact order requires that a summons be issued and served. The summons issued pursuant to this Chapter shall require the respondent to answer within 10 days of the date of service. Attachments to the summons shall include the complaint for the civil no-contact order, and any temporary civil no-contact order that has been issued and the notice of hearing on the temporary civil no-contact order.
Service of the summons and attachments shall be by the sheriff by personal delivery in accordance with Rule 4 of the Rules of Civil Procedure, and if the respondent cannot with due diligence be served by the sheriff by personal delivery, the respondent may be served by publication by the complainant in accordance with Rule 4(j1) of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
The court may enter a civil no-contact order by default for the remedy sought in the complaint if the respondent has been served in accordance with this section and fails to answer as directed, or fails to appear on any subsequent appearance or hearing date agreed to by the parties or set by the court.

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2009-342, s. 3.)

§ 50C-4. Hearsay exception.

In proceedings for an order or prosecutions for violation of an order under this Chapter, the prior sexual activity or the reputation of the victim is inadmissible except when it would be admissible in a criminal prosecution under G.S. 8C, Rule 412.

History

(2004-194, s. 1.)

§ 50C-5. Civil no-contact order; remedy.

Upon a finding that the victim has suffered unlawful conduct committed by the respondent, the court may issue temporary or permanent civil no-contact orders as authorized in this Chapter. In determining whether or not to issue a civil no-contact order, the court shall not require physical injury to the victim.
The court may grant one or more of the following forms of relief in its orders under this Chapter:
1. Order the respondent not to visit, assault, molest, or otherwise interfere with the victim.
2. Order the respondent to cease stalking the victim, including at the victim's workplace.
3. Order the respondent to cease harassment of the victim.
4. Order the respondent not to abuse or injure the victim.
5. Order the respondent not to contact the victim by telephone, written communication, or electronic means.
6. Order the respondent to refrain from entering or remaining present at the victim's residence, school, place of employment, or other specified places at times when the victim is present.
7. Order other relief deemed necessary and appropriate by the court, including assessing attorneys' fees to either party.
A civil no-contact order shall include the following notice, printed in conspicuous type: "A knowing violation of a civil no-contact order shall be punishable as contempt of court which may result in a fine or imprisonment."

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2013-390, s. 5.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2013-390, s. 5, effective October 1, 2013, added ", including assessing attorneys' fees to either party" at the end of subdivision (b)(7). For applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Authority of Trial Court. - Trial court exceeded its authority because it had no authority to order defendant not to possess or purchase any firearms, to surrender his firearms, or to revoke his concealed carry permit; neither the complaint nor the ex parte no-contact order mentioned firearms, so defendant had no notice of the possibility of an order requiring surrender, and since the trial court imposed the provision after the hearing, sua sponte, neither party had an opportunity to address it at the hearing or to object. Russell v. Wofford, 260 N.C. App. 88, 816 S.E.2d 909 (2018).

Trial court did not abuse its discretion by ordering a mental health evaluation as part of a no-contact order because the court reasonably found the testimony offered at trial alarming enough to order the complainant's neighbor to complete a mental health evaluation to aid in restoring peaceful relations and in examining the neighbor's beliefs that the complainant was breaking into the neighbor's home. The evidence showed that the neighbor exhibited a number of concerning, delusional beliefs and behaviors in regards to the complainant. Angarita v. Edwards, - N.C. App. - , - S.E.2d - (Aug. 3, 2021).

Fines. - When a contemnor was found in contempt for violating a no-contact order, a fine was an authorized sanction because, reading G.S. 5A-21, 50C-10, 5A-25, and 50C-5 together, the statutes supported the inference that fines were authorized. Tyll v. Berry, 234 N.C. App. 96, 758 S.E.2d 411 (2014).

Civil Contempt. - Proceedings to hold a contemnor in contempt for violating a no-contact order were in civil contempt because (1) the proceedings were initiated pursuant to civil contempt statutes, (2) the order finding the contemnor in contempt included civil contempt findings and a "purge" clause, and (3) construing the order as a civil contempt order was consistent with G.S. 50C-10 and G.S. 5A-25's default civil contempt rule. Tyll v. Berry, 234 N.C. App. 96, 758 S.E.2d 411 (2014).

Order Properly Issued. - Neighbors' conduct in beating on the victim's door, following the victim in her car, and implicitly threatening vandalism to her carport after the victim reported the neighbor to the police constituted unlawful conduct sufficient for the issuance of a no-contact order under G.S. 50C-1 and G.S. 50C-5. Such behavior constituted intimidating a witness in a pending criminal case, in violation of G.S. 14-226(a). St. John v. Brantley, 217 N.C. App. 558, 720 S.E.2d 754 (2011).

Cited in State v. Hunt, 221 N.C. App. 48, 727 S.E.2d 584 (2012).

§ 50C-6. Temporary civil no-contact order; court holidays and evenings.

