Under what condition can a case be closed prior to its expiration date?

The correct answer to the question focuses on the resolution of the case through a plea deal. In many legal systems, including those relevant to the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, a case can be closed before its expiration if the parties involved reach a mutually agreeable resolution. A plea deal typically involves the offender agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to the original charge while receiving some concession from the prosecution regarding sentencing or other consequences.

This process not only resolves the case efficiently but also conserves judicial resources and provides a solution for both the offender and the state. It is a common practice in the legal system that allows cases to be settled without going to trial, thus enabling the court system to function more effectively by reducing backlog.

In contrast, while a change of venue or the death of the offender can impact the proceedings, they do not directly result in the resolution of the case or prompt its closure in a straightforward way. Questioning of a witness by opposing counsel is a procedural element that could occur during the case but does not lead to its closure. Therefore, reaching a resolution through a plea deal is the key condition under which a case may be closed prior to its expiration date.