North Carolina § 163-278 - 320. Permitted uses of legal expense funds.

Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 163-278 — 320. Permitted uses of legal expense funds., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 163-278. 320. Permitted uses of legal expense funds.

A legal expense fund may be used for reasonable expenses actually incurred by the elected officer in relation to a legal action or potential legal action brought by or against the elected officer in that elected officer's official capacity. The elected officer's campaign itself shall not be funded from a legal expense fund. Upon closing a legal expense account, the treasurer shall distribute the remaining monies in the legal expense fund to any of the following: The Indigent Persons' Attorney Fee Fund under Article 36 of Chapter 7A of the General Statutes. The North Carolina State Bar for the provision of civil legal services for indigents. Payments to an organization described in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. § 170(c)), provided that the candidate or the candidate's spouse, children, parents, brothers, or sisters are not employed by the organization. To return all or a portion of a legal expense donation to the donor. Payment to the Escheat Fund established by Chapter 116B of the General Statutes. History (2007-349, s. 1; 2009-534, s. 2(g); 2017-6, s. 3; 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), (b).) Editor's Note. - This section was recodified as now former G.S. 163A-1570 by Session Laws 2017-6, s. 3. Former G.S. 163A-1570 was then re-recodified as this section by Session Laws 2018-146, s. 3.1(a), effective January 31, 2019. The historical citation from the former section has been added to this section as re-recodified. Session Laws 2018-146, s. 3.1(b), effective January 31, 2019, repealed Session Laws 2017-6, s. 3, which had recodified this section. Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2009-534, s. 2(g), effective December 1, 2009, substituted "Payments" for "Contributions" in subdivision (b)(3); and substituted "legal expense donation to the donor" for "contribution to the contributor" in subdivision (b)(4).

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

Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 163-278

What does North Carolina General Statutes § 163-278 cover?

Section 163-278 ("320. Permitted uses of legal expense funds.") 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 § 163-278?

A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 163-278" (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 § 163-278 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.