Make sure you are going to the right courthouse
Guilford County has court locations in Greensboro and in High Point. The Guilford County Courthouse in High Point is at 505 East Green Drive, High Point, NC 27262. Your paperwork tells you which location your case is in. Read your citation, summons, release order, or court notice carefully for the location, date, time, and courtroom. If anything is unclear, call your lawyer or the clerk’s office before the day of court.
Going to the wrong courthouse can mean missing your case. A missed date can lead to an order for arrest or, in traffic cases, license trouble.
What to bring
- Your court papers.
- A photo ID.
- Anything your lawyer asked you to bring, such as proof of insurance, registration, a valid license, proof you finished a class, or treatment records.
- Your lawyer’s phone number.
Plan for the whole morning or the whole day, and arrange child care and time off work ahead of time.
If you need a Spanish interpreter, tell your lawyer ahead of time so the court can be told. Hablamos español at our office.
How to dress and act
Dress as you would for a job interview. Avoid hats, sunglasses, clothing with slogans, and anything revealing. In the courtroom, sit quietly, keep your phone off and out of sight, and do not eat or drink. Stand when you speak to the judge, and call the judge “Your Honor.” Treat court staff and the prosecutor with respect.
If the judge asks you a question, answer briefly and honestly. If you have a lawyer, it is fine to ask to speak with your lawyer before you answer.
Security, phones, and arriving early
Leave anything that could be seen as a weapon at home, including pocketknives and tools. Keep your phone silenced and follow court staff instructions. The North Carolina Judicial Branch lists free and paid parking lots and a paid garage for the High Point courthouse. Arrive early so that parking and finding your courtroom do not make you late.
Bring something quiet to read while you wait, and eat before you come. Some sessions run past the lunch hour.
Finding your case and when it is called
Check that your name is on the court calendar for your courtroom. If you cannot find it, ask the clerk or courtroom staff, and tell your lawyer you are there. The clerk of superior court’s office in High Point is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and 1:45 to 5:00 p.m., and is closed on State Judicial Branch holidays. Do not assume your case was canceled.
When your name is called, answer and come forward, or follow your lawyer’s lead. Your case may be continued, resolved by a plea, or heard that day. Let your lawyer do the talking. Before you leave, be sure you know your next court date and what you need to do before then.
If you do not have a lawyer and you could go to jail, you may ask the judge about a court-appointed lawyer. If you plan to hire your own lawyer, tell the court when your case is called, and ask for time to do so.
If you are there for a traffic matter, keep proof of insurance, registration, or a valid license in a folder so you can hand it over quickly.
If your name is spelled differently on the calendar, or your case seems to be listed in a different courtroom, tell your lawyer or the clerk. Do not leave because of a calendar mix-up. Stay until someone in authority tells you that you may go.
What not to do
- Do not leave before your case is called unless your lawyer or the court says you may.
- Do not talk about your case where others can hear.
- Do not contact an alleged victim or witness.
- Do not plead guilty to get it over with before you understand what a conviction means for you.
How we help
Huggins Law Firm practices in Guilford County district and superior court in both Greensboro and High Point. We tell clients ahead of time where to go, what to bring, and what to expect. We explain our fee in writing before you hire us. Call (336) 281-2008. 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
Does Guilford County have a courthouse in High Point?
Yes. Guilford County holds court in both Greensboro and High Point. Check your court papers to see which location your case is set in.
How do I know if my case is in Greensboro or High Point?
Your citation, summons, or court notice lists the location of your court date. If it is unclear, call your lawyer or the clerk's office before the day of court.
What should I bring to court in High Point?
Bring your court papers, a photo ID, and anything your lawyer asked for. Leave anything that could be seen as a weapon at home.
What happens if I go to the wrong courthouse?
You may miss your case when it is called, which can lead to an order for arrest or a failure to appear. If this happens, call your lawyer right away.