Federal Public Defender, Middle District of North Carolina, operates under the authority of the Criminal Justice Act of 1964 (CJA),18 U.S.C. § 3006A. It provides defense services in federal criminal cases and other covered matters to individuals who are financially unable to obtain adequate representation. A person's eligibility for defender services is determined by the federal court. Defender organization attorneys may not engage in the private practice of law.
REAL ID Not Required for Courthouse Entry
The REAL ID Act takes effect on May 7, 2025. However, the Act does not apply to entry to federal courthouses, which is a constitutionally protected activity. Although a picture identification must still be shown to court security officers, it does not need to be a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card. This applies to all courthouses of the Middle District of North Carolina.