Why is my case taking so long?

We understand and share your frustration. We want your case resolved with a just outcome all the time. However, you must understand how our courts work. In North Carolina, generally for criminal cases, we have the District Court of Guilford County and the Superior Court of Guilford County. What are they?

District Court is where you’ll see most cases such as low level misdemeanors or juvenile crimes. District Court utilizes courtrooms 1C, 1D and 2C. This is where your case is likely at. Most of the time, you will have a court-date, however, understand that most of the time your case will be continued until the District Attorney or your Attorney works out a deal. If both sides cannot agree to a deal, your case will likely go to trial. Remember, Trials in District Court are usually held by a judge, not a jury!

Superior Court is where you’ll see higher level felonies. This is where you will see a case take longer most of the time. Unlike in District Court where you usually will see your case being moved forward fast, that is not the same in Superior. In Superior, it is the District Attorney's Office who decides when to add a Superior Court case to the Docket for a hearing. Remember, we have no power both in District or Superior to add your case to the docket (although we wish we did). Furthermore, a trial in Superior is usually held before a jury, not a judge.