There Is a Newer Version of the North Carolina General Statutes

2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes Article 28 - Uniform Costs and Fees in the Trial Divisions.

Article 28.

Uniform Costs and Fees in the Trial Divisions.

§ 7A‑304.� Costs in criminal actions.

(a)�� In every criminal case in the superior or district court, wherein the defendant is convicted, or enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, or when costs are assessed against the prosecuting witness, the following costs shall be assessed and collected, except that when the judgment imposes an active prison sentence, costs shall be assessed and collected only when the judgment specifically so provides, and that no costs may be assessed when a case is dismissed.

(1)�� For each arrest or personal service of criminal process, including citations and subpoenas, the sum of five dollars ($5.00), to be remitted to the county wherein the arrest was made or process was served, except that in those cases in which the arrest was made or process served by a law‑enforcement officer employed by a municipality, the fee shall be paid to the municipality employing the officer.

(2)�� For the use of the courtroom and related judicial facilities, the sum of twelve dollars ($12.00) in the district court, including cases before a magistrate, and the sum of thirty dollars ($30.00) in superior court, to be remitted to the county in which the judgment is rendered. In all cases where the judgment is rendered in facilities provided by a municipality, the facilities fee shall be paid to the municipality. Funds derived from the facilities fees shall be used exclusively by the county or municipality for providing, maintaining, and constructing adequate courtroom and related judicial facilities, including: adequate space and furniture for judges, district attorneys, public defenders and other personnel of the Office of Indigent Defense Services, magistrates, juries, and other court related personnel; office space, furniture and vaults for the clerk; jail and juvenile detention facilities; free parking for jurors; and a law library (including books) if one has heretofore been established or if the governing body hereafter decides to establish one. In the event the funds derived from the facilities fees exceed what is needed for these purposes, the county or municipality may, with the approval of the Administrative Officer of the Courts as to the amount, use any or all of the excess to retire outstanding indebtedness incurred in the construction of the facilities, or to reimburse the county or municipality for funds expended in constructing or renovating the facilities (without incurring any indebtedness) within a period of two years before or after the date a district court is established in such county, or to supplement the operations of the General Court of Justice in the county.

(3)�� For the retirement and insurance benefits of both State and local government law‑enforcement officers, the sum of six dollars and twenty‑five cents ($6.25), to be remitted to the State Treasurer. Fifty cents (50�) of this sum shall be administered as is provided in Article 12C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. Five dollars and seventy‑five cents ($5.75) of this sum shall be administered as is provided in Article 12E of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes, with one dollar and twenty‑five cents ($1.25) being administered in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 143‑166.50(e).

(3a)�� For the supplemental pension benefits of sheriffs, the sum of one dollar twenty‑five cents ($1.25) to be remitted to the Department of Justice and administered under the provisions of Article 12G of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.

(4)�� For support of the General Court of Justice, the sum of eighty‑five dollars and fifty cents ($85.50) in the district court, including cases before a magistrate, and the sum of ninety‑two dollars and fifty cents ($92.50) in the superior court, to be remitted to the State Treasurer. For a person convicted of a felony in superior court who has made a first appearance in district court, both the district court and superior court fees shall be assessed. The State Treasurer shall remit the sum of one dollar and five cents ($1.05) of each fee collected under this subdivision to the North Carolina State Bar for the provision of services described in G.S. 7A‑474.4, and ninety‑five cents ($.95) of each fee collected under this subdivision to the North Carolina State Bar for the provision of services described in G.S. 7A‑474.19.

(5)�� For using pretrial release services, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, impose a fee of fifteen dollars ($15.00) to be remitted to the county providing the pretrial release services. This cost shall be assessed and collected only if the defendant had been accepted and released to the supervision of the agency providing the pretrial release services.

(6)�� For support of the General Court of Justice, for the issuance by the clerk of a report to the Division of Motor Vehicles pursuant to G.S. 20‑24.2, the sum of fifty dollars ($50.00), to be remitted to the State Treasurer. Upon a showing to the court that the defendant failed to appear because of an error or omission of a judicial official, a prosecutor, or a law‑enforcement officer, the court shall waive this fee.

(7)�� For the services of the State Bureau of Investigation laboratory facilities, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) to be remitted to the Department of Justice for support of the State Bureau of Investigation. This cost shall be assessed only in cases in which, as part of the investigation leading to the defendant's conviction, the laboratories have performed DNA analysis of the crime, tests of bodily fluids of the defendant for the presence of alcohol or controlled substances, or analysis of any controlled substance possessed by the defendant or the defendant's agent. The court may waive or reduce the amount of the payment required by this subdivision upon a finding of just cause to grant such a waiver or reduction.

(8)�� For the services of any crime laboratory facility operated by a local government or group of local governments, the district or superior court judge shall, upon conviction, order payment of the sum of three hundred dollars ($300.00) to be remitted to the general fund of the local governmental unit that operates the laboratory to be used for law enforcement purposes. The cost shall be assessed only in cases in which, as part of the investigation leading to the defendant's conviction, the laboratory has performed DNA analysis of the crime, test of bodily fluids of the defendant for the presence of alcohol or controlled substances, or analysis of any controlled substance possessed by the defendant or the defendant's agent. The costs shall be assessed only if the court finds that the work performed at the local government's laboratory is the equivalent of the same kind of work performed by the State Bureau of Investigation under subdivision (7) of this subsection. The court may waive or reduce the amount of the payment required by this subdivision upon a finding of just cause to grant such a waiver or reduction.

