Navigating Your Guilford County DWI Court: Greensboro vs. High Point

If you are facing charges in the Guilford County DWI Court, you may be confused about whether your case is in Greensboro or High Point. This guide is for anyone facing a DWI charge in Guilford County, North Carolina. We explain the differences between the Greensboro and High Point DWI courts, what you need to know about each, and how these differences can affect your case and your future. Understanding which courthouse will handle your case is not just a matter of convenience—it can have a significant impact on the outcome and your long-term future.

You were arrested in Guilford County. You look at your citation or your bond paperwork, and you see a court date. You assume you just head to the “county courthouse.”

But then you type the address into your GPS and you realize something confusing.

Wait. Is it in Greensboro? Or is it in High Point?

If you are confused, you are not alone. Guilford County is the only county in North Carolina with two separate, fully functioning courthouses.

This isn’t just a geography question. It is a legal one.

The Greensboro Courthouse and the High Point Courthouse operate like two different worlds. They have different judges. They have different District Attorneys. They have different “local rules” about how they handle DWI cases.

At Huggins Law Firm, we don’t just “cover” Guilford County. We live and breathe this split system. Our firm is deeply committed to serving the Guilford County community, providing trusted legal support and guidance to local residents.

We know which courtroom handles first appearances in Greensboro on a Monday morning. We know the specific prosecutors in High Point who handle driving privileges.

If you were arrested in Jamestown, Archdale, Summerfield, or Gibsonville, knowing exactly where you stand—and which building you are standing in—is the first step to protecting your future.

Introduction to Guilford County DWI Cases

Facing a DWI charge in Guilford County is more than just a traffic ticket—it’s a serious criminal offense that can impact every aspect of your life. Whether you were stopped in High Point, NC, or elsewhere in the county, the potential consequences of a DWI conviction are severe. You could lose your driver’s license, face steep fines, or even spend time in jail. The legal system in North Carolina is complex, and navigating it without the right expertise can put your future at risk.

In Guilford County, individuals facing a DWI may undergo a mandatory substance abuse assessment/treatment and experience license suspension as consequences. A DWI conviction triggers a minimum one-year driver’s license revocation, with limited driving privileges potentially obtainable after certain wait periods.

That’s why it’s essential to consult with a qualified DUI attorney who understands the unique challenges of DWI cases in Guilford County. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and work to minimize the consequences of a conviction. If you’re in High Point or the surrounding area, don’t leave your future to chance—seek out an attorney who knows how to fight for you and safeguard your life and livelihood.

What is the Guilford County DWI Court?

Guilford County’s DWI Court is a type of Recovery Court aimed at reducing repeat impaired driving by offering intensive supervision, treatment, and accountability for high-risk offenders. The DWI Court operates under North Carolina’s Recovery Court model, requiring regular court appearances, signed treatment contracts, certified counseling, and strict compliance. Participants must advance through five phases based on behavioral compliance and progress in recovery. The DWI Treatment Court involves a multidisciplinary team, including a judge, district attorney, defense counsel, case manager, treatment providers, and law enforcement, managing each case. The program operates as a collaborative, multi-phase intervention typically lasting between one and two years. The primary mission of the DWI Court is to enhance public safety by reducing recidivism among high-risk, repeat offenders.

If you are ordered to participate in the Guilford County DWI Court, you will be required to:

• Attend regular court appearances before a designated DWI Court judge.
• Sign and comply with a treatment contract.
• Participate in certified counseling and treatment programs.
• Progress through five structured phases, each with specific requirements and milestones.
• Work with a team that includes legal professionals, treatment providers, and law enforcement.
• Remain in the program for a period that typically lasts one to two years, depending on your progress.

The DWI Court is designed to provide structure, accountability, and support for individuals at high risk of reoffending, with the ultimate goal of helping participants achieve lasting recovery and reducing the likelihood of future impaired driving offenses.

Now that you know what the Guilford County DWI Court is and how it operates, let’s explore why there are two separate courthouses in the county and what that means for your case.

Why Are There Two Courthouses in Guilford County?

This is a piece of local history that affects your case today.

