North Carolina § 14-239 - Allowing prisoners to escape; punishment.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 14-239 — Allowing prisoners to escape; punishment., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-239. Allowing prisoners to escape; punishment.
If any sheriff, deputy sheriff, jailer, or other custodial personnel shall willfully or wantonly allow the escape of any person committed to that person's custody who is (i) a person charged with a crime, (ii) a person sentenced by the court upon conviction of any offense, or (iii) committed to the Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety, that person shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. No prosecution shall be brought against any such officer pursuant to this section by reason of a prisoner being allowed to participate pursuant to court order in any work release, work study, community service, or other lawful program, or by reason of any such prisoner failing to return from participation in any such program. History (1791, c. 343, s. 1, P.R.; R.C., c. 34, s. 35; Code, s. 1022; 1905, c. 350; Rev., s. 3577; C.S., s. 4393; 1973, c. 108, s. 7; 1983, c. 694; 1993, c. 539, s. 150; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c); 2003-297, s. 1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(l); 2017-186, s. 2(cc).) Cross References. - As to permitting escape of or maltreating hired convicts, see G.S. 14-257 . Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2011-145, s. 19.1(l), effective January 1, 2012, substituted "Division of Juvenile Justice of the Department of Public Safety" for "Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention." Session Laws 2017-186, s. 2(cc), effective December 1, 2017, substituted "Juvenile Justice Section of the Division of Adult Correction and" for "Division of" in clause (iii) of the first sentence.
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 14-239
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 14-239 cover?
Section 14-239 ("Allowing prisoners to escape; punishment.") 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 § 14-239?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 14-239" (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 § 14-239 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.