(a1)�� Repealed by Session Laws 1997‑475, s. 4.1.

(b)�� On appeal, costs are cumulative, and costs assessed before a magistrate shall be added to costs assessed in the district court, and costs assessed in the district court shall be added to costs assessed in the superior court, except that the fee for the Law‑Enforcement Officers' Benefit and Retirement Fund and the Sheriffs' Supplemental Pension Fund and the fee for pretrial release services shall be assessed only once in each case. No superior court costs shall be assessed against a defendant who gives notice of appeal from the district court but withdraws it prior to the expiration of the 10‑day period for entering notice of appeal. When a case is reversed on appeal, the defendant shall not be liable for costs, and the State shall be liable for the cost of printing records and briefs in the Appellate Division.

(c)�� Witness fees, expenses for blood tests and comparisons incurred by G.S. 8‑50.1(a), jail fees and cost of necessary trial transcripts shall be assessed as provided by law in addition to other costs set out in this section. Nothing in this section shall limit the power or discretion of the judge in imposing fines or forfeitures or ordering restitution.

(d)�� (1)�� In any criminal case in which the liability for costs, fines, restitution, attorneys' fees, or any other lawful charge has been finally determined, the clerk of superior court shall, unless otherwise ordered by the presiding judge, disburse such funds when paid in accordance with the following priorities:

a.�� Sums in restitution to the victim entitled thereto;

b.�� Costs due the county;

c.�� Costs due the city;

d.�� Fines to the county school fund;

e.�� Sums in restitution prorated among the persons other than the victim entitled thereto;

f.�� Costs due the State;

g.�� Attorney's fees, including appointment fees assessed pursuant to G.S. 7A‑455.1.

(2)�� Sums in restitution received by the clerk of superior court shall be disbursed when:

a.�� Complete restitution has been received; or

b.�� When, in the opinion of the clerk, additional payments in restriction will not be collected; or

c.�� Upon the request of the person or persons entitled thereto; and

d.�� In any event, at least once each calendar year.

(e)�� Unless otherwise provided by law, the costs assessed pursuant to this section for criminal actions disposed of in the district court are also applicable to infractions disposed of in the district court. The costs assessed in superior court for criminal actions appealed from district court to superior court are also applicable to infractions appealed to superior court. If an infraction is disposed of in the superior court pursuant to G.S. 7A‑271(d), costs applicable to the original charge are applicable to the infraction. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 601, s. 2; c. 691, ss. 27‑29; c. 1049, s. 5; 1969, c. 1013, s. 3; c. 1190, ss. 28, 29; 1971, c. 377, ss. 19‑21; c. 1129; 1973, c. 47, s. 2; 1975, c. 558, ss. 1, 2; 1975, 2nd Sess., c. 980, s. 1; 1979, c. 576, s. 3; 1981, c. 369; c. 691, s. 1; c. 896, s. 2; c. 959, s. 1; 1983, c. 713, ss. 2, 3; 1983 (Reg. Sess., 1984), c. 1034, s. 249; 1985, c. 479, s. 196(a); c. 729, ss. 2‑4; c. 764, s. 17; 1986, Ex. Sess., c. 5; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 852, s. 17; c. 1015, s. 1; 1989, c. 664, ss. 1, 2; c. 786, s. 1; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1044, s. 1; 1991, c. 742, s. 15(a); 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 811, s. 1; 1993, c. 313, s. 2; 1996, 2nd Ex. Sess., c. 18, s. 22.13(a); 1997‑475, s. 4.1; 1998‑212, ss. 19.4(k), 29A.12(a); 2000‑109, s. 4(a); 2000‑144, s. 2; 2001‑424, s. 22.14(a); 2002‑126, ss. 29A.4(a), 29A.8(a), 29A.9(b); 2003‑284, s. 30.19B(a); 2004‑186, s. 4.4; 2005‑250, s. 1; 2005‑276, ss. 43.1(a), 29.30(b); 2005‑363, s. 1.)

§ 7A‑305.� Costs in civil actions.

(a)�� In every civil action in the superior or district court, except for actions brought under Chapter 50B of the General Statutes, the following costs shall be assessed:

(1)�� For the use of the courtroom and related judicial facilities, the sum of twelve dollars ($12.00) in cases heard before a magistrate, and the sum of sixteen dollars ($16.00) in district and superior court, to be remitted to the county in which the judgment is rendered, except that in all cases in which the judgment is rendered in facilities provided by a municipality, the facilities fee shall be paid to the municipality. Funds derived from the facilities fees shall be used in the same manner, for the same purposes, and subject to the same restrictions, as facilities fees assessed in criminal actions.

(2)�� For support of the General Court of Justice, the sum of seventy‑nine dollars ($79.00) in the superior court, except that if a case is assigned to a special superior court judge as a complex business case under G.S. 7A‑45.3, an additional two hundred dollars ($200.00) shall be paid upon its assignment, and the sum of sixty‑four dollars ($64.00) in the district court except that if the case is assigned to a magistrate the sum shall be fifty‑three dollars ($53.00). Sums collected under this subdivision shall be remitted to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall remit the sum of one dollar and five cents ($1.05) of each fee collected under this subdivision to the North Carolina State Bar for the provision of services described in G.S. 7A‑474.4, and ninety‑five cents ($.95) of each fee collected under this subdivision to the North Carolina State Bar for the provision of services described in G.S. 7A‑474.19.

