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Indigent Defense Services

The NC Public Defense System

PAC Fund Updates Current Fee App Payment Dates

At the November 21, 2025 IDS Commission meeting, State Capital Defender Robert Sharpe presented the first “North Carolina Capital Defender’s Award” given under his tenure as the state’s top capital defense attorney.

Sharpe revived this award because he recognizes the importance of honoring private capital defense attorneys who not only do outstanding work but who are also outstanding human beings. Moving forward, recipients of these awards will be selected periodically by the Capital Defender.

Throughout all of 2026, the N.C. Capital Defender’s Award will be given in honor of Attorney Duane K. Bryant’s service.

Photo collage of Duane Bryant accepting the NC Capital Defender's Award
At the Commission meeting, Duane K. Bryant delivered a moving acceptance speech, and his family and work colleagues were in attendance to celebrate the moment.

November 2025

Duane K. Bryant

Bryant is a private attorney from High Point, who has spent more than three decades serving clients with integrity, fairness and compassion.

January 2026

A. Jackson Warmack, Jr.

“Jack” Warmack is from Eastern North Carolina and has spent more than 40 years representing clients with intelligence, wisdom and kindness.