N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-160
Whenever called upon and requested by the Governor as set out in G.S. 143-159, the Attorney General shall conduct such investigation at such reasonable time and place as may be determined by him. He shall have power to issue subpoenas, administer oaths, compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of papers necessary and material in such investigation. All subpoenas issued by him shall be served by the sheriff or other officer of any county to which they may be directed. Parties interested in such investigation may appear at the hearing and be represented by counsel, who shall have the right to examine or cross-examine witnesses.
All persons subpoenaed to attend any hearing before the Attorney General shall, for a failure so to attend and testify, be subject to the same penalties as prescribed by law for such failure in the superior court.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-160