The Durham County Courthouse, technically known as the Durham County Justice Center, serves as the primary hub for judicial activity in Durham, North Carolina. Opened in February 2013, this 11-story facility was designed to streamline legal processes while ensuring the highest levels of security for the public, judicial staff, and detainees. Whether you are reporting for jury duty, filing for a legal name change, or attending a hearing, understanding the logistics of this building is crucial for a productive visit.

Essential Contact Information and Hours

For those needing immediate details for their visit, the following information provides the baseline for the courthouse's operations.

  • Physical Address: 510 South Dillard Street, Durham, NC 27701
  • Main Telephone: (919) 808-3000
  • Standard Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Closed Dates: The courthouse is closed on weekends and all North Carolina state holidays.

It is important to note that while the building opens at 8:30 a.m., security lines can be long, particularly during the first hour of operation and immediately following the lunch hour. Visitors are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled court time to account for screening.

Getting to the Courthouse: Parking and Accessibility

Navigating downtown Durham can be challenging, but the Justice Center was built with visitor access in mind.

Parking Logistics

A large parking deck is located directly adjacent to the courthouse at the corner of Dillard and Roxboro Streets. This deck contains nearly 900 spaces, providing ample room for the hundreds of residents who visit daily.

For individuals with disabilities, handicapped parking spaces are available on every level of the parking deck. The most convenient access point is the third level of the deck, which offers a direct path toward the courthouse entrance. Elevators are available to transport visitors from the lower levels to the appropriate exit points.

Building Accessibility

All public entry into the Durham County Courthouse is funneled through the main entrance at 510 South Dillard Street. For individuals requiring ramp access, there is a ramp located on the Mangum Street (west) side of the building. Once inside, the facility is fully ADA-compliant, featuring wide corridors, accessible restrooms, and elevators that serve all eleven floors.

If you require specific accommodations, such as a language or sign-language interpreter, you should contact the Trial Court Administration office at least several days before your scheduled appearance. They can be reached at (919) 808-3217 to ensure that the necessary resources are available when you arrive.

Security Protocols and Prohibited Items

The Durham County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the safety of all individuals within the judicial building. Upon entering, every visitor must pass through a formal security screening process, similar to that of an airport.

The Screening Process

Visitors are required to remove all metal objects from their person, including belts, watches, and coins, before walking through the metal detectors. All bags, briefcases, and purses must pass through an X-ray machine.

Prohibited Items

The following items are strictly prohibited inside the courthouse. If you bring them, you will be asked to return them to your vehicle or dispose of them; the security staff will not hold items for you at the door:

  • Firearms of any kind.
  • Knives (including small pocketknives and Swiss Army knives).
  • Scissors and other sharp metal tools.
  • Pepper spray or mace.
  • Illegal substances.
  • Any item deemed potentially hazardous by the Sheriff's deputies.

Floor-by-Floor Directory of Services

The 11-story Durham County Courthouse is organized by department to help the public find services efficiently. Below is a breakdown of where the most commonly accessed offices and courtrooms are located.

First and Second Floors: Clerks and Records

The Clerk of Superior Court’s office occupies the first and second floors. This is the starting point for most legal actions.

  • First Floor: Civil filings, payment of traffic tickets, obtaining copies of reports, and criminal history checks. This is also where you can go for divorce papers or to apply for a restraining order.
  • First Floor (Sheriff’s Office): The Sheriff’s Office cashier is located here for those needing to pay for fingerprints, pistol permits, or incident reports.
  • Second Floor: Additional clerk services and record-keeping facilities.

Third Floor: Jury Duty and Traffic Court

The third floor handles a high volume of public traffic due to the nature of its proceedings.

  • Jury Assembly: Residents reporting for jury duty should head to the third floor.
  • Traffic Court: If you are appearing for a speeding ticket or other minor traffic violation, your hearing will likely be on this floor.
  • Civil Magistrate: Small claims cases and other magistrate-level civil matters are often heard here (Rooms M1, M2, and M3).

Fourth Floor: District Criminal Court and Public Defender

  • Criminal District Court: This is where initial appearances for criminal charges and misdemeanor trials typically occur.
  • Public Defender’s Office: Individuals who have been appointed legal counsel through the state will find the Public Defender’s administrative offices here.

Fifth Floor: Domestic and Juvenile Justice

  • Domestic Court: Hearings regarding domestic disputes that are not strictly family law-related.
  • Juvenile Court: Proceedings involving minors who are alleged to be delinquent or undisciplined.
  • Juvenile Justice/Probation: Offices for the North Carolina Department of Public Safety’s juvenile division.

Sixth Floor: Family Court

The sixth floor is dedicated to consolidating a family's legal issues.

  • Services: Child custody (non-DSS), child support, and divorce hearings.
  • Room 6500: Specifically designated for family court filings.

Seventh Floor: Superior Court

  • Superior Courtrooms: This floor handles felony criminal trials and high-value civil lawsuits (those seeking over $25,000 in damages).

Eighth Floor and Above: Specialized Units

  • Eighth Floor: The Grand Jury typically meets on this level.
  • Ninth Floor: Administrative offices and additional courtroom space.

Handling Civil Matters in Durham County

The civil division of the Durham County Courthouse is divided into sections based on the amount of money at stake and the type of relief being sought.

Small Claims Court

Small claims are civil matters where the controversy involves less than $10,000. These are heard by a magistrate rather than a judge. Common small claims actions include:

  • Landlord-tenant disputes (summary ejectment).
  • Complaints for money owed.
  • Recovery of personal property.

