This infographic gives a rough idea of how a criminal case moves through the criminal court system in North Carolina, and specifically in Guilford County.

The graphic will give you a rough idea of how the criminal justice system in Guilford County is structured.

Superior Court

Superior Court has judicial districts, grouped into divisions, across the state. Guilford County is in the 2nd division. Superior Court is used for civil cases that involve more than $25,000 and for all felony criminal cases. This court also hears appeals from the District Court. Each court district has a Senior Resident Superior Court Judge who manages the administrative aspect of the court.

District Court

District Court handles cases related to civil, criminal, magistrate, and juvenile matters. Guilford County is part of the 24th Judicial District. Each administrative district is overseen by a Chief District Court Judge, who manages the court’s administration. Civil cases that are heard in District Court include divorce, child support, and custody matters, as well as lawsuits involving amounts under $25,000. Note that this is different from Small Claims Court, which is presided over by a Magistrate. District Court only addresses criminal cases that involve misdemeanors and infractions. Additionally, juvenile cases, including both dependency and delinquency matters, are also processed in District Court.

Magistrates

Magistrates are judicial officers in a division of the District Court. Magistrates have limited jurisdiction, but are authorized to hear small claims cases, certain eviction cases, and cases involving personal property recovery. Magistrates are also authorized to set bail and accept guilty pleas for minor misdemeanors and infractions.

Criminal Court

Criminal Court judges hear cases involving criminal offenses. District Court hears cases involving misdemeanors and infractions, while felony cases are heard in Superior Court. Appeals generally go through the Court of Appeals until it reaches the Supreme Court, if the Court chooses to hear the case. However, there are occasions when cases go from the Superior Court directly to the State Supreme Court, but this is rare.

Unpictured

There are both Business Courts and Administrative Courts that are not included here. We do not practice Business Law in this Firm. Administrative Court is outside the traditional Court System. It is used to resolve disputes between an individual and an agency. For example, the DMV and an individual during a license revocation.