State v. Beasley

HEDRICK, Judge.

The State argues that the G.S. § 49-4(1) three year statute of limitations for prosecutions under G.S. § 49-2 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the federal constitution in that it prescribes a limitations period for the prosecution of persons who willfully fail to support their illegitimate children whereas there is no limitations period for the prosecution under G.S. § 14-322(d) of persons who willfully fail to support their legitimate children. Citing County of Lenoir ex rel Cogdell v. Johnson, 46 N.C. App. 182, 264 S.E. 2d 816 (1980), the State contends that G.S. §…