Orange County has two court locations: the Orange County Courthouse at 106 East Margaret Lane in Hillsborough and the Chapel Hill Courthouse at 179 East Franklin Street. Cases are prosecuted by the District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 18, which covers Orange and Chatham Counties. Our Raleigh office serves Orange County clients. Call (919) 925-4613. Phones and chat answered 24/7.
Orange County Criminal Defense and Family Lawyers
Charged with a crime or headed to family court in Orange County?
 Phones and chat answered 24/7. En español: (704) 764-1518.
Tell us about your Orange County case
Orange County court quick facts
| Hillsborough | Orange County Courthouse, 106 E Margaret Lane, Hillsborough, NC 27278. Main number (919) 644-4500. |
|---|---|
| Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill Courthouse, 179 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 |
| Hours | 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday |
| Prosecutor | District Attorney, Prosecutorial District 18 (Orange and Chatham), 144 East Margaret Lane, Hillsborough |
| Court districts | Prosecutorial, Superior Court, and District Court District 18 |
| Recovery courts | Adult and mental health treatment courts (per the NC Judicial Branch) |
| Our serving office | Raleigh office, 8024 Glenwood Ave, Suite 317 |
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 Orange County
Two practical rules at the Hillsborough courthouse surprise people: bags and purses are not allowed inside, and free three-hour parking is available on East Margaret Lane. Leave your bag in the car and give yourself time to park.
Many Orange County cases involve students. For UNC-Chapel Hill students, a charge such as underage possession, a fake ID, or a DWI can also lead to a separate process under the university’s Student Code of Conduct, which can reach off-campus behavior. Call us before making statements to police or the university.
What happens after an arrest in Orange County
- Arrest and release. After an arrest by Chapel Hill, Carrboro, or Hillsborough Police, campus police, the Orange County Sheriff, or the Highway Patrol, a magistrate sets release conditions.
- First appearance. District Court first appearances are held in Hillsborough or Chapel Hill, depending on the calendar.
- Negotiation with District 18. We review the evidence and negotiate with District 18 prosecutors.
- Resolution or trial. Misdemeanors are tried before a judge with a right to appeal; felonies go to Orange County Superior Court after indictment.
If you or a family member was just arrested, call (919) 925-4613 now. Have the person’s full name, date of birth, and the charge from the paperwork ready.
Criminal charges we defend in Orange County
Family law in Orange County
Orange County divorce, custody, support, and property cases are filed in District Court. Contested custody cases generally go through custody mediation before a hearing. Families split between Orange and Durham or Chatham Counties should confirm where the children have lived before filing, since that often determines which court hears a first custody case. Our Raleigh family law team handles Orange County cases.
Your Orange County legal team
Orange County clients work with our Raleigh office team.
Where to find us
Martine Law, Raleigh office
8024 Glenwood Ave, Suite 317
Raleigh, NC 27612
(919) 925-4613, phones and chat answered 24/7
Orange County FAQs
Where are court cases heard in Orange County?
Orange County has the Orange County Courthouse at 106 East Margaret Lane in Hillsborough and the Chapel Hill Courthouse at 179 East Franklin Street. Both are open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. Your citation, summons, or the eCourts Portal shows which location and courtroom your case is set in.
Can I bring a bag into the Orange County courthouse?
Not in Hillsborough. The court says bags and purses are not allowed in the Orange County Courthouse. Leave them in your car. Free three-hour parking is available on East Margaret Lane, so plan your arrival with time to park, walk, and get through security before your calendar is called.
Who prosecutes criminal cases in Orange County?
The District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 18 prosecutes criminal cases in Orange County. District 18 covers Orange and Chatham Counties, and the office is at 144 East Margaret Lane in Hillsborough. Your lawyer negotiates any dismissal, reduction, or plea directly with the assistant district attorney assigned to your case.
My child is a UNC student charged in Chapel Hill. What should we do first?
Keep the paperwork, avoid discussing the facts with police or university staff, and call a lawyer. A criminal case and a university conduct case can run at the same time, and statements in one may be used in the other. Early advice can protect both the student record and the court outcome.
Nearby counties
We also serve these nearby counties: Durham County, Wake County, Guilford County.
City pages: Chapel Hill.
See every county served by our Raleigh 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.