The SBI is an acronym for State Bureau of Investigation. The SBI has been defined as “a state’s equivalent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, but can include investigative jurisdiction similar to other federal law enforcement agencies as well.”
In North Carolina, the SBI investigates a wide array of criminal activity both separately, and in conjunction with local law enforcement, including, but not limited to, arson, environmental crimes, narcotics, and human trafficking. The agency also gets 120 calls per year about possible bomb threats.
The North Carolina SBI operated for many years under the N.C. Department of Justice. Since 2014, the SBI has operated under the Department of Public Safety, with the SBI Lab still under the Department of Justice. The SBI serves as an independent agency operationally, and reports to the governor.
Individuals finding themselves under investigation by the SBI might be understandably concerned, as the agency has very broad investigative powers. For a person under such scrutiny, facing such an investigation can be truly daunting. In such instances, it is vitally important to have experienced legal counsel. The right attorney can help provide peace of mind and ensure that the individual’s rights are protected.
