NC H696

Expands permanent no contact order authority to include defendants convicted of violent offenses beyond sex offenses, including Class A through G felonies and offenses under G.S. 14-32.4.

Requires judges, at the request of the district attorney, to hold a show cause hearing during sentencing to determine whether to issue a permanent no contact order against a convicted violent offender.

Permanent no contact order prohibits all contact by the defendant with the crime victim and the victim's immediate family for the lifetime of the defendant.

Judge must issue the order if reasonable grounds exist for the victim to fear future contact with the defendant, and must enter written findings of fact explaining the grounds for issuance.

Effective December 1, 2023, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.