(a1)�� Reserved for future codification purposes.

(a2)�� In every action for absolute divorce filed in the district court, a cost of fifty‑five dollars ($55.00) shall be assessed against the person filing the divorce action. Costs collected by the clerk pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the State Treasurer for deposit to the North Carolina Fund for Displaced Homemakers established under G.S. 143B‑394.10. Costs assessed under this subsection shall be in addition to any other costs assessed under this section.

(b)�� On appeal, costs are cumulative, and when cases heard before a magistrate are appealed to the district court, the General Court of Justice fee and the facilities fee applicable in the district court shall be added to the fees assessed before the magistrate. When an order of the clerk of the superior court is appealed to either the district court or the superior court, no additional General Court of Justice fee or facilities fee shall be assessed.

(b1)�� When a defendant files an answer in an action filed as a small claim which requires the entire case to be withdrawn from a magistrate and transferred to the district court, the difference between the General Court of Justice fee and facilities fee applicable to the district court and the General Court of Justice fee and facilities fee applicable to cases heard by a magistrate shall be assessed. The defendant is responsible for paying the fee.

(c)�� The clerk of superior court, at the time of the filing of the papers initiating the action or the appeal, shall collect as advance court costs, the facilities fee, General Court of Justice fee, and the divorce fee imposed under subsection (a2) of this section, except in suits by an indigent. The clerk shall also collect the fee for discovery procedures under Rule 27(a) and (b) at the time of the filing of the verified petition.

(d)�� The following expenses, when incurred, are also assessable or recoverable, as the case may be:

(1)�� Witness fees, as provided by law.

(2)�� Jail fees, as provided by law.

(3)�� Counsel fees, as provided by law.

(4)�� Expense of service of process by certified mail and by publication.

(5)�� Costs on appeal to the superior court, or to the appellate division, as the case may be, of the original transcript of testimony, if any, insofar as essential to the appeal.

(6)�� Fees for personal service and civil process and other sheriff's fees, as provided by law. Fees for personal service by a private process server may be recoverable in an amount equal to the actual cost of such service or fifty dollars ($50.00), whichever is less, unless the court finds that due to difficulty of service a greater amount is appropriate.

(7)�� Fees of guardians ad litem, referees, receivers, commissioners, surveyors, arbitrators, appraisers, and other similar court appointees, as provided by law. The fee of such appointees shall include reasonable reimbursement for stenographic assistance, when necessary.

(8)�� Fees of interpreters, when authorized and approved by the court.

(9)�� Premiums for surety bonds for prosecution, as authorized by G.S. 1‑109.

(e)�� Nothing in this section shall affect the liability of the respective parties for costs as provided by law. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 108, s. 10; c. 691, s. 30; 1971, c. 377, ss. 23, 24; c. 1181, s. 1; 1973, c. 503, ss. 12‑14; c. 1267, s. 3; 1975, c. 558, s. 3; 1975, 2nd Sess., c. 980, ss. 2, 3; 1979, 2nd Sess., c. 1234, s. 1; 1981, c. 555, s. 6; c. 691, s. 2; 1983, c. 713, ss. 4‑6; 1989, c. 786, s. 2; 1991, c. 742, s. 15(b); 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 811, s. 2; 1993, c. 435, s. 6; 1995, c. 275, s. 2; 1998‑212, s. 29A.12(b); 1998‑219, ss. 2, 3; 2000‑109, s. 4(b); 2001‑424, s. 22.14(b); 2002‑126, ss. 29A.4(b), 29A.6(e); 2004‑186, s. 4.3; 2005‑276, s. 43.1(b); 2005‑405, s. 5; 2005‑425, s. 1.2.)

§ 7A‑305.1.� Discovery, fee on filing verified petition.

When discovery procedures under Rule 27 of the Rules of Civil Procedure are utilized, the sum of twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be assessed and collected by the clerk at the time of the filing of the verified petition. If a civil action is subsequently initiated, the twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be credited against costs in the civil action. (1971, c. 377, s. 22.)

§ 7A‑306.� Costs in special proceedings.

(a)�� In every special proceeding in the superior court, the following costs shall be assessed:

(1)�� For the use of the courtroom and related judicial facilities, the sum of ten dollars ($10.00) to be remitted to the county. Funds derived from the facilities fees shall be used in the same manner, for the same purposes, and subject to the same restrictions, as facilities fees assessed in criminal actions.

(2)�� For support of the General Court of Justice the sum of forty dollars ($40.00). In addition, in proceedings involving land, except boundary disputes, if the fair market value of the land involved is over one hundred dollars ($100.00), there shall be an additional sum of thirty cents (30�) per one hundred dollars ($100.00) of value, or major fraction thereof, not to exceed a maximum additional sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00). Fair market value is determined by the sale price if there is a sale, the appraiser's valuation if there is no sale, or the appraised value from the property tax records if there is neither a sale nor an appraiser's valuation. Sums collected under this subdivision shall be remitted to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall remit the sum of one dollar and five cents ($1.05) of each forty‑dollar ($40.00) General Court of Justice fee collected under this subdivision to the North Carolina State Bar for the provision of services described in G.S. 7A‑474.4.

