The Court found that an out-of-state lawyer who had assisted a pro se litigant in preparing her Answer had engaged in the unauthorized practice of law.  N.C. Gen. Stat. Sec. 84-2.1, which defines the "practice of law," includes "preparing or aiding in the preparation of any petitions or orders in any probate or court proceeding" and "assisting in any legal work."  The unauthorized practice of law is a Class 1 Misdemeanor.

The Court declined to strike the Answer, since doing so would "unfairly penalize the [defendant] for the conduct of [her] attorney."  But the Court ruled that the defendant could not file further papers in the case unless she agree to proceed on a true pro se basis or she retained a licensed attorney to represent her. 

On the merits of the case, the Court deferred ruling on the defendant’s motion to dismiss, finding that the Affidavit in support of her motion was not in proper form.  The Court held that North Carolina law requires "strict compliance with the requirement that an affidavit be properly sworn."  Compliance with the federal statute permitting a declaration to be signed "under penalty of perjury" (under 29 U.S.C. §1746) was not sufficient. 

Full Opinion