A temporary civil no-contact order may be granted ex parte, without evidence of service of process or notice, only if both of the following are shown:
1. It clearly appears from specific facts shown by a verified complaint or affidavit that immediate injury, loss, or damage will result to the victim before the respondent can be heard in opposition.
2. Either one of the following:
  1. The complainant certifies to the court in writing the efforts, if any, that have been made to give the notice and the reasons supporting the claim that notice should not be required.
  2. The complainant certified to the court that there is good cause to grant the remedy because the harm that the remedy is intended to prevent would likely occur if the respondent were given any prior notice of the complainant's efforts to obtain judicial relief.
Every temporary civil no-contact order granted without notice shall:
1. Be endorsed with the date and hour of issuance.
2. Be filed immediately in the clerk's office and entered of record.
3. Define the injury, state why it is irreparable and why the order was granted without notice.
4. Expire by its terms within such time after entry, not to exceed 10 days.
5. Give notice of the date of hearing on the temporary order as provided in G.S. 50C-8(a).
If the respondent appears in court for a hearing on a temporary order, the respondent may elect to file a general appearance and testify. Any resulting order may be a temporary order, governed by this section. Notwithstanding the requirements of this section, if all requirements of G.S. 50C-7 have been met, the court may issue a permanent order.
When the court is not in session, the complainant may file for a temporary order before any judge or magistrate designated to grant relief under this Chapter. If the judge or magistrate finds that there is an immediate and present danger of harm to the victim and that the requirements of subsection (a) of this section have been met, the judge or magistrate may issue a temporary civil no-contact order. The chief district court judge may designate for each county at least one judge or magistrate to be reasonably available to issue temporary civil no-contact orders when the court is not in session.
Repealed by Session Laws 2021-47, s. 10(j), effective June 18, 2021, and applicable to proceedings occurring on or after that date.

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2015-62, s. 3(d); 2021-47, s. 10(j).)

Cross References. - As to electronic filing in Chapter 50B and Chapter 50C cases, see G.S. 7A-343.6.

Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2021-47, s. 10(m), made the deletion of subsection (e) of this section by Session Laws 2021-47, s. 10(j), effective June 18, 2021, and applicable to proceedings occurring on or after that date.

Session Laws 2021-47, s. 18, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2015-62, s. 3(d), effective December 1, 2015, added subsection (e). For applicability, see editor's note.

Session Laws 2021-47, s. 10(j), deleted subsection (e). For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

§ 50C-7. Permanent civil no-contact order.

Upon a finding that the victim has suffered an act of unlawful conduct committed by the respondent, a permanent civil no-contact order may issue if the court additionally finds that process was properly served on the respondent, the respondent has answered the complaint and notice of hearing was given, or the respondent is in default. No permanent civil no-contact order shall be issued without notice to the respondent.

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2013-390, s. 3; 2015-62, s. 3(e); 2021-47, s. 10(k).)

Cross References. - As to electronic filing in Chapter 50B and Chapter 50C cases, see G.S. 7A-343.6.

Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2021-47, s. 10(m), made the deletion of the former last sentence of this section by Session Laws 2021-47, s. 10(k), effective June 18, 2021, and applicable to proceedings occurring on or after that date.

Session Laws 2021-47, s. 18, is a severability clause.

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2013-390, s. 3, effective October 1, 2013, inserted "an act of" near the beginning of the first sentence. For applicability, see editor's note.

Session Laws 2015-62, s. 3(e), effective December 1, 2015, added the last sentence. For applicability, see editor's note.

Session Laws 2021-47, s. 10(k), deleted the former last sentence, which read "Hearings held to consider permanent relief pursuant to this section shall not be held via video conference." For effective date and applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Authority of Trial Court. - Trial court exceeded its authority under G.S. 50C-7 because it had no authority to order defendant not to possess or purchase any firearms, to surrender his firearms, or to revoke his concealed carry permit; even if the order had been entered under N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 50B, the order requiring surrender of firearms would have been in error because there was no evidence to support the required findings of fact under G.S. 50B-3.1. Russell v. Wofford, 260 N.C. App. 88, 816 S.E.2d 909 (2018).

Issuance of Civil No-Contact Order Proper. - Trial court's grant of a civil no-contact order against the complainant's neighbor was appropriate because the trial court did not err by paraphrasing the neighbor in the findings section of the no-contact order, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in its interactions with the neighbor during the hearing, and the trial court did not abuse its discretion in correcting an omission in the amended order as the trial court made an inadvertent clerical mistake. Angarita v. Edwards, - N.C. App. - , - S.E.2d - (Aug. 3, 2021).

Evidence Sufficient to Support Findings of Fact. - Trial court did not err in entering a no-contact order because there was sufficient evidence to support its findings of fact. Russell v. Wofford, 260 N.C. App. 88, 816 S.E.2d 909 (2018).

Cited in Tyll v. Berry, 234 N.C. App. 96, 758 S.E.2d 411 (2014); Norrell v. Keely, 238 N.C. App. 441, - S.E.2d - (2014).

§ 50C-8. Duration; extension of orders.