Decades ago, High Point was a booming furniture and textile hub. It was far enough away from Greensboro (before modern highways) that traveling to the county seat was a burden. So, the state legislature created a special “High Point Judicial District.”

Today, even though I-85 connects them quickly, the legal separation remains.

The Golden Rule of Geography:

• Greensboro Courthouse (201 S. Eugene St.): Generally handles cases that happen in Greensboro, Summerfield, Stokesdale, Gibsonville, Whitsett, and the northern/eastern parts of the county.
• High Point Courthouse (505 E. Green Dr.): Generally handles cases that happen in High Point, Jamestown, and the southern/western corners near Archdale.

The “Bubble” Zones: If you get pulled over on Wendover Avenue or near the airport, it can be tricky. Sometimes, an officer has discretion on where to charge you. We check your paperwork immediately to make sure you don’t show up at the wrong building and get an “Order for Arrest” for missing court.

Now that you understand why Guilford County has two courthouses, let’s look at how DWI cases are handled in each location.

Understanding DWI Laws and Regulations

North Carolina’s DWI laws are strict and detailed, with clear guidelines on what constitutes driving while impaired. The law sets a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.08% for most drivers, but you can still be charged with DWI if your ability to drive is impaired—even if your BAC is below that threshold. The district attorney is responsible for prosecuting these cases, and the penalties for a conviction can be life-changing.

Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) Limits

• The legal BAC limit for most drivers is 0.08%.
• Commercial drivers have a lower limit, and drivers under 21 are subject to zero-tolerance laws.

Penalties for DWI

• Penalties for a DWI conviction can include jail time, fines, community service, and mandatory substance abuse assessment/treatment.
• A DWI conviction triggers a minimum one-year driver’s license revocation, with limited driving privileges potentially obtainable after certain wait periods.

Role of the District Attorney

• The district attorney prosecutes DWI cases and determines how evidence such as BAC levels and field sobriety tests are used in court.
• Your attorney can challenge the prosecution’s case and advocate for your rights.

Knowing the ins and outs of DWI laws and regulations is the first step in building a strong defense and protecting your future.

What is the Guilford County DWI Court?

Guilford County’s DWI Court is a specialized Recovery Court designed to reduce repeat impaired driving by providing intensive supervision, treatment, and accountability for high-risk offenders. Operating under North Carolina’s Recovery Court model, the DWI Court requires:

• Regular court appearances before a designated judge.
• Signed treatment contracts and strict compliance with program requirements.
• Certified counseling and treatment.
• Advancement through five phases based on behavioral compliance and recovery progress.
• Oversight by a multidisciplinary team, including a judge, district attorney, defense counsel, case manager, treatment providers, and law enforcement.

The program typically lasts between one and two years and is structured as a collaborative, multi-phase intervention. The primary mission of the DWI Court is to enhance public safety by reducing recidivism among high-risk, repeat offenders.

With this understanding of the DWI Court’s purpose and structure, let’s examine what you can expect in each courthouse.

The Greensboro Experience: Busy, Big, and Fast-Paced

The Greensboro Courthouse is massive. It handles the bulk of the county’s cases. If your DWI is here, you are one of hundreds on the docket.

What to Expect:

• The Crowd: Courtroom 1C (where many traffic matters start) is often standing-room only. It can be overwhelming.
• The Process: Because of the volume, things move fast. Prosecutors are juggling huge stacks of files.
• The Advantage: Sometimes, in a busy system, things slip through the cracks. An officer might miss court because they are busy on patrol in a different zone. A paperwork error might go unnoticed by an overworked clerk.

Our Strategy in Greensboro:

We use the chaos to your advantage. We know how to navigate the crowded docket to get your case heard efficiently. We review all aspects of your case—such as paperwork, officer attendance, and evidence—to ensure nothing is overlooked in this fast-paced environment. We know the specific judges who sit in Greensboro and their tendencies on DWI sentencing. We ensure you aren’t just a number in the system.

Now that you know what to expect in Greensboro, let’s see how the High Point courthouse compares.