(b)�� The facilities fee and thirty dollars ($30.00) of the General Court of Justice fee are payable at the time the proceeding is initiated.

(c)�� The following additional expenses, when incurred, are assessable or recoverable, as the case may be:

(1)�� Witness fees, as provided by law.

(2)�� Counsel fees, as provided by law.

(3)�� Costs on appeal, of the original transcript of testimony, if any, insofar as essential to the appeal.

(4)�� Fees for personal service of civil process, and other sheriff's fees, and for service by publication, as provided by law.

(5)�� Fees of guardians ad litem, referees, receivers, commissioners, surveyors, arbitrators, appraisers, and other similar court appointees, as provided by law. The fees of such appointees shall include reasonable reimbursement for stenographic assistance, when necessary.

(d)�� Costs assessed before the clerk shall be added to costs assessable on appeal to the judge or upon transfer to the civil issue docket.

(e)�� Nothing in this section shall affect the liability of the respective parties for costs, as provided by law.

(f)�� This section does not apply to a foreclosure under power of sale in a deed of trust or mortgage. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 24, s. 2; 1971, c. 377, s. 25; c. 1181, s. 1; 1973, c. 503, s. 15; 1981, c. 691, s. 3; 1983, c. 713, ss. 7‑9; c. 881, s. 4; 1985, c. 511, s. 1; 1989, c. 646, s. 1; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 811, s. 3; 1998‑212, s. 29A.12(c); 2000‑109, s. 4(c); 2001‑424, s. 22.14(c); 2002‑135, s. 1; 2005‑276, s. 43.1(c).)

§ 7A‑307.� Costs in administration of estates.

(a)�� In the administration of the estates of decedents, minors, incompetents, of missing persons, and of trusts under wills and under powers of attorney, in trust proceedings under G.S. 36A‑23.1, and in collections of personal property by affidavit, the following costs shall be assessed:

(1)�� For the use of the courtroom and related judicial facilities, the sum of ten dollars ($10.00), to be remitted to the county. Funds derived from the facilities fees shall be used in the same manner, for the same purposes, and subject to the same restrictions, as facilities fees assessed in criminal actions.

(2)�� For support of the General Court of Justice, the sum of forty dollars ($40.00), plus an additional forty cents (40�) per one hundred dollars ($100.00), or major fraction thereof, of the gross estate, not to exceed six thousand dollars ($6,000). Gross estate shall include the fair market value of all personalty when received, and all proceeds from the sale of realty coming into the hands of the fiduciary, but shall not include the value of realty. In collections of personal property by affidavit, the fee based on the gross estate shall be computed from the information in the final affidavit of collection made pursuant to G.S. 28A‑25‑3 and shall be paid when that affidavit is filed. In all other cases, this fee shall be computed from the information reported in the inventory and shall be paid when the inventory is filed with the clerk. If additional gross estate, including income, comes into the hands of the fiduciary after the filing of the inventory, the fee for such additional value shall be assessed and paid upon the filing of any account or report disclosing such additional value. For each filing the minimum fee shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00). Sums collected under this subdivision shall be remitted to the State Treasurer. The State Treasurer shall remit the sum of one dollar and five cents ($1.05) of each forty‑dollar ($40.00) General Court of Justice fee collected under this subdivision to the North Carolina State Bar for the provision of services described in G.S. 7A‑474.4.

(2a)�� Notwithstanding subdivision (2) of this subsection, the fee of forty cents (40�) per one hundred dollars ($100.00), or major fraction, of the gross estate, not to exceed six thousand dollars ($6,000), shall not be assessed on personalty received by a trust under a will when the estate of the decedent was administered under Chapters 28 or 28A of the General Statutes. Instead, a fee of twenty dollars ($20.00) shall be assessed on the filing of each annual and final account.

(2b)�� Notwithstanding subdivisions (1) and (2) of this subsection, no costs shall be assessed when the estate is administered or settled pursuant to G.S. 28A‑25‑6.

(2c)�� Notwithstanding subdivision (2) of this subsection, the fee of forty cents (40�) per one hundred dollars ($100.00), or major fraction, of the gross estate shall not be assessed on the gross estate of a trust that is the subject of a proceeding under G.S. 36A‑23.1 if there is no requirement in the trust that accountings be filed with the clerk.

(3)�� For probate of a will without qualification of a personal representative, the clerk shall assess a facilities fee as provided in subdivision (1) of this subsection and shall assess for support of the General Court of Justice, the sum of twenty dollars ($20.00).

(b)�� In collections of personal property by affidavit, the facilities fee and thirty dollars ($30.00) of the General Court of Justice fee shall be paid at the time of filing the qualifying affidavit pursuant to G.S. 28A‑25‑1. In all other cases, these fees shall be paid at the time of filing of the first inventory. If the sole asset of the estate is a cause of action, these fees shall be paid at the time of the qualification of the fiduciary.

