We accept cases in many districts in North Carolina; however, our “home” district is the 11th Judicial District, which includes Johnston County, and our hometown of Smithfield.
Below is some information to guide you if the venue of your case is in Johnston County. Johnston County Courthouse is a one-block complex, spanning between 2nd and 3rd Streets, and Market and Johnston Streets, in Smithfield, North Carolina. Besides courtrooms, it houses the following other departments and offices which may impact your legal work:
Office of Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court, Johnston County Register of Deeds, Johnston County GIS and Mapping, Johnston County Tax Department, Johnston County 911, Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, Johnston County Child Support Enforcement, and Johnston County District Attorney’s Office.
Johnston County Courthouse
212 E. Market Street
Smithfield, NC 27577
The main entrance for courtroom visitors is from Second Street.
From Clayton and I-70 East: Follow Route 70 East, when it splits into 70-Bypass and 70-Business, follow 70-Business into Smithfield. The courthouse is on the right hand side at the corner of Second Street.
From I-95: Take Exit 95 for downtown Smithfield. Head West through Smithfield. The courthouse will be on the left at the corner of Second Street.
Different Entrances to Johnston County Courthouse
Market Street Entrance:
2nd Street Entrance:
3rd Street Entrance:
PARKING:
There is a larger parking lot across from the courthouse on Second Street, as well as larger parking lot on Johnston Street. There are smaller parking lots on the corner of Front Street and Market Street and behind Four Oaks Bank on 2nd Street. There is street parking on the surrounding streets.
LOCATION OF COURTROOMS:
Specific Courtrooms are assigned daily. Ask the security deputies posted at each entrance to detail the specific courtroom that is conducting hearings on your issues. For instance, if your case is domestic/family law, request identification of the “Domestic” Courtroom. If you have a special setting, “Red” Calendar or “Blue” Calendar, request the location of that special courtroom.
COURTHOUSE HOURS AND RULES (Please review prior to your court appearance):
The Johnston County Courthouse opens at 8:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. In most cases, the court session will recess between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. for lunch. Sessions of Court begin at different times, and usually courtrooms are open approximately ten minutes prior to the opening time of the session. Please see attached list for courtroom dress code and rules. If any prohibited devices contain evidence for your court case, arrange to transfer possession of this device to your attorney prior to your court date. Unless specifically advised by our attorney to bring your children under majority age, do not bring them to the courthouse. Johnston County Public Library, Smithifeld Kiddie Park and various coffee shops and restaurants are in close vicinity to the courthouse if a supervisor accompanies you and can care for your children nearby.
WITHIN THE COURTROOM:
If there is any chance of a disagreement, and if you do not normally have an amicable, social relationship with the opposing party, do not sit near him or her. Even more specifically, if there is a restraining order or criminal court proceedings involving you and the other party, DO NOT sit on the same side of the courtroom or on the same row with the other party, and enter and exit the courtroom at different times.