If an employer bounced a pay check, does that nullify any non-compete agreements that were signed in the state of North Carolina?

It likely does not void the non-compete agreement as it is a separate agreement from any contract for employment.  It may be grounds to void any contract for current employment, but, absent language in the non-compete stating that this would void the non-compete agreement, it likely would not invalidate the non-compete.  You should read the non-compete agreement and consult a local employment law attorney to determine what your rights are. This is not intended to be legal advice, and is general in its nature. No attorney-client relationship exists or is formed by this information. Furthermore, this does not represent the views or opinions of LexisNexis or its affiliated companies.