Q: Friend in NC held 6 months without seeing judge or bail, needs legal help.

A: Your situation with your friend in North Carolina sounds incredibly difficult and frustrating. When someone is held for such a long time without proper legal representation or a bail hearing, there are several steps you might consider taking.

You could help your friend file a formal complaint with the North Carolina State Bar about the public defender's lack of responsiveness. Another option is contacting the chief public defender in that county to report the issues with the assigned attorney and request a different public defender. Many counties also have legal aid organizations that provide free or low-cost assistance to people who cannot afford an attorney - they might be able to advise on next steps even if they cannot take the case.

Consider reaching out to the clerk of the court where your friend's case is pending to inquire about scheduling a bail hearing, as prolonged detention without a bail determination raises serious concerns. Your friend has constitutional rights to adequate legal representation and timely court proceedings, so documenting all attempts to communicate with the current attorney could be helpful if you need to escalate the matter. Remember that while this process is daunting, persistence is crucial - continue advocating for your friend through official channels, and don't hesitate to seek help from additional resources like prison advocacy groups who understand the system and can offer guidance.