Which courthouse hears your case
Guilford County has courthouses in Greensboro and in High Point. Do not guess which one hears your case. Look at your citation or release papers, which list the court location, the date, and the time. If you cannot find them, call us and we will help you find your court information.
Our guides to the Greensboro and High Point courthouses explain what to expect when you arrive, including security, parking, and where to go.
Court schedules can change. A case set for one courtroom may be moved, or a date may be continued. We track your case and let you know about changes we learn of.
How a DWI case moves through district court
A DWI starts in district court. In general, the case moves through these stages:
- First court date. The case is often set for a later date.
- Discovery and investigation. Your lawyer gathers the reports, test records, and video, and reviews them.
- Motions. Your lawyer may ask the judge to rule on legal issues, such as whether the stop was lawful.
- Trial or plea. There are no jury trials in district court, so a judge hears the case.
- Sentencing. If there is a conviction, the judge holds a sentencing hearing under G.S. 20-179.
A case may be continued more than once. Each date is a chance to move the case forward, so we prepare for each one.
Appeal to superior court
If you are convicted in district court, you have the right to appeal to superior court for a new trial with a jury. An appeal is a serious decision with its own deadlines and risks. We explain the choice before the district court case ends.
The State can also appeal some district court rulings, such as a ruling that suppresses evidence or dismisses the charge. We explain how the case could move between courts, so there are no surprises.
Your license deadlines run outside court
The license case does not wait for the court case. Under G.S. 20-16.5, a written request for a hearing on the civil revocation is due at your first appearance or within 10 days of the date it took effect. A pretrial limited privilege may be possible after at least 10 days of a 30-day revocation if you qualify.
After a refusal, the separate 12-month DMV revocation under G.S. 20-16.2 takes effect on the 30th calendar day after DMV mails the order, unless you ask DMV in writing for a hearing before then.
What to bring to court
- Your citation and release papers.
- Any license papers from the magistrate or DMV.
- Proof of a substance abuse assessment and treatment, if you have them.
- Your photo ID.
- A pen and a way to write down your next date.
Dress as you would for a job interview. Arrive early, because security lines can be long. Turn off your phone in the courtroom.
Working with your lawyer between court dates
Much of the work in a DWI case happens between court dates. That is when your lawyer requests the reports, test records, and video, reviews them, and decides which legal issues to raise.
You can help. Keep your contact information current with our office. Answer calls and messages about your case. Bring any new papers you receive, especially from DMV. If you complete an assessment or treatment, send us proof.
Before each court date, we tell you what to expect and whether you need to attend. After each date, we tell you what happened and what comes next. No client should have to ask where the case stands.
Every case starts with listening. When you call, we ask what happened, where, and when your court date is. Then we explain the next steps in plain words and tell you what we need from you. We return calls promptly and keep you informed as the case moves.
Missing a court date
A missed DWI court date can lead to an order for your arrest and more license problems. If you cannot attend, call us before the date. If you already missed a date, call us now. We can explain how to address it.
Call (336) 281-2008 or request a consultation. Our office is at 826 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. We explain our fee in writing before you hire us. Hablamos español.
This page is general information about North Carolina law, not legal advice. Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a result.
Questions people ask us
Where is my DWI court date in Guilford County?
Your citation or release papers list the court location, date, and time. Guilford County hears cases in both Greensboro and High Point. If you cannot find your papers, call us.
Is a DWI trial in district court heard by a jury?
No. North Carolina district courts do not hold jury trials in criminal cases. If you are convicted, you may appeal to superior court for a new trial with a jury.
Do I have to go to every DWI court date?
Ask your lawyer before every date whether you must be there. Never assume you can skip a date without talking to your lawyer first.
How many court dates does a DWI take?
It varies. Many DWI cases need several court dates before they end. We tell you what to expect at each date.
What happens if I miss my DWI court date?
The court may issue an order for your arrest, and there may be license consequences. Call a lawyer right away.