Court Operations Reduced Beginning December 14 Due to COVID-19

Beginning December 14, 2020, North Carolina courts will postpone all non-essential, in-person court proceedings for 30 days.

North Carolina Chief Justice Cheri Beasley announced the modified court operations on December 11, as cases of COVID-19 rise across the state. Courts operated under similar restrictions last Spring at the onset of the pandemic, before opening up for more court business in June.

The announcement means that most District and Superior Court proceedings in Durham will be on hold for thirty days and will be rescheduled for dates after that period.

There are some exceptions for remote proceedings and essential proceedings that deal with due process rights, liberty and emergency relief. In Durham, the following will continue during this time:

• In-custody first appearances.
• In-custody probable cause hearings.
• In-custody pleas.
• Bond motions.
• Juvenile secured custody hearings.

Durham County Chief District Court Judge Pat Evans entered an administrative order outlining how District Courts in Durham will operate given the new restrictions.

All other matters will be rescheduled for after the thirty-day period. Victims in pending criminal cases will be notified if their court dates must be rescheduled as a result. Victims can find Frequently Asked Questions about court operations during COVID-19 here. Anyone can sign up to receive free court date reminders by text or email here.

The Durham County District Attorney’s Office will remain open. If you need to reach a staff member, please do so by email or phone. To reach the office, call 919–808–3010 and leave a message.

Criminal grand juries will continue to meet. January Case Management will not be held and all cases calendared will be moved to the February Case Management setting.

Only people with court business should enter the Durham County Courthouse at this time. Before visiting the courthouse, please check if your matter can be addressed online.

If you are sick or have likely been exposed to COVID-19, please stay home. All visitors to the courthouse must have their temperatures checked upon entry and must wear face coverings that cover the nose and mouth.

For ongoing updates about court operations, visit nccourts.gov/covid-19.