How long does a defendant have to respond to a temporary no-contact (50-C) summons?

The correct response indicates that a defendant has 10 days to reply to a temporary no-contact summons under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 50C. This timeline emphasizes the urgency of the situation, given that these summonses typically arise in circumstances involving domestic violence or protective orders aimed at ensuring the safety of individuals affected.

Prompt responses are critical because they allow judicial proceedings to move forward in a timely manner, enabling the court to assess the validity of the no-contact order and to verify if a more permanent solution should be imposed. The 10-day period allows defendants the opportunity to contest the order or provide their side of the story in a structured legal environment.

The other options represent timeframes that do not align with the specific legal provision set forth in the statute, which is designed to balance the rights of the defendant with the immediate safety needs of the individual seeking protection.