North CarolinaHarnett CountyCourt Process

Harnett County Court Process

Complete guide to arraignment, court dates, plea options, and what to expect during your case in Harnett County.

Court Information

Harnett County Court

Arraignment Timeline

1

First court appearance where charges are read and bail is set

Court Process Timeline

1

Arraignment

First court appearance, typically 1 after arrest.

What Happens:

  • Judge reads charges against you
  • You enter initial plea (usually Not Guilty)
  • Bail is set or reviewed
  • Next court date is scheduled
  • Public defender appointed if needed
2

Pre-Trial Hearings

Multiple court dates over 2-6 months where your attorney negotiates with prosecutors.

Attorney Activities:

  • Review police reports and evidence
  • File motions to suppress evidence
  • Challenge breathalyzer/blood test results
  • Negotiate plea bargains
  • Discuss diversion program eligibility
3

Plea Bargain or Trial

Most cases (over 90%) resolve through plea bargaining, not trial.

Plea Bargain Benefits

  • • Reduced charges
  • • Lighter sentence
  • • Certainty of outcome
  • • Lower costs

Trial Risks

  • • Maximum sentence if convicted
  • • Higher legal fees
  • • Uncertainty
  • • Time consuming
4

Sentencing

Judge determines penalties based on the plea agreement or trial verdict. Sentences may include fines, probation, jail time, license suspension, IID, SCRAM monitoring, and/or DUI classes.

Don't Face This Alone

A attorney can make the difference between a conviction and a dismissal, between jail time and probation. They know local judges, prosecutors, and can challenge evidence that you might not even know is challengeable.

Find Harnett County Attorneys

Harnett County operates within North Carolina’s Judicial District 11, and DWI cases are typically heard on every other Thursday, so planning ahead is critical. Understanding the court procedures can help you navigate this challenging time. This guide provides essential information about what to expect during the DWI court process in Harnett County.

Courthouse Location

The Harnett County Courthouse is located in Lillington, the county seat. While a specific street address isn't provided in the research data, it's in the immediate vicinity of the Lillington Police Department and the Harnett County Detention Center.

Do NOT Do These Things

Entering the Harnett County Courthouse requires adherence to strict rules. Violations can result in being held in contempt of court.

  • No Phones in the Courtroom: Only attorneys and authorized court personnel are permitted to bring electronics into the facility.
  • No Food or Drinks: Consumption of food and beverages is prohibited inside the courtroom.
  • Dress Code Violations: Dress respectfully. Avoid casual attire such as shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops. Business casual is recommended.
  • Speaking Out of Turn: Only speak when addressed by the judge.
  • Being Late: Punctuality is crucial. Arrive early to allow time for security screening and finding your courtroom.

Security Screening

Prohibited Items
Sources

North Carolina Penal Code

Harnett County District Court

North Carolina Court System

Back to North Carolina DUI Guide

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