Testimony-Related Reporting Under North Carolina Section 17C-16

ADKINS&PURKEY RESOURCE LIBRARY · SEPTEMBER 23, 2026

Match the notice to the statute

Section 17C-16 addresses specified persons notified that they may not be called to testify because of bias, interest, or lack of credibility. It identifies qualifying methods and sources of notice and generally provides a 30-day reporting framework, subject to its terms. It also addresses reporting to the agency head. This is not a universal deadline for every certification event or every officer under a different commission. Read the current statute with counsel and identify which requirements apply to your particular notice.

Understand the limited hearing question

The statute provides a superior-court procedure to determine whether a notification meeting specified criteria was received. That limited inquiry should not be confused with a broad promise that a court will retry the underlying employment investigation or force a prosecutor to use a witness. The statute also addresses an extension tied to notice of that hearing and later written rescission. Obtain advice before relying on an extension, and retain proof of all required submissions. A request for informal reconsideration is not automatically the statutory procedure.

What to gather

• Record the receipt date and keep the complete written notification.
• Confirm whether Section 17C-16 and its specified notice requirements apply.
• Retain copies and delivery proof for reports, hearing notices, and rescissions.

Can I ignore the notice while seeking informal reconsideration?

Do not assume that informal discussions suspend reporting duties. Counsel should evaluate the current statute, any available hearing procedure, and the exact timing before a deadline passes.