(b1)�� The clerk shall assess the following miscellaneous fees:

(1)�� Filing and indexing a will with no probate

‑ first page............................................................................................. $ 1.00

‑ each additional page or fraction thereof............................................... .25

(2)...... Issuing letters to fiduciaries, per letter over five letters issued......... 1.00

(3)...... Inventory of safe deposits of a decedent, per box, per day................ 15.00

(4)...... Taking a deposition............................................................................... 10.00

(5)�� Docketing and indexing a will probated in another county in the State

‑ first page................................................................................................ 6.00

‑ each additional page or fraction thereof............................................... .25

(6)�� Hearing petition for year's allowance to surviving spouse or child,

in cases not assigned to a magistrate, and allotting the same.............. 8.00

(c)�� The following additional expenses, when incurred, are also assessable or recoverable, as the case may be:

(1)�� Witness fees, as provided by law.

(2)�� Counsel fees, as provided by law.

(3)�� Costs on appeal, of the original transcript of testimony, if any, insofar as essential to the appeal.

(4)�� Fees for personal service of civil process, and other sheriff's fees, as provided by law.

(5)�� Fees of guardians ad litem, referees, receivers, commissioners, surveyors, arbitrators, appraisers, and other similar court appointees, as provided by law.

(d)�� Costs assessed before the clerk shall be added to costs assessable on appeal to the judge or upon transfer to the civil issue docket.

(e)�� Nothing in this section shall affect the liability of the respective parties for costs, as provided by law. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 691, s. 31; 1969, c. 1190, s. 30; 1971, c. 1181, s. 1; 1973, c. 1335, s. 1; 1981, c. 691, s. 4; 1983, c. 713, ss. 10‑17; 1985, c. 481, ss. 1‑5; 1985 (Reg. Sess., 1986), c. 855; 1987, c. 837; 1989, c. 719; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 811, ss. 4, 5; 1997‑310, s. 4; 1998‑212, s. 29A.12(d); 2000‑109, s. 4(d); 2001‑413, s. 1.2; 2001‑424, s. 22.14(d); 2002‑135, ss. 2, 3; 2005‑276, s. 43.1(d).)

§ 7A‑308.� Miscellaneous fees and commissions.

(a)�� The following miscellaneous fees and commissions shall be collected by the clerk of superior court and remitted to the State for the support of the General Court of Justice:

(1)�� Foreclosure under power of sale in deed of trust or mortgage................. $60.00

If the property is sold under the power of sale, an additional amount will be charged, determined by the following formula: forty‑five cents (.45) per one hundred dollars ($100.00), or major fraction thereof, of the final sale price. If the amount determined by the formula is less than ten dollars ($10.00), a minimum ten dollar ($10.00) fee will be collected. If the amount determined by the formula is more than three hundred dollars ($300.00), a maximum three hundred dollar ($300.00) fee will be collected.

(2)�� Proceeding supplemental to execution.......................................................... 30.00

(3)�� Confession of judgment ................................................................................. 25.00

(4)�� Taking a deposition.......................................................................................... 10.00

(5)�� Execution.......................................................................................................... 25.00

(6)�� Notice of resumption of former name........................................................... 10.00

(7)�� Taking an acknowledgment or administering an oath, or both,

�� with or without seal, each certificate (except that oaths of office

�� shall be administered to public officials without charge)............................ $2.00

(8)�� Bond, taking justification or approving.......................................................... 10.00

(9)�� Certificate, under seal........................................................................................ 3.00

(10)�� Exemplification of records............................................................................. 10.00

(11)�� Recording or docketing (including indexing) any document

�� first page......................................................................................................... 6.00

�� each additional page or fraction thereof....................................................... .25

(12)�� Preparation of copies

�� first page......................................................................................................... 2.00

�� each additional page or fraction thereof....................................................... .25

(13)�� Preparation and docketing of transcript of judgment................................... 10.00

(14)�� Substitution of trustee in deed of trust.......................................................... 10.00

(15)�� Execution of passport application � the amount allowed by

�� federal law

(16)�� Repealed by Session Laws 1989, c. 783, s. 2.

(17)�� Criminal record search except if search is requested by an agency

�� of the State or any of its political subdivisions or by an agency of the

�� United States or by a petitioner in a proceeding under Article 2 of

�� General Statutes Chapter 20........................................................................... 10.00

(18)�� Filing the affirmations, acknowledgments, agreements and resulting

�� orders entered into under the provisions of G.S. 110‑132 and

�� G.S. 110‑133...................................................................................................... 6.00

(19)�� Repealed by Session Laws 1989, c. 783, s. 3.

(20)�� Filing a motion to assert a right of access under G.S. 1‑72.1...................... 30.00.

(b)�� The fees and commissions set forth in this section are not chargeable when the service is performed as a part of the regular disposition of any action or special proceeding or the administration of an estate. When a transaction involves more than one of the services set forth in this section, only the greater service fee shall be charged. The Director of the Administrative Office of the courts shall issue guidelines pursuant to G.S. 7A‑343(3) to be followed in administering this subsection.

(b1)�� The fees set forth in subdivision (12) of subsection (a) of this section are not chargeable when copies are requested by an attorney who has been appointed to represent an indigent person at State expense, if the request is made in connection with the appointed case and during the duration of the appointment.

