Mission

North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services (NCPLS) is a non-profit law firm. Since 1979, we have been dedicated to ensuring access to the courts for people incarcerated in North Carolina. NCPLS attorneys work to correct unlawful criminal convictions and sentences and advocate for safe, humane, and constitutional prison and jail conditions.

What We Do

our work

Post-Conviction

The Post-Conviction Team reviews any North Carolina convictions that result in or have an effect on a person’s release date. We review guilty pleas and trial cases.

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Civil Team

The Civil Team at NCPLS provides legal assistance to people in North Carolina state prisons with issues relating to conditions of their imprisonment.

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Safe & Humane Jails Project

The Jails Team at NCPLS provides legal assistance to people in North Carolina county jails with issues relating to conditions of their imprisonment.

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Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, Turner v. Safley, 482 U.S. 78 (1987)

“Prison walls do not form a barrier separating prison inmates from the protections of the Constitution.”

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NEWS

Featured
Impact Fund Grantee for Hep C Settlement 
Impact Fund Grantee for Hep C Settlement 

“We are thrilled to be recognized for our work with some of our community’s most marginalized individuals.  We are so grateful to the Impact Fund for making this victory possible!" ​-Elizabeth Hopkins Thomas, Executive Director

Redevelopment of The Safe and Humane Jails Project
Redevelopment of The Safe and Humane Jails Project

North Carolina Prisoner Legal Services is pleased to announce the redevelopment of its Safe and Humane Jails Project.

Today's Big Win 4/25/22
Today's Big Win 4/25/22

Because of her work, our client was released into probation, saving him 4 1/2 years in prison.

NCPLS Achieves Significant Religious Rights Victory
NCPLS Achieves Significant Religious Rights Victory

Beginning this summer, DPS will help hundreds of prisoners of the Nation of Gods and Earths religion practice their faith.