Duplin County Court Process

The Duplin County District Court, located in Kenansville, North Carolina, handles all DWI cases within the county. Understanding the court procedures and local nuances can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Duplin County is a constituent of District Court District 5, which also includes Jones, Onslow, and Sampson counties. It is a high-volume district for DWI convictions, recording 1,031 in FY 2024.

Courthouse Location

The Duplin County District Court is located in Kenansville, the county seat. While a specific street address isn't provided, the Courthouse Plaza is the central hub for judicial activities. Parking information is not available in the provided data.

Do NOT Do These Things

Entering the Duplin County Courthouse requires adherence to strict rules. Avoid these common mistakes that can disrupt your court appearance:

• No Cell Phones in the Courtroom: This is a strict rule. Leave all electronics in your vehicle. There are no public storage lockers, and you will be turned away at security.
• Inappropriate Attire: Judges in District 5 generally enforce a respectful dress code. "Business Casual" is the safest minimum. Shorts, tank tops, hats, and flip-flops are frequently prohibited and can result in the bailiff denying entry to the courtroom.
• Disruptive Behavior: Speaking out of turn or causing any disturbance will not be tolerated.
• Being Late: Punctuality is crucial. Arriving late can negatively impact your case.

Security Screening

| Prohibited Items

Court Day Checklist

• Valid ID
• Court paperwork/summons
• Proof of bond (if applicable)
• Pen for taking notes
• Any documents relevant to your case

How DWI Cases Move Through Court

Here's a general overview of the DWI court process in Duplin County:

• Arraignment: This is your first court appearance. You'll be formally advised of the charges against you and your rights. The judge will also inquire about your plans for legal representation. If you intend to hire a private attorney, clearly state, "I am hiring private counsel." Requesting a court-appointed attorney triggers a $60 application fee and a review of your indigency status. If you are not indigent, the request will be denied, wasting time and potentially money.
• Pre-Trial Hearings: These hearings are used to discuss the case, review evidence, and file motions. Given the high plea rate in District 5, your attorney will likely focus on identifying any technical defects in the state's evidence, such as issues with the checkpoint's validity or the chemical analysis procedures.
• Plea or Trial Decision: This is a critical juncture.
• Plea: Given the 92% plea rate in District 5, plea negotiations are the standard operating procedure. Your attorney will work to negotiate the best possible outcome, which could involve reduced charges or alternative sentencing.
• Trial: If a plea agreement cannot be reached, your case will proceed to trial. However, trials are less common in Duplin County DWI cases.
• Sentencing: If you plead guilty or are found guilty at trial, the judge will impose a sentence. Sentencing can include fines, jail time, community service, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs.

Parking & Logistics

Specific parking information for the Duplin County Courthouse is not available in the provided data. However, given the centralization of judicial activities in Kenansville, parking is likely available near the Courthouse Plaza. Arriving early is always recommended to secure parking and navigate security. The Kenansville Driver License Office opens at 7:00 AM, which can be a logistical advantage for handling license issues without missing a full day of work. The 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM window is significantly less crowded than the midday rush.