The statutory filing fee for small claims is currently $96, plus a $30 service fee per defendant if the Sheriff is required to serve the papers.

District and Superior Court

  • District Court: Handles civil actions seeking $25,000 or less, as well as domestic/family law cases. The filing fee is $150.
  • Superior Court: Handles complex civil cases seeking more than $25,000. The filing fee is $200.

Divorce and Name Changes

One of the most frequent reasons for visiting the civil division (Room 1500) is to file for an absolute divorce.

  • Divorce Fee: The filing fee for an absolute divorce is $225. If you need the Sheriff to serve your spouse, there is an additional $30 fee.
  • Resuming a Maiden Name: Following a divorce judgment, an individual can file to resume their maiden name for a fee of $10. You must provide a certified copy of the divorce judgment if the divorce occurred outside of Durham County.

The Role of the Clerk of Superior Court

The Clerk of Court is an elected official who serves as the "gatekeeper" of the judicial system. In Durham, the Clerk’s office is prohibited by law from giving legal advice, but they are responsible for the following:

  1. Record Maintenance: Indexing and preserving all court documents.
  2. Financial Management: Receiving and disbursing fines, fees, and restitution.
  3. Probate: Handling the administration of estates, wills, and guardianships.
  4. Foreclosures: Presiding over foreclosure hearings and "upset bid" processes.

Understanding Upset Bids: If a property is sold at a foreclosure sale, an interested party can file an "upset bid" at the civil filing office on the 1st floor. The bid must be raised by at least 5% or $750 (whichever is greater). This deposit must be made in cash, money order, or certified check. Filing a new bid triggers a new 10-day period for others to bid.

Criminal Court and Juvenile Proceedings

Criminal matters in Durham are handled through a tiered system. Most cases begin in District Court. If a case involves a felony, it may be moved to Superior Court following an indictment by a Grand Jury.

Juvenile Justice

The juvenile court system focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Conduct that would be a crime for an adult is labeled a "delinquent act," while minor-specific issues like truancy are labeled "undisciplined acts." These records are strictly confidential and are not accessible to the general public without a court order.

Public Defense

If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, the court may appoint a Public Defender. Their office, located on the 4th floor, works independently of the District Attorney’s office to provide legal representation in criminal and certain civil matters.

Accessing Durham County Court Records

Transparency is a cornerstone of the North Carolina judicial system. Most court records—including civil lawsuits, criminal charges, and probate filings—are public information.

Online Case Lookup

The North Carolina Judicial Branch provides online tools to search for court dates and basic case summaries by name or case number. This is the most efficient way to check the status of a traffic ticket or find out which courtroom you need to be in.

In-Person Record Search

For certified copies or older records that may not be fully digitized, you must visit the Clerk’s office on the 1st floor. While viewing records is free, there is typically a per-page fee for photocopies and a flat fee for certified copies.

Restricted Records

Not all information is available for public viewing. Restricted categories include:

  • Juvenile delinquency files.
  • Adoption records.
  • Mental health commitment records.
  • Sealed cases (those specifically closed by a judge's order).

Helpful Resources for Visitors

If you are overwhelmed by the size of the building, look for a "Courthouse Navigator." These are volunteers, often stationed in the lobby between 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., who can help you find specific offices. A bilingual navigator is typically available three days a week to assist Spanish-speaking visitors.

For those requiring low-cost legal assistance, Legal Aid of North Carolina is a statewide program that provides free legal services in civil matters to low-income individuals. While they do not have an office inside the courthouse, their resources are frequently referenced by court staff for those navigating family law or housing disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I pay a traffic ticket?

Traffic tickets can be paid at the Clerk’s office on the 1st floor. Many tickets can also be paid online through the official North Carolina Judicial Branch website to avoid a trip to the courthouse.

What should I wear to court?

While there is no strict "uniform," the court is a formal environment. It is recommended to dress professionally (business casual). Hats, tank tops, and clothing with offensive language or graphics are generally discouraged and may result in a judge asking you to leave the courtroom.

Can I bring my cell phone into the courthouse?

Yes, cell phones are permitted in the building but must be turned off or silenced inside courtrooms. Taking photographs or recording video inside the courthouse is strictly prohibited without specific authorization from the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge or Chief District Court Judge.

Where do I go for child support payments?

As of October 1999, child support payments in North Carolina are handled through a centralized collection unit in Raleigh, not by local Clerks of Court. You should mail payments to the NC Child Support Centralized Collections office. The Clerk’s office in Durham cannot accept these payments.

How do I find out my next court date if I missed the previous one?

You should visit the Clerk’s office on the 1st floor immediately. Missing a court date (Failure to Appear) can result in an order for your arrest. The Clerk can tell you if a warrant has been issued and what your next steps should be.

Summary of the Durham County Courthouse

The Durham County Courthouse at 510 South Dillard Street is a complex, 11-story facility designed to manage the diverse legal needs of the community. From the 1st-floor Clerk's office where filings begin to the 7th-floor Superior Court where major trials are held, every level of the building serves a specific function. By arriving early, understanding the security protocols, and knowing exactly which floor your business is on, you can navigate the Durham County Justice Center with confidence. Whether you are resolving a landlord-tenant dispute in small claims or appearing for jury duty, the facility provides the necessary infrastructure for justice to be served in North Carolina.