(a) Eligible Activities. – Funds appropriated under this Article shall be used only for the following purposes:

(1) To provide legal assistance to domestic violence victims.

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Terms Used In North Carolina General Statutes 7A-474.18

(2) To provide education to domestic violence victims regarding their rights and duties under the law.

(3) To involve the private bar in the representation of domestic violence victims pursuant to this Article.

(b) Eligible Cases. – The funds shall be prioritized by each legal services program to serve the greatest number of eligible clients, with emphasis placed on representation of clients needing legal assistance with proceedings pursuant to Chapter 50B of the N.C. Gen. Stat.. Legal assistance shall be provided to eligible clients under this Article only in the following types of cases:

(1) Actions for protective orders issued pursuant to Chapter 50B of the N.C. Gen. Stat.;

(2) Child custody and visitation issues; and

(3) Legal services which ensure the safety of the client and the client’s children.

(c) Limitations. – No funds appropriated under this Article shall be used for any of the following purposes:

(1) To provide legal assistance with respect to any criminal proceeding; or

(2) To provide legal assistance to any prisoner within the Division of Prisons of the Department of Adult Correction with regard to the terms of that person’s incarceration. (2004-186, s. 4.1; 2011-145, s. 19.1(h); 2012-83, s. 16; 2017-186, s. 2(h); 2021-180, s. 19C.9(p).)