Wake County splits its courts between two buildings in downtown Raleigh. Criminal cases, including DWI and traffic, are heard at the Wake County Justice Center, 300 S. Salisbury Street. Divorce, custody, and other civil cases are heard at the Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street. Our Raleigh office on Glenwood Avenue handles both. Call (919) 925-4613. Phones and chat answered 24/7.
Wake County Criminal Defense and Family Lawyers
Charged with a crime or headed to family court in Wake County?
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Wake County court quick facts
| Criminal and traffic | Wake County Justice Center, 300 S. Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC 27601 |
|---|---|
| Family and other civil cases | Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville St., Raleigh, NC 27601 |
| Courthouse phone and hours | (919) 792-4000. 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday |
| Prosecutor | Wake County District Attorney, Prosecutorial District 10 (mailing: PO Box 31, Raleigh, NC 27602) |
| Court districts | Prosecutorial, Superior Court, and District Court District 10 |
| Recovery courts | Adult treatment court (per the NC Judicial Branch) |
| Family court office | Wake County Family Court Administration, (919) 792-4875 |
| Our nearest offices | Raleigh office, 8024 Glenwood Ave, Suite 317, and Cary office, 15000 Weston Pkwy, Suite 114 |
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 Wake County
The two-building split trips people up. If your paperwork is a criminal summons, citation, or DWI charge, you go to the Justice Center on Salisbury Street. If it is a custody, child support, divorce, or equitable distribution case, you go to the Courthouse on Fayetteville Street. Going to the wrong building on the morning of court is a common and avoidable mistake.
Many traffic tickets in Wake County land in Administrative Traffic Court in Courtroom 101 of the Justice Center, which runs from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the court date. You sign in with the clerk outside Courtroom 101, then wait to speak with an assistant district attorney. The officer is not there, and trials are not held in that courtroom. If you want to contest the ticket, a continuance has to be requested so the officer can be subpoenaed. A lawyer can often appear for you.
District attorneys in North Carolina are elected to four-year terms, and the next election for the District 10 seat is in November 2026 (G.S. 7A-60). Office policies can shift after any election, and we track those changes so our advice reflects how cases are actually being handled.
What happens after an arrest in Wake County
- Arrest and release. A magistrate sets release conditions after an arrest by Raleigh Police, the Wake County Sheriff, a town department, or the Highway Patrol. Call us right away if there is a DWI, because license deadlines start immediately.
- First court date at the Justice Center. Misdemeanors, DWI, and felony first appearances are calendared in District Court courtrooms at 300 S. Salisbury Street.
- Investigation and negotiation. We review video, reports, and lab results and negotiate with the District 10 prosecutors handling your courtroom.
- Trial or Superior Court. Misdemeanors are tried before a District Court judge, with a right to appeal for a jury trial. Felonies are indicted and resolved in Wake County Superior Court.
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 Wake County
Family law in Wake County
Wake County family cases are filed in District Court and heard at the Wake County Courthouse at 316 Fayetteville Street. Wake Family Court Administration assigns case managers, and contested custody cases generally go through custody mediation first. The court offers File It Yourself domestic packets for people without lawyers, but custody schedules, support, and property division have long-term consequences. Our Raleigh family law team handles divorce, custody, support, and equitable distribution cases in Wake County.
Your Wake County legal team
Wake 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
Wake County FAQs
Which Wake County courthouse do I go to?
It depends on the case type. Criminal, DWI, and traffic matters are heard at the Wake County Justice Center, 300 S. Salisbury Street. Civil matters, including divorce, custody, and child support, are heard at the Wake County Courthouse, 316 Fayetteville Street. Both are in downtown Raleigh. Check your paperwork or the eCourts Portal for the exact courtroom.
How does Wake County Administrative Traffic Court work?
Administrative Traffic Court meets in Courtroom 101 of the Justice Center from 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You check in with the clerk, then speak with an assistant district attorney before seeing the judge. The officer is not present and no trials happen there. To contest the ticket, you must ask for a continuance.
Can a lawyer go to Wake County traffic court for me?
Often, yes. The court says you may appear in person or hire a lawyer to appear for you in Administrative Traffic Court. For many infractions and minor traffic offenses, that means you may not need to miss work. Criminal charges like DWI or driving while license revoked usually require more, so talk with us first.
Do I need a lawyer for custody in Wake County?
You are not required to have one, and Wake County offers self-help packets. But custody orders shape your time with your children for years. Contested cases generally go through mediation and then to a District Court judge. A lawyer can help you prepare for mediation, build your record, and avoid agreements you will regret.
Nearby counties
We also serve these nearby counties: Durham County, Johnston County, Orange County, Cumberland County.
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.