NC S418

Prohibits conviction or aggravated sentencing based solely on in-custody informant testimony without independent corroborating evidence that connects the defendant to the offense.

Requires courts to conduct pretrial hearings where prosecutors must prove by preponderance of the evidence that in-custody informant testimony is reliable and can overcome a rebuttable presumption of inadmissibility.

Mandates prosecutors certify the trustworthiness of in-custody informants and requires victim notification if the informant receives leniency including plea bargains, reduced charges, bail modifications, or sentence reductions.

Establishes 17 specific factors for judges to consider when determining reliability, including the informant's criminal history, substance abuse, incentives received, prior recantations, and whether law enforcement intentionally placed the informant.

Requires all in-custody informant interviews to be recorded using visual recording devices and prohibits destruction or alteration of recordings until one year after completion of all appeals; becomes effective December 1, 2019 for offenses committed on or after that date.