A temporary civil no-contact order shall be effective for not more than 10 days as the court fixes, unless within the time so fixed the temporary civil no-contact order, for good cause shown, is extended for a like period or a longer period if the respondent consents. The reasons for the extension shall be stated in the temporary order. If a temporary ex parte civil no-contact order:
1. Is granted without notice and a motion for a permanent civil no-contact order is made, it shall be set down for hearing within 10 days from the date of the motion.
2. Is denied, the trial on the plaintiff's motion for a civil no-contact order shall be set for hearing within 30 days from the date of the denial.
A permanent civil no-contact order shall be effective for a fixed period of time not to exceed one year.
Any order may be extended one or more times, as required, provided that the requirements of G.S. 50C-6 or G.S. 50C-7, as appropriate, are satisfied. The court may renew an order, including an order that previously has been renewed, upon a motion by the complainant filed before the expiration of the current order. The court may renew the order for good cause. The commission of an act of unlawful conduct by the respondent after entry of the current order is not required for an order to be renewed. If the motion for extension is uncontested and the complainant seeks no modification of the order, the order may be extended if the complainant's motion or affidavit states that there has been no material change in relevant circumstances since entry of the order and states the reason for the requested extension. Extensions may be granted only in open court and not under the provisions of G.S. 50C-6(d).
Any civil no-contact order expiring on a day the court is not open for business shall expire at the close of the next court business day.

When the motion for a permanent civil no-contact order comes on for hearing, the complainant may proceed with a motion for a permanent civil no-contact order, and, if the complainant fails to do so, the judge shall dissolve the temporary civil no-contact order. On two days' notice to the complainant or on such shorter notice to that party as the judge may prescribe, the respondent may appear and move its dissolution or modification. In that event the judge shall proceed to hear and determine such motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require.

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2006-264, s. 41; 2013-390, s. 4.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2006-264, s. 41, effective August 27, 2006, substituted "G.S. 50C-6(d)" for "G.S. 50C-6(c)" in subsection (c).

Session Laws 2013-390, s. 4, effective October 1, 2013, rewrote the third sentence in subsection (a), which formerly read "In case a temporary civil no-contact order"; redesignated the former subsection (a) as present subsection (a) and subdivision (a)(1); substituted "within 10 days from the date of the motion" for "at the earliest possible time and takes precedence over all matters except older matters of the same character" in subdivision (a)(1); and added subdivision (a)(2). For applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

No-Contact Order Appeal Moot. - Appellate court determined that the first neighbor's appeal of the trial court's issuance of the civil no-contact order entered against the first neighbor had to be dismissed, as the order had expired five months before the appeal of it had been calendared to be heard before the appellate court, and thus the matter was moot because no effective relief could be granted. Williams v. Vonderau, 181 N.C. App. 18, 638 S.E.2d 644 (2007).

§ 50C-9. Notice of orders.

The clerk of court shall deliver on the same day that a civil no-contact order is issued, a certified copy of that order to the sheriff.
If the respondent was not present in court when the order was issued, the respondent may be served in the manner provided for service of process in civil proceedings in accordance with Rule 4(j) of the Rules of Civil Procedure. If the summons has not yet been served upon the respondent, it shall be served with the order. Law enforcement agencies shall accept receipt of copies of the order issued by the clerk of court by electronic or facsimile transmission for service on defendants.
A copy of the order shall be issued promptly to and retained by the police department of the municipality of the victim's residence. If the victim's residence is not located in a municipality or in a municipality with no police department, copies shall be issued promptly to and retained by the sheriff and the county police department, if any, of the county in which the victim's residence is located.
Any order extending, modifying, or revoking any civil no-contact order shall be promptly delivered to the sheriff by the clerk and served in a manner provided for service of process in accordance with the provisions of this section.

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2012-19, s. 1; 2015-176, s. 2.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2012-19, s. 1, effective June 11, 2012, in the first sentence of subsection (b), substituted "If the respondent was not present" for "Unless the respondent was present," substituted "the respondent may be served" for "the sheriff shall serve the order on the respondent and file proof of service"' and added "in accordance with Rule 4(j) of the Rules of Civil Procedure"; and in subsection (d), substituted "in a manner provided for service of process" for "by the sheriff."

Session Laws 2015-176, s. 2, effective August 5, 2015, added the last sentence of subsection (b).

§ 50C-10. Violation.

A knowing violation of an order entered pursuant to this Chapter is punishable by civil or criminal contempt as provided in Chapter 5A of the General Statutes.

History

(2004-194, s. 1; 2015-25, s. 1.)

Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2015-25, s. 1, effective October 1, 2015, substituted "by civil or criminal contempt as provided in Chapter 5A of the General Statutes" for "as contempt of court." For applicability, see editor's note.

CASE NOTES

Contempt Fine. - When a contemnor was found in contempt for violating a no-contact order, a fine was an authorized sanction because, reading G.S. 5A-21, 50C-10, 5A-25, and 50C-5 together, the statutes supported the inference that fines were authorized. Tyll v. Berry, 234 N.C. App. 96, 758 S.E.2d 411 (2014).

§ 50C-11. Remedies not exclusive.

The remedies provided by this Chapter are not exclusive but are additional to other remedies provided under law.

History

(2004-194, s. 1.)