North Carolina § 15A-256 - Detention and search of persons present in private premises or vehicle to be searched.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-256 — Detention and search of persons present in private premises or vehicle to be searched., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 15A-256. Detention and search of persons present in private premises or vehicle to be searched.

An officer executing a warrant directing a search of premises not generally open to the public or of a vehicle other than a common carrier may detain any person present for such time as is reasonably necessary to execute the warrant. If the search of such premises or vehicle and of any persons designated as objects of the search in the warrant fails to produce the items named in the warrant, the officer may then search any person present at the time of the officer's entry to the extent reasonably necessary to find property particularly described in the warrant which may be concealed upon the person, but no property of a different type from that particularly described in the warrant may be seized or may be the basis for prosecution of any person so searched. For the purpose of this section, all controlled substances are the same type of property. History (1973, c. 1286, s. 1.) Legal Periodicals. - For survey of 1978 law on criminal procedure, see 57 N.C.L. Rev. 1007 (1979). For note dealing with warrant to search premises as authorizing search and detention of occupants of premises, see 4 Campbell L. Rev. 191 (1981). For survey of 1981 law on criminal procedure, see 60 N.C.L. Rev. 1302 (1982).

Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 15A-256

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-256 cover?

Section 15A-256 ("Detention and search of persons present in private premises or vehicle to be searched.") 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 § 15A-256?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 15A-256" (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 § 15A-256 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.