In October 2025, North Carolina passed “Iryna’s Law” in response to the tragic death of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte on the Charlotte Light Rail. This new legislation brings significant changes to how courts handle violent offenders, pretrial release, and mental health evaluations.

Stricter Pretrial Release Conditions

Defendants charged with violent offenses now face tougher requirements for release before trial. Judges must make written findings to justify bond decisions, and unsecured bonds or release without conditions are no longer presumed appropriate in these cases.

Mandatory Mental Health Evaluations

Courts are now required to order mental health evaluations in specific circumstances, including when a defendant has a recent history of involuntary commitment or shows signs of being a danger to themselves or others. Law enforcement must share relevant behavioral information with the court.

Court Procedures and Supervision Updates

The law introduces new procedures for handling defendants found incompetent to stand trial, strengthens victim notification requirements, and extends supervision in certain juvenile cases. It also modifies timelines in capital cases.

How This Impacts Clients and the Courts

Bail Hearings Will Be More Complex

Clients charged with violent offenses can expect more detailed pretrial hearings and stricter conditions for release. 

Increased Mental Health Scrutiny

the law adds a new layer of court involvement when mental health is a concern, potentially affecting how cases are handled early on. 

Greater Demands on Local Courts and Jails

These changes may lead to more defendants being held pretrial and increased demand for evaluations and treatment services. 

Why This Matters

Iryna’s Law marks a significant shift in how North Carolina balances public safety and individual rights in the criminal justice system. It aims to prevent future tragedies by closing perceived gaps in bail decisions and mental health responses.

For clients, it’s critical to understand how this law could affect your case, especially if you’re facing a violent charge or navigating a mental health-related issue in court.

Need Legal Guidance? 

The attorneys at Jetton & Meredith are staying up to date on Iryna’s Law and how it’s being implemented across Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Union, Iredell, and Gaston counties. If you have questions about how these changes could affect your case, contact our Charlotte office today to speak with an experienced attorney.