North Carolina § 20-38 - 3. Police processing duties.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 20-38 — 3. Police processing duties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-38. 3. Police processing duties.
Upon the arrest of a person, with or without a warrant, but not necessarily in the order listed, a law enforcement officer: Shall inform the person arrested of the charges or a cause for the arrest. May take the person arrested to any place within the State for one or more chemical analyses at the request of any law enforcement officer and for any evaluation by a law enforcement officer, medical professional, or other person to determine the extent or cause of the person's impairment. May take the person arrested to some other place within the State for the purpose of having the person identified, to complete a crash report, or for any other lawful purpose. May take photographs and fingerprints in accordance with G.S. 15A-502. Shall take the person arrested before a judicial official for an initial appearance after completion of all investigatory procedures, crash reports, chemical analyses, and other procedures provided for in this section. History (2006-253, s. 5.)
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 20-38
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 20-38 cover?
Section 20-38 ("3. Police processing duties.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 20-38?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 20-38" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 20-38 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.