State of North Carolina v. Dylan Warbritton

Jacksonville, North Carolina, criminal defense lawyer represents the defendant charged with communicating threats and cyberstalking.

Dylan Warbritton, age 23, accused of sending threatening text messages to the victim, including messages that threatened physical harm.

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North Carolina, stalking is defined as willfully following, harassing, or intimidating another person on more than one occasion without a legal purpose, causing them substantial emotional distress or fear for their safety. First-time offenses are generally Class A1 misdemeanors, while subsequent convictions or violating existing protection orders can elevate the charge to a felony.

Legal Definition and Key Elements

Under North Carolina General Statute § 14-277.3A, stalking involves a "course of conduct"—meaning two or more acts—that causes a reasonable person to:

Fear for their safety or the safety of their immediate family/close associates.

Suffer substantial emotional distress (fear of death, bodily injury, or continued harassment).

Penalties in North Carolina

First-time Offender: Class A1 misdemeanor, which can carry up to 150 days in jail and fines.

Subsequent Conviction: Class F or Class G felony, which can result in 8 to 31 months in prison.

Violation of Court Order: If the stalking occurs while a court order (such as a 50B domestic violence protective order) is in place, it is a Class H felony, punishable by 4 to 25 months in prison.

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In North Carolina, willfully threatening to physically harm or damage the property of another person, their spouse, child, or sibling is a Class 1 misdemeanor, known as communicating threats (N.C.G.S. § 14-277.1). For a conviction, the threat must cause a reasonable person to fear the threat will be carried out.

A criminal charge is not proof of guilt.