§ 1-5. Criminal action. - North Carolina Statutes

§1‑5.  Criminal action.

A criminal action is –

(1)        An action prosecutedby the State as a party, against a person charged with a public offense, forthe punishment thereof.

(2)        An action prosecutedby the State, at the instance of an individual, to prevent an apprehended crimeagainst his person or property. (Const., art. 4, s. 1;C.C.P., s. 5; Code, s. 129; Rev., s. 350; C.S., s. 395.)