The High Point Experience: Smaller, Familiar, and Strict

The High Point Courthouse feels different. It is smaller. Everyone knows everyone.

What to Expect:

• The “Small Town” Vibe: The judges and prosecutors in High Point often work together every single day. They know the local officers by name.
• The Scrutiny: Because the dockets are smaller, prosecutors have more time to look at your case. Each defendant receives more individualized attention from both prosecutors and judges, which can impact how details are reviewed and decisions are made.
• The Efficiency: Cases often move faster here because there is less backlog than in Greensboro.

Our Strategy in High Point:

We leverage our relationships. Because we are in High Point regularly, we know the expectations. We know that the High Point bench takes certain traffic issues very seriously. We tailor your defense to match the “culture” of this specific courthouse.

With an understanding of both courthouses, let’s discuss how judges are assigned and why it matters for your case.

Do I Have Different Judges?

While District Court judges technically serve the whole county, they often rotate or are assigned primarily to one courthouse.

• A judge you see in High Point might rarely sit in Greensboro.
• Their sentencing habits can differ. One judge might be very strict on high BACs, while another focuses more on treatment and rehabilitation. Judges consider various factors—such as aggravating, grossly aggravating, and mitigating circumstances—to determine the appropriate level of punishment for a DWI conviction. Depending on these factors and the judge’s approach, different penalties may be imposed, ranging from fines and probation to more severe forms of punishment.

Knowing who is on the bench is just as important as knowing the law. At Huggins Law Firm, we check the judicial schedule. If we know a specific judge is tough on Second Offense DWIs, we might strategize on when to schedule your hearing.

Next, let’s look at how the District Attorney’s office is split between the two courthouses.

The District Attorney Split: Different Bosses, Different Policies

The District Attorney’s office is also split. There is a “High Point Office” and a “Greensboro Office.”

While they work for the same elected DA, the Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) are different.

• The ADA handling your case in High Point will likely be the same person from start to finish.
• In Greensboro, your file might pass through three different hands depending on the courtroom.

Why this matters:

Negotiation. In High Point, building a rapport with that one specific ADA is key. In Greensboro, it’s about making sure your file is perfectly organized so any ADA can see the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case quickly. Being able to negotiate effectively with the prosecution in both courthouses is crucial to achieving the best possible outcome for clients.

Now, let’s discuss how the arresting agency can determine which courthouse will handle your case.

The “Officer Factor”: Who Arrested You?

The agency that arrested you often dictates the courthouse.

• Greensboro Police Department (GPD): Almost always Greensboro Courthouse.
• High Point Police Department (HPPD): Almost always High Point Courthouse.
• Guilford County Sheriff (GCSO): Could be either! It depends on where the deputy was patrolling.
• NC Highway Patrol (NCSHP): Could be either! Troopers cover the whole county (I-40, I-85).

Which agency stopped your vehicle can determine which courthouse will handle your DWI case, as the location and agency involved in the vehicle stop are key factors in Guilford County.

We know the officers in both cities. We know which ones are “DWI Task Force” members who never miss court, and which ones are rookies who might have made mistakes on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.

With the courthouse and agency factors in mind, let’s move on to the defense strategies that can make a difference in your case.

Criminal Defense Strategies

When you’re up against a DWI charge, having a Bryson attorney with a background in criminal defense can make all the difference. There are several strategies a skilled lawyer might use to defend your case.

Challenging the Traffic Stop

• Your attorney may question whether the initial traffic stop was lawful, which can sometimes lead to evidence being excluded.

Reviewing Evidence

• Your attorney will look for any violations of your civil rights during the arrest or interrogation process.
• A thorough review of the evidence is essential, including the accuracy of BAC test results and the administration of field sobriety tests.

Negotiating with Prosecutors

• In some situations, negotiating with prosecutors can lead to reduced charges or lighter penalties.
• Every DWI case is unique, and a strong defense is built on understanding the specific facts and legal issues involved.

With the right criminal defense strategy, you have a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome.

Now, let’s address whether you can move your case from one courthouse to another.

Can I Move My Case from One Courthouse to the Other?

