Opinion A Little From Each Column In response to the budget crisis in Raleigh, both conservative and liberal lawmakers are offering proposals to reform the state’s criminal-justice programs. John Hood
News Court Clarifies Probation Rules RALEIGH — The N.C. Supreme Court has clarified the rules covering when probation begins for a misdemeanor conviction. The case involves a Buncombe County man who initially sought to have his case retried before a jury but dropped his appeal before the new trial. Preston Smith was convicted in District Court on Dec. 6, 2000 of misdemeanor assault on a female. He was to serve 90 days in jail if he failed to successfully complete one year of supervised probation. One of the probation requirements was that he pay $302 in fines and court costs in a timely manner. Michael Lowrey
