North Carolina
Categorical Right To Counsel
          Discretionary Appointment Of Counsel
          Right Or Appointment Is Qualified
          No Such Proceeding
          No Authorization, But Relevant Materials
          Other
          Categorical Right To Counsel
                      There is a right to counsel without qualification for all indigent individuals in this type of case (except that the individual may be required to request counsel).
                  Discretionary Appointment Of Counsel
                      Courts are permitted but not required to appoint counsel for any indigent individual in this type of case. A request may be required.
                  Right Or Appointment Is Qualified
                      The established right to counsel or discretionary appointment of counsel is limited in some way, including: the only authority comes from a lower/intermediate court decision or a city government, not a high court or state legislature; a case has cast doubt on prior authority; a statute is ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment is not for all individuals or proceedings within that type of case.
                  No Such Proceeding
                      This state has no law creating a judicial proceeding of this type.
                  No Authorization, But Relevant Materials
                    While this state does not provide for or require appointment of counsel with respect to the given subject area, it does have something (such as a report or bar policy) that supports the right to or appointment of counsel for this subject area.
                  Other
Because the "Other subject areas” category can include developments from different subject areas that do not work the same way as each other, a blanket categorization of this category is not possible.
Denies
                      This state has law explicitly stating that there is no right to counsel for this area.
                  Categorical
                    Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Accused Parents
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Indigent parents have a right to counsel in abuse/neglect cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Abuse/Neglect/Dependency - Children
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Children have a right to an attorney guardian ad litem in abuse and termination of parental rights proceedings.  
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Adult Protective Proceedings - Protected Person
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          There is a right to counsel for the indigent subject of a vulnerable adult proceeding, at least in non-emergency matters.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Bypass of Parental Input into Abortion - Minor (Pre-Dobbs)
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          There is a right to counsel upon request for a minor seeking to bypass the parental consent requirement for an abortion.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Civil Commitment
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          There is a right to counsel for indigent respondents in civil commitment proceedings.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Civil Contempt in Family Court
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The North Carolina Supreme Court found a due process right to counsel in civil contempt proceedings.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Guardianship/Conservatorship of Adults - Protected Person
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to attorney ad litem
                          The indigent subject of a guardianship proceeding is entitled to an appointed attorney, but that attorney serves in a GAL role.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Incarceration for Fees/Fines (incomplete)
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          There is a right to counsel for any case in which imprisonment is "likely to be adjudged."
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The North Carolina Supreme Court found a due process right to counsel in civil contempt proceedings.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Discretionary
                    Involuntary Medical Treatment (incomplete)
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          The court may appoint counsel for those subjected to involuntary outpatient treatment.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Other subject area
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel - Minors marrying
                          Minors seeking to marry have a right to counsel.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Discretionary
                    Parentage - Defendant/Respondent
                  Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          The North Carolina Supreme Court suggested it might find a right to counsel on a case-by-case basis in paternity proceedings.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Quarantine/Isolation
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          There is a right to counsel for a person whose freedom of movement or access has been limited by the State or local health director. 
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            No Such Proceeding
                    Sexually Dangerous Persons - Commitment
                  Legislation
No such proceeding
                          There is no procedure in the state for confinement of a sexually dangerous/violent person.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   No Such Proceeding
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Sterilization
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          There is a right to counsel where a guardian seeks to sterilize his or her ward (which is the only scenario where sterilization is authorized).
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Discretionary
                    Termination of Parental Rights (Private) - Children
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Discretionary appointment of counsel
                          A court may appoint counsel for a child in a contested adoption case.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Discretionary
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Categorical
                    Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Birth Parents
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Indigent parents have a right to counsel in termination of parental rights cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   No
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Termination of Parental Rights (State) - Children
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          Children have a right to an attorney guardian ad litem in abuse and termination of parental rights proceedings.  
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Litigation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          The North Carolina Supreme Court held that children are entitled to counsel in certain situations for termination of parental rights cases.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.
                                
                              
                            Qualified
                    Truancy - Petition Against Child
                  Legislation
Key Development
                              ?
                                
                                  While a state may have many statutes, court decisions, or court rules governing
                                  appointment of counsel for a particular subject area, a "Key Development" is a
                                  statute/decision/rule that prevails over the others (example: a state high court
                                  decision finding a categorical right to counsel in guardianships cases takes 
                                  precedence over a statute saying appointment in guardianship cases is
                                  discretionary).
                                                              
                              
                            Right to counsel
                          An indigent child in North Carolina only has a right to counsel in truancy cases in certain situations.
                          
                          
                            Read More
                          
                          Appointment of Counsel:   Yes
                              
                            Qualified:   Yes
                              ?
                                
                                  If "yes",
                                  the established right to counsel or
                                  discretionary appointment of counsel
                                  is
                                  limited
                                  in some way, including any of: the only authority
                                  is a
                                  lower/intermediate court decision or a city council,
                                  not a high court or state legislature; there
                                  has been
                                  a subsequent case that
                                  has
                                  cast doubt; a statute
                                  is
                                  ambiguous; or the right or discretionary appointment
                                  is not
                                  for all types of individuals or proceedings
                                  within that category.