Gaston County criminal and family cases are heard at the Gaston County Courthouse, 325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Gastonia, and prosecuted by the District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 38. Our Belmont office is in Gaston County, and our team includes a former Gaston County prosecutor and a former Gaston County Chief Public Defender. Call (704) 842-3411. Phones and chat answered 24/7.
Gaston County Criminal Defense and Family Lawyers
Charged with a crime or headed to family court in Gaston County?
 Phones and chat answered 24/7. En español: (704) 764-1518.
Tell us about your Gaston County case
Gaston County court quick facts
| Courthouse | Gaston County Courthouse, 325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Gastonia, NC 28052. Main number (704) 852-3100. |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday |
| Prosecutor | District Attorney, Prosecutorial District 38, Suite 2003 of the Gaston County Courthouse |
| Court districts | Prosecutorial, Superior Court, and District Court District 38 |
| Recovery courts | Adult treatment court and veterans treatment court (per the NC Judicial Branch) |
| Traffic tickets | See our Gaston County traffic ticket guide |
| Our nearest office | Belmont office, 6640 Wilkinson Blvd, Suite 400, Belmont, NC 28012 |
Check your exact court date and courtroom on the eCourts Portal. Courthouse details are from the North Carolina Judicial Branch and were current as of October 2026.
Going to court in Gaston County
Gaston County is home ground for our team. Cynthia Smith began her career as an assistant district attorney in Gaston County before moving to criminal defense. Jesse B. Caldwell III, Of Counsel to the firm, practiced in Gaston County, served as Gaston County Chief Public Defender, and then spent 28 years as a North Carolina Superior Court judge, including service as Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for Gaston County. He does not take clients or handle cases. That history gives our team a practical understanding of how cases move through this courthouse. It is not a promise about any outcome.
The Gaston County District Attorney’s office is in the same courthouse as the courtrooms, in Suite 2003. Gaston also runs an adult treatment court and a veterans treatment court. For veterans facing charges linked to substance use or mental health, the veterans treatment court can be an important option to raise early.
What happens after an arrest in Gaston County
- Arrest and release. After an arrest by Gastonia Police, a town department, the Gaston County Police, the Sheriff, or the Highway Patrol, a magistrate sets conditions of release.
- First appearance in Gastonia. Misdemeanor, DWI, and felony first appearances are held in District Court at the courthouse on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
- Negotiation with District 38. We review the evidence and negotiate with the District 38 prosecutors on your case, from our office in Belmont.
- Trial or resolution. Misdemeanors are tried before a judge, with a right to appeal for a jury trial in Superior Court. Felonies proceed in Gaston County Superior Court after indictment.
If you or a family member was just arrested, call (704) 842-3411 now. Have the person’s full name, date of birth, and the charge from the paperwork ready.
Criminal charges we defend in Gaston County
- DWI and impaired driving
- Assault
- Domestic violence charges
- Drug charges
- Larceny and theft
- Misdemeanors
- Felonies
- Probation violations
- Sex offenses
- 50B and 50C protective orders
- Help before charges are filed
Traffic ticket? See our Gaston County traffic ticket guide.
Family law in Gaston County
Gaston County divorce, custody, child support, and equitable distribution cases are filed in District Court at the Gaston County Courthouse. Contested custody cases generally go through the state custody mediation program before a judge decides them. Domestic violence protective orders under Chapter 50B are also heard there, and they often overlap with custody. Talk to us before a hearing so both sides of the problem are handled together. Our Raleigh family law team handles Gaston County family cases.
Your Gaston County legal team
Gaston County clients work with our Belmont office team.
Family law cases here are handled by our Raleigh family law team.
Where to find us
Martine Law, Belmont office
6640 Wilkinson Blvd, Suite 400
Belmont, NC 28012
(704) 842-3411, phones and chat answered 24/7
Gaston County FAQs
Where is the Gaston County courthouse?
The Gaston County Courthouse is at 325 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Gastonia. It is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and the main number is (704) 852-3100. Criminal, traffic, and family cases are heard there, and the District Attorney’s office for Prosecutorial District 38 is in Suite 2003.
Does Martine Law have an office in Gaston County?
Yes. Our Belmont office is at 6640 Wilkinson Blvd, Suite 400, in Belmont, here in Gaston County. Call (704) 842-3411 any time, and we will set up a consultation by phone or in person. Criminal defense: free consultation with our Director of Client Engagement. Family law: $50 consultation with our Director of Client Engagement. Full refund if you’re not satisfied, for any reason.
Is there a veterans treatment court in Gaston County?
Yes. The North Carolina Judicial Branch lists Gaston County among the counties with a veterans treatment court, and Gaston also has an adult treatment court. These programs serve people whose charges are tied to substance use or mental health. Eligibility depends on the charge and a screening, so raise it with your lawyer early.
What happens at my first court date in Gaston County?
For most misdemeanors and DWI charges, your first date is in District Court in Gastonia. The judge confirms you know the charge and whether you have a lawyer, and the case is usually continued for discovery. Most cases are not resolved on the first date. With a lawyer, you may not always need to attend.
Nearby counties
We also serve these nearby counties: Mecklenburg County, Lincoln County (family law only), Cleveland County, Cabarrus County.
See every county served by our Belmont office.
This page provides general information about North Carolina law and local courts. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Court locations, hours, and procedures change; confirm details with the court or with us. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.