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A public reference institution of the State of North Carolina's law

PUBLISHED

N.C.G.S. § 15A-251

Entry by force.

Effective date
2026-08-08
Last verified
2026-08-09
Source
official source
Revision history
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An officer may break and enter any premises or vehicle when necessary to the execution of the warrant if: (1) The officer has previously announced his identity and purpose as required by G.S. 15A-249 and reasonably believes either that admittance is being denied or unreasonably delayed or that the premises or vehicle is unoccupied; or (2) The officer has probable cause to believe that the giving of  notice would endanger the life or safety of any person. (1973, c. 1286, s. 1.)

Reviewed 2026-08-09 · source_verified