(c)�� A person who participates in a program for the collection of worthless checks under G.S. 14‑107.2 must pay a fee of sixty dollars ($60.00). The fee collected under this subsection must be remitted to the State by the clerk of the court in the county in which the program is established and credited to the Collection of Worthless Checks Fund. The Collection of Worthless Checks Fund is created as a special revenue fund. Revenue in the Fund does not revert at the end of the fiscal year, and interest and other investment income earned by the Fund accrues to the Fund. The money in the Fund is subject to appropriation by the General Assembly and may be used solely for the expenses of the programs established under G.S. 14‑107.2 for the collection of worthless checks, including personnel, equipment, and other costs of district attorneys' offices that are attributable to the provision of these programs. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 691, ss. 32, 33; 1969, c. 1190, s. 31; 1971, c. 956, s. 2; 1973, c. 503, s. 16; c. 886; 1975, c. 829; 1981, c. 313, s. 1; 1983, c. 713, s. 18; 1985, c. 475, ss. 2, 3; c. 481, ss. 6‑8; c. 511, s. 2; 1989, c. 783, ss. 2‑4; c. 786, ss. 1, 3; 1997‑114, s. 1; 1997‑443, s. 18.22(a); 1998‑23, s. 11; 1998‑212, s. 16.3; 1999‑237, s. 17.7; 2000‑67, s. 15.3A(a); 2000‑109, s. 4(e); 2001‑516, s. 2; 2002‑126, ss. 29A.7(a), 29A.13.1(a); 2002‑135, s. 4; 2003‑284, s. 36A.2; 2005‑251, s. 1.)

§ 7A‑308.1.� Fees on deposits and investments.

On all funds received by the clerk by virtue or color of his office and deposited pursuant to G.S. 7A‑112.1 or invested pursuant to G.S. 7A‑112, one or both of the fees provided for in this section shall be assessed and collected as follows:

(1)�� On all funds deposited by the clerk in an interest bearing checking account pursuant to G.S. 7A‑112.1, a fee of four percent (4%) of each principal amount so deposited shall be assessed and collected, subject to the following conditions:

a.�� The fee shall be collected from interest earnings only and shall not exceed the amount of the interest earnings on any principal amount so deposited, or seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), whichever is less;

b.�� All fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be paid to the county as court facilities fees and used as prescribed in G.S. 7A‑304(a)(2);

c.�� All interest earnings in excess of the prescribed fee shall be remitted to the beneficial owner or owners of any principal amount when that amount is withdrawn and distributed by the clerk; and

d.�� If any principal amount is withdrawn from the checking account and invested pursuant to G.S. 7A‑112, any interest in excess of the prescribed clerk's fee which is invested with the principal amount shall be included in the fund upon which the fee provided for in subdivision (2) is computed.

(2)�� On all funds to be invested by the clerk pursuant to G.S. 7A‑112, a fee equal to five percent (5%) of each fund shall be assessed and collected, subject to the following conditions:

a.�� The fee shall be charged and deducted from each fund before the fund is invested, and only the balance shall be invested;

b.�� Over the life of an account, the fees charged on the initial funds and all funds subsequently placed with the clerk for that account shall not exceed the investment earnings on the account or one thousand dollars ($1,000), whichever is less;

c.�� All fees collected pursuant to this subsection shall be remitted to the State Treasurer for the support of the General Court of Justice; and

d.�� Any fees charged in excess of the cumulative investment earnings on an account shall be refunded and all investment earnings in excess of the prescribed fee shall be remitted to the beneficial owner or owners when all funds in that account are finally withdrawn and distributed by the clerk. (1989, c. 783, s. 5.)

§ 7A‑309.� Magistrate's special fees.

The following special fees shall be collected by the magistrate and remitted to the clerk of superior court for the use of the State in support of the General Court of Justice:

(1)�� Performing marriage ceremony�� $20.00

(2)�� Hearing petition for year's allowance to surviving spouse or child, issuing notices to commissioners, allotting the same, and making return�� 8.00

(3)�� Taking a deposition�� 10.00

(4)�� Proof of execution or acknowledgment of any instrument�� 2.00

(5)�� Performing any other statutory function not incident to a civil or criminal action�� $ 2.00.

(1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1973, c. 503, s. 17; 1983, c. 713, s. 19; 2002‑126, s. 29A.10(a).)

§ 7A‑310.� Fees of commissioners and assessors appointed by magistrate.

Any person appointed by a magistrate as a commissioner or assessor, and who shall serve, shall be paid the sum of two dollars ($2.00), to be taxed as a part of the bill of costs of the proceeding. (1965, c. 310, s. 1.)

§ 7A‑311.� Uniform civil process fees.

(a)�� In a civil action or special proceeding, except for actions brought under Chapter 50B of the General Statutes, the following fees and commissions shall be assessed, collected, and remitted to the county:

(1)�� a.�� For each item of civil process served, including summons, subpoenas, notices, motions, orders, writs and pleadings, the sum of fifteen dollars ($15.00). When two or more items of civil process are served simultaneously on one party, only one fifteen‑dollar ($15.00) fee shall be charged.

b.�� When an item of civil process is served on two or more persons or organizations, a separate service charge shall be made for each person or organization. The process fee shall be remitted to the county. This subsection shall not apply to service of summons to jurors.

c.�� At least fifty percent (50%) of the fees collected pursuant to this subdivision shall be used by the county to ensure the timely service of process within the county, which may include the hiring of additional law enforcement personnel upon the recommendation of the sheriff.

(2)�� For the seizure of personal property and its care after seizure, all necessary expenses, in addition to any fees for service of process.

