Mecklenburg County is the most highly populated county in the state of North Carolina, and is also home to some of the busiest criminal courts. Charlotte is a big city with big city crime. Entering the halls of these busy courtrooms can be intimidating and frankly scary for most people. Having a local criminal defense lawyer on your side can help set your mind at ease through this difficult experience.
The Mecklenburg county courthouse is located on 832 East 4th Street in downtown Charlotte. When you head down to this area you immediately know you are heading to a busy and bustling place packed with courtrooms that are determining people’s futures throughout the day.
Having worked in Charlotte for some time, I’ve spent many years in the halls of the Mecklenburg county courts. I know many of the local players and how this seemingly huge system operates. I’ve represented clients in many of these courtrooms and have had firsthand interactions with several of the judges.
Mecklenburg County is in the 26th Judicial District of North Carolina
There are many courtrooms within the building on 4th street. The criminal courts are divided into District Court and Superior Courts.
Mecklenburg County District Court
The District Courts of North Carolina handle the bulk of all cases. This is where you will find all misdemeanor cases being heard (unless they are attached to a felony). Any DWI cases, theft cases involving less than $1,000 and simple assault cases are heard in the district court.
If you are charged with a felony, your probable cause hearing will likely be held in the District Court before being bound over to Superior Court.
Mecklenburg Superior Court
The Superior Court is referred to as a court of general jurisdiction. If you are accused of a felony offense, your case will be heard here. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor at the District Court level, your appeals will go to the Superior Court.
It’s important to remember that these criminal matters are not the only cases being heard at the courthouse on 4th street. There are family courts, civil courts, and juvenile courts in these halls as well. It’s easy to feel lost amongst all of the other people here but having a personal advocate on your side as you navigate the system can help.
There are no guarantees in the criminal justice system. While we can promise to work my hardest to get you positive results, no one can say with certainty what will happen on your day in court. But a local criminal defense lawyer, one who has represented people in these exact courtrooms under these specific judges can be a comforting advocate.