Courts & COVID-19: FAQs for Crime Victims

Here are some frequently asked questions to help victims in pending criminal cases navigate court operations in Durham during COVID-19. Please note that conditions may change, and these questions will be updated accordingly. Additional information about court operations during COVID-19 can be found at nccourts.gov/covid-19 and on the Durham DA’s Office Facebook and Twitter pages.

I’m the victim in a pending criminal case — how do I reach the assistant district attorney assigned to my case?

The Durham DA’s Office remains committed to supporting the victims of crime and our community while court operations are modified due to the pandemic. Victims in pending criminal cases may contact the assistant district attorney or support staff assigned to their case directly by phone or email. They may also call the DA’s Office at 919–808–3010 and leave a message; it’s helpful to our staff if you provide your case number, the defendant’s name, and/or the name of the attorney assigned to your case.

If you are sick, at high risk of illness due to COVID-19 or uncomfortable visiting the courthouse due to the pandemic but need to communicate with a member of our staff, please do so by phone or email.

Is the courthouse open?

Yes. Durham’s courts have operated throughout the pandemic. However, courtrooms are operating at limited capacity with reduced dockets in order to reduce crowding. That means fewer cases will be heard in a day and fewer people can be accommodated in each courtroom.

Is the Durham DA’s Office open?

Yes. The Durham DA’s Office is open. In order to reduce potential COVID-19 exposure and to practice social distancing, staff members are alternating between working remotely and working in the office on assigned days. It’s best to call or email ahead to arrange a meeting with a member of our staff. Phone lines are being monitored. To reach a member of our staff, contact them directly by phone or email or call our office at 919–808–3010 and leave a message.

Who should and shouldn’t come to the courthouse?

Anyone who is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and/or has likely been exposed to the virus should not visit the courthouse. Only those with business at the courthouse should enter the building. If you must visit the courthouse, please limit the number of people in your group to the extent possible.

Upon entry to the courthouse, visitors will be asked for their name and may be asked the nature of their business at the courthouse.

What procedures are in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19?

All visitors to the Durham County courthouse will have their temperatures checked upon entry to the building. Courthouse facilities are cleaned regularly and hand sanitizer is readily accessible. Courtrooms are operating at reduced capacity and are marked to help people stay six feet apart. In addition, some court proceedings — for example juvenile proceedings and first appearances for people being held in the Durham County Detention Facility — are being conducted remotely to reduce in-person interactions.

Are visitors to the courthouse being screened for COVID-19 symptoms?

Yes. Anyone visiting the Durham County Courthouse will have their temperature checked and will be asked about their potential exposure to COVID-19. Deputies are writing down each visitor’s name and temperature for their records.

Do I have to wear a mask at the courthouse?

Yes. Visitors and employees must wear face coverings in the courthouse, including in courtrooms. Face coverings must cover both the nose and mouth. For those who do not have a face covering, a limited number are available at the courthouse. Find instructions from the CDC here for how make your own face covering.

How do I find out if a new court date has been set for my case?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some court dates have been rescheduled to accommodate restricted court operations. Most court proceedings during the following periods were rescheduled:

• March 16 to June 1, 2020
• December 14, 2020 to January 14, 2021

Additional continuances may occur as court operations are adjusted. Durham DA’S Office staff will contact victims in pending cases by mail or by phone to notify them of new court dates or other updates in the status of their cases.

Victims in pending cases may contact the Durham DA’s Office at 919–808–3010 with questions. It’s helpful to our staff if you can provide your case number and/or defendant’s name.

You can also sign up to receive free court date notifications via phone, text or email here. We appreciate your patience while we work to reschedule hundreds of pending cases.

Are domestic violence protective orders being heard?

Yes. Domestic violence protective orders have been addressed at the Durham County Courthouse throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are in need of a protective order, call the Family Justice Center at 919–450–8970. More information about protective orders can be found on the North Carolina Judicial Branch website.

The case in which I am a victim is scheduled for an upcoming court date. Can I be in the courtroom?

Yes. Your presence in court may be necessary to the case. The attorney or support staff person assigned to your case will discuss that with you. Courtrooms are limited to about 20 percent of their normal seating capacity and while parties in the case will be given seating priority, limiting the number of people in your group to the extent possible will help everyone to maintain a safe distance. If you have an upcoming court date and you are sick or have likely been exposed to COVID-19, please contact the Durham DA’s Office by phone or email.