NC S478

Establishes the Office of Prosecution Services within the Judicial Department, administered by a Director of Prosecution Services and overseen by an 11-member Commission on Prosecution Services, to provide oversight of district attorney offices and criminal prosecution services.

Creates the Commission on Prosecution Services with members appointed by the Chief Justice (2), Governor (2), General Assembly (4), North Carolina State Bar (1), and elected by district attorneys statewide (2), with staggered initial terms of 1-4 years and subsequent four-year terms.

Grants the Office responsibilities including budget management and oversight of district attorney offices, identifying programs for greater efficiency and effectiveness, providing training and technical assistance, and assigning special prosecutors in extraordinary circumstances.

Directs the Commission to develop guidelines for district attorney offices covering staff qualifications, assistant district attorney caseloads, performance standards, and compensation; establishes a four-year term for the Director with removal by two-thirds Commission vote.

Repeals Article 32 of Chapter 7A and amends multiple statutes to transfer authority over prosecution services from the Administrative Office of the Courts to the new Office of Prosecution Services, effective July 1, 2011.