Supreme Court of North Carolina
State v. McGirt
August 14, 2026
Summary
The court held that McGirt clearly and unequivocally elected to waive appointed counsel and represent himself based on his written waivers, statements, and overall course of conduct. It also held that the trial court's colloquy substantially complied with statutory requirements despite not explaining every sentencing range because the punishment described was effectively equivalent to more than the remainder of McGirt's life. The court therefore reversed the Court of Appeals.