Charlotte Criminal Lawyer Blog
Iryna’s Law Goes into Effect in North Carolina
New legislation has taken effect as of December 1, 2025. The new law is known as Iryna’s law. The law is named after a woman named Iryna, who was killed in a train stabbing in Charlotte. According to reports, the attacker had a long criminal history and was out on bail when the latest incident happened. The new law addresses cashless bail and the release of defendants of some types of crimes while awaiting trial.
What is Iryna’s Law?
Legislators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the death of Iryna Zarutska. She was a 23-year-old refugee from Ukraine who was riding the Lynx light rail in Charlotte when she was stabbed in an unprovoked attack. The alleged attacker has a long history of criminal charges and had just been released on bail three days prior to the attack on Iryna. The case highlights the potential problems with cashless bail and resulted in a new law, known as Iryna’s Law.
North Carolina House Bill 307, commonly called Iryna’s Law, is legislation that eliminates cashless bail for some types of offenses. It expands the categories of crimes that are considered violent offenses. The law requires judges to more closely scrutinize bail and order defendants in some types of crimes to remain in jail pending trial. Judges must not base the decision for bail solely on a defendant’s ability to pay. Instead, they must review each case and decide on bail based on public safety, considering the possibility of a defendant committing another crime and the individual’s mental health.
How Could Iryna’s Law Impact My Case?
There are some potential ways that Iryna’s Law could impact your case. The new law could result in many more defendants being held in jail. The judge will have the power to deny an unsecured bond, particularly in violent offenses. In some cases, the judge will order a secured bond, which requires the defendant to use cash or property to secure their release. They could also require monitoring. Some defendants may be required to undergo a mandatory mental health evaluation prior to release. Stricter bail requirements may result in a defendant spending more time in jail.
Guidance From a Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Attorney
Iryna’s Law is in effect, even though there are many who disagree with the legislation. The law could mean that our already overcrowded jails will become even more crammed, with resources stretched to the maximum. If you are facing criminal charges, you will want to seek legal help as soon as possible. Your attorney will need to represent you at the initial hearing when the judge sets bail. Your lawyer will provide the court with reasons why you should be released on your own recognizance or with as small a bail as possible.
An experienced criminal defense attorney will protect your rights and defend you throughout your case. If you have been charged with a crime, do not hesitate to call us at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, at (704) 370-2828 to speak with our legal team.
The criminal defense attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC make it their mission to zealously defend their clients on a wide range of criminal matters at both the state and federal levels. These matters may include any charge from traffic offenses; DWI/DUI; drug charges (from simple possession to possession with intent to distribute and trafficking); gun permit denials; weapons offenses; and property crimes (larceny, breaking and entering, robbery, fraud, embezzlement, white collar offenses); to sexually related offenses (indecent exposure; sexual assault, crimes against nature, removal from sex offender registry); and violent crimes (domestic violence; assault; manslaughter; homicide, murder). Other legal issues that Arnold & Smith, PLLC criminal clients may be facing include restraining orders, restraining order and probation violations, expungements; appeals; and immigration issues related to criminal charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are passionate about ensuring that individuals empower themselves by being informed about their constitutional rights, and stand at the ready to fight in the defense of those facing criminal charges.
Source:
https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookup/2025/H307
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