Who We Are
The Conference was established by the General Assembly “…to assist in improving the administration of justice in North Carolina by coordinating the prosecution efforts of the various district attorneys.” The primary objective of the Conference is to provide crucial support to prosecutors in the discharge of their duties. To accomplish this, the Conference extends a range of valuable resources and guidance, including Professional Development, Publications, and Research Assistance. These resources enable prosecutors to uphold justice for North Carolina’s citizens in an effective and efficient manner.
Victim Rights
If you have experienced any sort of crime, the legal system may seem overwhelming due to its complex processes, legal jargon, and professionals. But, you have rights as a victim that must be respected. To gain knowledge about your rights and access vital information, please explore the Victims Tab and other resources available to you. You can rest assured that you have the ability to take action and make sure your rights are upheld.
Upcoming Trainings
Legal Update- Let's Make a Deal
- May 2, 2025
- Raleigh, NC
This program will provide a full day of training for both newer and more experienced prosecutors on the law, procedure, practical issues, and ethical considerations involved in negotiating and entering pleas, which account for 98% of all criminal convictions in North Carolina. In addition to covering the basic statutory requirements and permissible subjects for a plea deal, this program will also address a number of more complex and real-world issues that arise in this area. Advanced topics will include pleading in and working with cooperating defendants, responding to a withdrawal or breach, the interplay between state and federal sentencing, and post-conviction issues. Finally, an interactive workshop session will discuss and compare plea alternatives for a variety of sample cases. If you’ve ever made a plea deal and then wondered “was that the right resolution…?” this program is for you.
Break the Silence
Do you inwardly brace yourself when a financial exploitation case hits your desk? It’s okay to admit it. Often prosecutors and law enforcement care deeply about these vulnerable victims but are frustrated by the complex issues inherent in these cases, including:
- The overlap between civil and criminal law;
- Complicated financial analysis;
- Reluctant or deceased victims;
- Medical, psychological, or emotional issues;
- Common defenses like consent and lack of intent; and
- The different priorities of parties involved (APS, family members, providers…)
This year at Break the Silence we will address each one of these challenges head-on. Participants will learn from a medical provider, financial crime investigators, a civil attorney, prosecutors, and even receive training from the National White Collar Crime Center on an Excel tool that will make analyzing these cases easier.
Our goal is for you to leave this training equipped with the information and confidence to handle this unique caseload.
Fundamentals of Juvenile Justice May 2025
As the juvenile court system keeps evolving, it’s crucial for law enforcement professionals and other allied professionals to stay up to date with the legal changes regarding juvenile matters. This one-day training session will mainly focus on juvenile procedures, investigations, the roles of School Resource Officers, “Raise the Age” information, and a juvenile law update. Additionally, community organizations will be present to provide law enforcement officers with information about the services they offer to juvenile offenders
Want to learn more?
View All TrainingsScott Thomas
Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico Counties
Scott Thomas is the District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 4 which includes Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico Counties in North Carolina. He attended East Carolina University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He earned his Juris Doctorate from North Carolina Central University in 1992. He began serving as District Attorney in 2006 in District 4.
He went into private practice in 1994 with Chesnutt, Clemmons, Thomas, and Peacock, Attorneys at Law, where he specialized in criminal cases. District Attorney Scott Thomas served in both the North Carolina House of Representatives until January 1, 2001, and was sworn into the North Carolina Senate in 2001. He also served as the NC Conference of District Attorneys President in 2016 and as a Chairman on the NC Governor’s Crime Commission from 2009 – 2013.
District Attorney Scott Thomas was awarded with the Dogwood Award in December by former Attorney General Josh Stein. This award is distributed to honor people who are working to improve the health, safety, and well-being of their fellow North Carolinians. District Attorney Scott Thomas and his office were recognized for their efforts to enhance public safety within its prosecutorial district by safeguarding victims of crime, holding criminals accountable, and offering treatment alternatives for individuals struggling with substance use disorders. He also worked to establish a Veterans Treatment Court, which opened in April of 2021.
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Find District AttorneyHow Can We Help?
The North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys offers a wealth of valuable information and assistance to prosecutors and their law enforcement partners. If you are unable to locate the answers you require, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team members. We are dedicated to providing guidance and direction to ensure that the needs of prosecutors are met with the utmost professionalism and respect.