Mecklenburg County DWI Court Guide

The Mecklenburg County Courthouse, located at 832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202, is the central hub for all DWI court proceedings in the 26th Judicial District. Understanding the procedures and protocols of this courthouse is crucial for navigating your DWI case.

Do NOT Do These Things at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse

To ensure a smooth and respectful court experience, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Cell Phone Use in Courtrooms: Cell phones must be turned off or silenced (vibrate is discouraged) inside courtrooms. Judges have the authority to confiscate devices used disruptively.
• Food and Drinks: Food and drinks are strictly prohibited inside courtrooms.
• Dress Code Violations: Avoid wearing short pants, tank tops, bare feet, or clothing with vulgar language or offensive imagery. Dress respectfully to maintain the dignity of the court.
• Speaking Out of Turn: Only speak when addressed by the judge. Interrupting the proceedings can result in being held in contempt of court.
• Being Late: Punctuality is essential. Arriving late can delay your case and reflect poorly on you.

Security Screening at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse

| Prohibited Items said:

| Allowed Items/What to Expect

Court Day Checklist

Before heading to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, ensure you have the following:

• Valid Photo ID: Essential for entry and identification.
• Court Paperwork/Summons: Bring any documents related to your case, including the summons or any notices you've received.
• Proof of Bond (if applicable): If you've posted bail, have documentation of this.
• Pen for Notes: Useful for jotting down important information during the proceedings.
• Any Required Documents: This may include proof of insurance (DL-123 form), substance abuse assessment results, or any other documents relevant to your case.

How DWI Cases Move Through Court in Mecklenburg County

Here's a general timeline of how DWI cases typically progress through the Mecklenburg County court system:

1. Arraignment:

• This is your first court appearance.
• The judge informs you of the charges against you.
• The judge determines your eligibility for a court-appointed attorney.
• Your conditions of release (bond) are set or reviewed.
• First Appearances for in-custody defendants are statutorily required within 72 hours (or 96 hours if a weekend intervenes) and are centralized in Courtroom 1150, often conducted remotely via Webex from the detention center at 9:00 AM.
• Expect a wait of approximately 3 days for arraignment after arrest.

1. Pre-Trial Hearings:

• These hearings are used to discuss the case with the prosecutor, review evidence, and potentially negotiate a plea agreement.
• Your attorney will work to gather information, file motions, and prepare your defense.

1. Plea or Trial Decision:

• Plea: If you and the prosecutor reach an agreement, you can enter a guilty plea. This will lead to sentencing.
• Trial: If no agreement is reached, your case will proceed to trial. DWI trials in Mecklenburg are typically heard in District Courtrooms (4150, 4170). These are bench trials, meaning a judge decides the verdict, not a jury.

1. Sentencing:

• If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, the judge will determine your sentence.
• DWI sentencing in North Carolina uses a specialized six-level sentencing grid based on Grossly Aggravating, Aggravating, and Mitigating factors.

Parking & Logistics

The Mecklenburg County Courthouse is located at 832 East Fourth Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. Parking can be challenging in the downtown area. Consider using nearby parking garages.

To ensure you have ample time to navigate security and find your courtroom, it's recommended to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your scheduled court time.