Clients ask us this often. “I live in Greensboro, but I got arrested in High Point. Can I move the case to Greensboro so it’s closer to my house?”

The Short Answer: No. Jurisdiction is set by where the crime happened, not where you live. You generally cannot move a case just for convenience.

The Exception:

If you have charges in both courthouses (maybe a speeding ticket in Greensboro and a DWI in High Point), we can sometimes work with the DAs to consolidate them for a plea arrangement. This is complex and requires a lawyer who has good standing in both offices.

Next, let’s look at how to regain your driving privileges after a DWI charge.

What About Limited Driving Privileges (LDP)?

If you need a driving privilege to get to work, the process is slightly different in each building. Regaining your driver’s license after a DWI in Guilford County often requires completion of certain education or treatment programs, such as substance abuse assessments, as part of the restoration process.

Steps to Obtain Limited Driving Privileges:

• Greensboro:
  • The Clerk’s office is on the ground floor.
  • They have specific boxes for civil revocations.
  • The process is very administrative.
• High Point:
  • The Clerk’s office is smaller.
  • We often walk the paperwork directly to a judge.

If you file your paperwork in the wrong courthouse, it will get rejected. You might lose days of driving because of a simple logistical error. We ensure your LDP petition is filed in the correct jurisdiction the first time.

Now, let’s discuss how to choose the right law firm for your DWI case.

Choosing the Right Law Firm for Your Case

Selecting the right law firm is a critical decision when you’re facing a DWI or DUI charge. You want a team with a proven record in criminal defense and a deep understanding of the legal system in Guilford County. Look for a firm whose practice area includes extensive experience with DWI and DUI cases, and whose attorneys are familiar with the local courts, judges, and prosecutors.

A reputable law firm will not only know the law—they’ll know how to use it to your advantage. By choosing a firm with a strong track record, you can be confident that your rights will be protected and that you’ll receive the best possible legal representation. Don’t settle for less when your future is on the line.

Let’s see what it’s like to work with a Bryson attorney on your DWI case.

Working with a Bryson Attorney

When you work with a Bryson attorney, you’re choosing a legal advocate who specializes in criminal defense, including DWI and DUI cases.

Personalized Attention and Communication

• Your attorney will take the time to understand your situation, explain the legal process, and outline the potential consequences you may face.
• Whether your charge is a misdemeanor or something more serious, your lawyer will develop a defense strategy tailored to your case.

Commitment to Your Rights

• A Bryson attorney is committed to protecting your rights at every stage of the process, from the initial court appearance to the final resolution.
• You’ll receive personalized attention and clear communication, so you always know where your case stands.

With a dedicated legal professional on your side, you can face your DWI charge with confidence, knowing you have someone fighting to protect your future and achieve the best possible outcome.

Now, let’s summarize the key takeaways for navigating the Guilford County split.

Key Takeaways for the Guilford County Split

• Two Worlds: Guilford has two separate court systems. Check your citation carefully.
• Greensboro = Volume: Expect crowds and fast-moving dockets. We ensure you don’t get lost in the shuffle.
• High Point = Familiarity: Expect prosecutors who have more time to scrutinize your file. Relationships matter here.
• Judges Rotate: But they have “home bases.” We know their tendencies.
• Officer Knowledge: We know the GPD and HPPD officers and how they testify.
• No Transfers: You usually have to go to court where the offense happened.
• Local Expert: You need a lawyer willing to drive to both. We do.
• Lasting Consequences: If you are convicted of DWI in Guilford County DWI Court, the impact can affect you for the rest of your life, including your record, sentencing, and future opportunities.

Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about DWI cases in Greensboro and High Point.

Two Courthouses. One Goal: Your Second Chance.

It doesn’t matter if your case is on Eugene Street in Greensboro or Green Drive in High Point. The goal is the same: Protect your license, protect your freedom, and protect your future.

At Huggins Law Firm, we are Triad natives. We know these roads. We know these courtrooms. We are ready to stand beside you.

Contact Us Today for a consultation. Let’s figure out where you stand, access resources, and see how we can fight for you.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.