North Carolina § 14-242 - Failing to return process or making false return.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 14-242 — Failing to return process or making false return., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-242. Failing to return process or making false return.
If any sheriff, deputy, or other officer, whether State or municipal, or any person who presumes to act as any such officer, not being by law authorized so to do, willfully refuses to return any precept, notice or process, to him tendered or delivered, which it is his duty to execute, or willfully makes a false return thereon, the person who willfully refused to make the return or willfully made the false return shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. History (1818, c. 980, s. 3, P.R.; 1827, c. 20, s. 4; R.C., c. 34, s. 118; Code, s. 1112; Rev., s. 3604; C.S., s. 4396; 1989, c. 462; 1993, c. 539, s. 152; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s. 14(c).) Cross References. - As to duty to execute process and penalty for false return, see G.S. 162-14 . Legal Periodicals. - For survey of 1977 law on torts, see 56 N.C.L. Rev. 1136 (1978).
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 14-242
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 14-242 cover?
Section 14-242 ("Failing to return process or making false return.") 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 § 14-242?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 14-242" (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 § 14-242 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.