(3)�� For all sales by the sheriff of property, either real or personal, or for funds collected by the sheriff under any judgment, five percent (5%) on the first five hundred dollars ($500.00), and two and one‑half percent (2 1/2%) on all sums over five hundred dollars ($500.00), plus necessary expenses of sale. Whenever an execution is issued to the sheriff, and subsequently while the execution is in force and outstanding, and after the sheriff has served or attempted to serve such execution, the judgment, or any part thereof, is paid directly or indirectly to the judgment creditor, the fee herein is payable to the sheriff on the amount so paid. The judgment creditor shall be responsible for collecting and paying all execution fees on amounts paid directly to the judgment creditor.

(4)�� For execution of a judgment of ejectment, all necessary expenses, in addition to any fees for service of process.

(5)�� For necessary transportation of individuals to or from State institutions or another state, the same mileage and subsistence allowances as are provided for State employees.

(b)�� All fees that are required to be assessed, collected, and remitted under subsection (a) of this section shall be collected in advance (except in suits in forma pauperis) except those contingent on expenses or sales prices. When the fee is not collected in advance or at the time of assessment, a lien shall exist in favor of the county on all property of the party owing the fee. If the fee remains unpaid it shall be entered as a judgment against the debtor and shall be docketed in the judgment docket in the office of the clerk of superior court.

(c)�� The process fees and commissions set forth in this section are complete and exclusive and in lieu of any and all other process fees and commissions in civil actions and special proceedings. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 691, s. 34; 1969, c. 1190, s. 31 1/2; 1973, c. 417, ss. 1, 2; c. 503, s. 18; c. 1139; 1979, c. 801, s. 2; 1989 (Reg. Sess., 1990), c. 1044, s. 2; 1998‑212, s. 29A.12(e); 2002‑126, ss. 29A.6(f), 29A.6(g); 2004‑113, s. 1.)

§ 7A‑312.� Uniform fees for jurors; meals.

A juror in the General Court of Justice including a petit juror, or a coroner's juror, but excluding a grand juror, shall receive twelve dollars ($12.00) per day, except that if any person serves as a juror for more than five days in any 24‑month period, the juror shall receive thirty dollars ($30.00) per day for each day of service in excess of five days. A grand juror shall receive twelve dollars ($12.00) per day. A juror required to remain overnight at the site of the trial shall be furnished adequate accommodations and subsistence. If required by the presiding judge to remain in a body during the trial of a case, meals shall be furnished the jurors during the period of sequestration. Jurors from out of the county summoned to sit on a special venire shall receive mileage at the same rate as State employees. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 1169; 1969, c. 1190, s. 32; 1971, c. 377, s. 26; 1973, c. 503, s. 19; 1979, c. 985; 1983, c. 881, ss. 2, 3; 1989, c. 646, s. 2; 1995, c. 324, ss. 21.1(a), (c).)

§ 7A‑313.� Uniform jail fees.

Persons who are lawfully confined in jail awaiting trial shall be liable to the county or municipality maintaining the jail in the sum of five dollars ($5.00) for each 24 hours' confinement, or fraction thereof, except that a person so confined shall not be liable for this fee if the case or proceeding against him is dismissed, or if acquitted, or if judgment is arrested, or if probable cause is not found, or if the grand jury fails to return a true bill.

Persons who are ordered to pay jail fees pursuant to a probationary sentence shall be liable to the county or municipality maintaining the jail at the same per diem rate paid by the Department of Correction to local jails for maintaining a prisoner, as set by the General Assembly in its appropriations acts. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1969, c. 1190, s. 33; 1973, c. 503, s. 20; 1975, c. 444; 1989, c. 733, s. 1; 2000‑109, s. 5; 2000‑140, s. 104.)

§ 7A‑314.� Uniform fees for witnesses; experts; limit on number.

(a)�� A witness under subpoena, bound over, or recognized, other than a salaried State, county, or municipal law‑enforcement officer, or an out‑of‑state witness in a criminal case, whether to testify before the court, Judicial Standards Commission, jury of view, magistrate, clerk, referee, commissioner, appraiser, or arbitrator shall be entitled to receive five dollars ($5.00) per day, or fraction thereof, during his attendance, which, except as to witnesses before the Judicial Standards Commission, must be certified to the clerk of superior court.

(b)�� A witness entitled to the fee set forth in subsection (a) of this section, and a law‑enforcement officer who qualifies as a witness, shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for travel expenses as follows:

(1)�� A witness whose residence is outside the county of appearance but within 75 miles of the place of appearance shall be entitled to receive mileage reimbursement at the rate currently authorized for State employees, for each mile necessarily traveled from his place of resident to the place of appearance and return, each day.

(2)�� A witness whose residence is outside the county of appearance and more than 75 miles from the place of appearance shall be entitled to receive mileage reimbursement at the rate currently authorized State employees for one round‑trip from his place of residence to the place of appearance. A witness required to appear more than one day shall be entitled to receive reimbursement for actual expenses incurred for lodging and meals not to exceed the maximum currently authorized for State employees, in lieu of daily mileage.

(c)�� A witness who resides in a state other than North Carolina and who appears for the purpose of testifying in a criminal action and proves his attendance may be compensated at the rate allowed to State officers and employees by subdivisions (1) and (2) of G.S. 138‑6(a) for one round‑trip from his place of residence to the place of appearance, and five dollars ($5.00) for each day that he is required to travel and attend as a witness, upon order of the court based upon a finding that the person was a necessary witness. If such a witness is required to appear more than one day, he is also entitled to reimbursement for actual expenses incurred for lodging and meals, not to exceed the maximum currently authorized for State employees.

