According to several NC lawyers, all felony trials are jury trials and the defense cannot get a bench ("court") trial.
That's certainly possible, but I'd sure like to see a decent source.
That doesn't appear to be true.
Here is the kind of reference I'm talking about, which states clearly there IS a right by the defendant to waive a jury trial and have a bench trial.
http://www.lawyers.com/lawyers/A~1020204~LDS/NORTH+CAROLINA+CRIMINAL+PROCESS.html
Trial
Many prosecutors will consider "plea agreements," although it's not legally required. If you don't reach a plea agreement with the prosecutor, your proceedings will move toward the trial stage.
Usually, if you are charged with a crime punishable by six or more months of imprisonment, you have the right to a jury trial. This right may be waived by:
Pleading guilty; or
Choosing a bench trial (a trial in front of a judge only)