NC H215

Establishes a formal procedure for defendants in North Carolina superior court to waive the right to trial by jury in criminal cases where the state is not seeking the death penalty.

Requires defendants to provide notice of intent to waive jury trial through one of three methods: stipulation signed by both parties, written notice filed within 10 working days of arraignment or trial date setting, or oral notice in open court by arraignment or calendar call.

Mandates that trial judges must hold a hearing to determine whether to consent to the waiver, personally address the defendant to ensure understanding of consequences, and consider arguments from both the state and defendant.

Allows defendants to revoke a waiver one time as a matter of right within 10 business days of initial notice, with any subsequent revocation requiring judicial approval based on whether it would cause unreasonable hardship or delay.

Requires trial judges to make written findings of fact and conclusions of law when a defendant waives jury trial and files a motion to suppress evidence, and to make all jury findings themselves in bench trials.