NC S144

Chief Justice must appoint a three-judge panel within 20 days of the Commission's finding of sufficient evidence of factual innocence to merit judicial review.

Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts may appoint a special prosecutor to represent the State if there is an allegation or evidence of prosecutorial misconduct, with the request made within 20 days of the Commission's opinion.

State has 90 days (increased from 60) to file a response to the Commission's opinion and may join in a motion to dismiss charges with prejudice on the basis of innocence.

Persons determined innocent by a three-judge panel and against whom charges are dismissed are eligible for compensation under Chapter 148 without requiring a pardon of innocence from the Governor.

Compensation for exonerated persons is $50,000 per year of imprisonment served, with a maximum cap of $750,000.