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The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for the safety of the visiting public and employees that utilize the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. Deputies assigned to Courts Division are not only responsible for the actual building security, but also provide bailiff services in over thirty functioning courtrooms to ensure that order is maintained during all court proceedings.
All persons entering the courthouse are required to pass through a magnetometer (Metal Detector) and all packages, electronics, and bags are scanned by fluoroscope (X-Ray Machine) operated by qualified Sheriff’s Office personnel. Visual inspection of all hand carried items are also be conducted as part of the security screening process.
Searches are required to prevent contraband or weapons from entering the building. This includes anything that could be ‘reasonably’ used as a weapon, unauthorized recording devices (audio or visual) or anything that may be disruptive to court proceedings.
Court personnel also arrange for the transfer of residents from the Mecklenburg County Detention Center that have scheduled court appearances. Additionally, court deputies are responsible for placing defendants in custody immediately after a conviction to ensure they are secured and transferred to the detention facility.
Worthless Check Warrant
PROCEDURES
Before a Magistrate in Mecklenburg County will issue a warrant for a worthless check, the following conditions must be met:
- A certified letter must be sent to the defendant demanding payment in full within 10 days; however, you must allow 15 days before applying for a warrant. This will allow for appropriate time for mail delivery and response time from the defendant. The check must be stamped by the bank as “Insufficient Funds or Account Closed”. If the check is stamped as “Stop Payment“, you must seek a civil action against the defendant.
- If the defendant does not respond or the letter is returned unclaimed, (after the 15 day waiting period), you will then bring the following information to the Magistrate’s office:
- A copy of the letter and/or the envelope containing the letter
- The receipt of certified mailing
- The original check (not a photo copy)
- Your Federal Tax ID number if you are a business or Social Security number if an individual
- You will be required to complete an affidavit “Certification” for each check received and you will be asked to swear or affirm to the facts you are giving, as this will be entered as evidence if a trial is necessary. The certification requires the following information:
- The defendant’s date of birth and drivers license number including the state of issuance or I.D. Note: If you do not have the drivers license number but you have the race, sex, and date of birth or approximately age, Magistrates can process this way as well. Remember it is no longer required by law to have the race of a person, but it is required to get an I.D. (example: Drivers license, or I.D. card and their date of birth).
- The defendant’s full street address. P. O. Box Numbers are not acceptable because a warrant cannot be served at a P.O. Box.
The more information you can provide about the defendant, the more likely a law enforcement officer will be able to locate and arrest the defendant.
NOTE: Checks are processed Monday thru Wednesday 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE MAGISTRATES OFFICE CONCERNING THE STATUS OF THE WARRANTS. YOU MAY EITHER COME IN PERSON OR CALL THE CLERK OF COURTS OFFICE TO SEE IF RESTITUTION HAS BEEN MADE.
FAQs
- 832 E. Fourth Street, Charlotte NC 28202
- Anything that could be ‘reasonably’ used as a weapon, unauthorized recording devices (audio or visual) or anything that may be disruptive to court proceedings.
- Yes, all persons must be screened to access the Mecklenburg County Courthouse.
- 700 E. Fourth Street, Suite 120, Charlotte, NC 28202
- Traffic court is in Courtroom 1130 located on the first floor.
- Criminal district courtrooms are located on the fourth floor.
- The Public Defender’s window is located on the first floor.
- The Clerk of Courts Office is located on the third floor.
- 700 E. Fourth Street, Suite 120, Charlotte, NC 28202
- Courts records checks are obtained from the Clerk located on the second floor in room 2132.
- Grand Jury is in the Jury Assembly Area on the fifth floor.
- Jurors report the Jury Assembly Room on the fifth floor.
- Family Court is located on the eighth floor.
- Juvenile Court is on the eighth floor.
- The cashier is located on the first floor.
- Filing with the Clerk of Court is on the third floor.
- The Civil Magistrate is located on the eighth floor.
- Court dates can be obtained from the Clerk located on the second floor in room 2132.
- Criminal Magistrates are in the Arrest Processing Center at 801 E. Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
- Restraining orders can be obtained during the court session after filing with the Clerk of Court on the third floor. After courts is closed restraining orders can be obtained from the Criminal Magistrate in the Arrest Processing Center at 801 E. Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.
Helpful Links
Helpful Court System Links
www.legalaidnc.org – Legal Aid NC is statewide program providing free legal services in civil matters to low-income people. The information is in English and Spanish.
www.nccourts.org– This site provides information about and links to the five levels of the state judicial system, case status, court location, forms, FAQs, employee benefits, and news.
https://www.ncdps.gov/our-organization/juvenile-justice-and-delinquency-prevention – This program is designed to promote public safety and juvenile delinquency prevention, intervention, and treatment through the operation of a seamless, comprehensive juvenile justice system.
Court Dates: Search for upcoming criminal and infraction cases by county, court type and defendant name.
Court Costs
- Criminal
- Civil
- Court Dates: Search for upcoming criminal and infraction cases by county, court type and defendant name.