(d)�� An expert witness, other than a salaried State, county, or municipal law‑enforcement officer, shall receive such compensation and allowances as the court, or the Judicial Standards Commission, in its discretion, may authorize. A law‑enforcement officer who appears as an expert witness shall receive reimbursement for travel expenses only, as provided in subsection (b) of this section. Compensation of experts provided under G.S. 7A‑454 shall be in accordance with rules established by the Office of Indigent Defense Services.

(e)�� If more than two witnesses are subpoenaed, bound over, or recognized, to prove a single material fact, the expense of the additional witnesses shall be borne by the party issuing or requesting the subpoena.

(f)�� In a criminal case when a person who does not speak or understand the English language is an indigent defendant, a witness for an indigent defendant, or a witness for the State and the court appoints a language interpreter to assist that defendant or witness in the case, the reasonable fee for the interpreter's services, as set by the court, are payable from funds appropriated to the Administrative Office of the Courts. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1969, c. 1190, s. 34; 1971, c. 377, s. 27; 1973, c. 503, ss. 21, 22; 1983, c. 713, s. 20; 1998‑212, s. 16.25(a); 2000‑144, s. 3.)

§ 7A‑314.1.� Family court fees.

(a)�� The Administrative Office of the Courts may charge a uniform fee of not more than thirty dollars ($30.00) per hour to persons receiving the services of a supervised visitation and exchange center through a family court program. The fees collected under this section may be used by the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts to support the continued operation of supervised visitation and exchange centers which provide services to family court clients regarding domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, parental alienation, and other issues.

(b)�� The Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts may establish a procedure for persons to apply for a reduction in the fee, based upon the person's ability to pay as a result of indigence, status as a victim of domestic violence, or other circumstances. (2004‑110, s. 7.1.)

§ 7A‑315.� Liability of State for witness fees in criminal cases when defendant not liable.

In a criminal action, if no prosecuting witness is designated by the court as liable for the costs, and the defendant is acquitted, or convicted and unable to pay, or a nolle prosequi is entered, or judgment is arrested, or probable cause is not found, or the grand jury fails to return a true bill, the State shall be liable� for the witness fees allowed per G.S. 7A‑314 and any expenses for blood tests and comparisons incurred per G.S. 8‑50.1(a). (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1979, c. 576, s. 4.)

§ 7A‑316.� Payment of witness fees in criminal actions.

A witness in a criminal action who is entitled to a witness fee and who proves his attendance prior to assessment of the bill of costs shall be paid by the clerk from State funds and the amount disbursed shall be assessed in the bill of costs. When the State is liable for the fee, a witness who proves his attendance not later than the last day of court in the week in which the trial was completed shall be paid by the clerk from State funds. If more than two witnesses shall be subpoenaed, bound over, or recognized, to prove a single material fact, disbursements to such additional witnesses shall be charged against the party issuing or requesting the subpoena. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1971, c. 377, s. 28.)

§ 7A‑317.� Counties and municipalities not required to advance certain fees.

Counties and municipalities are not required to advance costs for the facilities fee, the General Court of Justice fee, the miscellaneous fees enumerated in G.S. 7A‑308, or the civil process fees enumerated in G.S. 7A‑311. (1967, c. 691, s. 35.)

§ 7A‑317.1.� Disposition of fees in counties with unincorporated seats of court.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article, if a municipality listed in G.S. 7A‑133 as an additional seat of district court is not incorporated, the arrest, facilities, and jail fees which would ordinarily accrue thereto, shall instead accrue to the county in which the unincorporated municipality is located. (1969, c. 1190, s. 34 1/2.)

§ 7A‑318.� Determination and disbursement of costs on and after date district court established.

(a)�� On and after the date that the district court is established in a judicial district, costs in every action, proceeding or other matter pending in the General Court of Justice in that district, shall be assessed as provided in this Article, unless costs have been finally assessed according to prior law. In computing costs as provided in this section, the parties shall be given credit for any fees, costs, and commissions paid in the pending action, proceeding or other matter, before the district court was established in the district, except that no refunds are authorized.

(b)�� In the administration of estates, costs shall be considered finally assessed according to prior law when they have been assessed at the time of the filing of any inventory, account, or other report. Costs at any filing on or after the date the district court is established in a judicial district shall be assessed as provided in this Article.

(c)�� When the General Court of Justice fee and the facilities fee are assessed as provided in this Article and credit is given for fees, costs, and commissions paid before the district court was established in the district, the actual amount thereafter received by the clerk shall be remitted to the State for the support of the General Court of Justice.

(d)�� When costs have been finally assessed according to prior law, but come into the hands of the clerk after the district court is established in the district, funds so received shall be disbursed according to prior law.

(e)�� Cost funds in the hands of the clerk at the time the district court is established shall be disbursed according to prior law. (1965, c. 310, s. 1; 1967, c. 691, s. 35.)

§ 7A‑319.� Repealed by Session Laws 1971, c. 377, s. 32.

§ 7A‑320.� Costs are exclusive.

The costs set forth in this Article are complete and exclusive, and in lieu of any other costs and fees. (1983, c. 713, s. 1.)

§§ 7A‑321 through 7A‑339.� Reserved for future codification purposes.

Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. North Carolina may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.