---
title: "Clayton Jones | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/clayton-jones"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Clayton Jones

North Carolina District Court · Chief District Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Carolina District Court
- State: North Carolina
- Role: Chief District Court Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote proceedings

Scope: statewide

North Carolina law permits judicial officials to conduct proceedings by audio and video transmission, subject to statutory safeguards and case-specific limits.

Evidence excerpt: Judicial officials may conduct proceedings of all types using an audio and video transmission in which the parties, the presiding official, and any other participants can see and hear each other.

[G.S. 7A-49.6. Proceedings conducted by audio and video transmission.](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7a/GS_7a-49.6.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote testimony

Scope: statewide

For North Carolina civil jury proceedings, remote witness testimony requires a record finding of good cause.

Evidence excerpt: In a civil proceeding involving a jury, the court may allow a witness to testify by audio and video transmission only upon finding in the record that good cause exists.

[G.S. 7A-49.6. Proceedings conducted by audio and video transmission.](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7a/GS_7a-49.6.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### approved videoconferencing

Scope: statewide

North Carolina audio/video proceedings must use videoconferencing applications approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Evidence excerpt: All proceedings under this section shall be conducted using videoconferencing applications approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

[G.S. 7A-49.6. Proceedings conducted by audio and video transmission.](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7a/GS_7a-49.6.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### official recording

Scope: statewide

North Carolina Judicial Branch guidance distinguishes official court reporters, digital recording technicians, and later transcription of official recordings.

Evidence excerpt: A digital recording technician attends the court proceeding as well and is trained to use special recording equipment and technology to make a recording along with detailed notes of the proceeding.

[Obtaining Court Records](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/obtaining-court-records)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### recording availability

Scope: statewide

North Carolina states that not all court proceedings are recorded and identifies when audio recordings may be requested from the clerk.

Evidence excerpt: If the clerk or digital recording technician made an audio recording of the proceeding, you may request a copy of the audio recording from the clerk's office in the county where the case is filed.

[Obtaining Court Records](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/obtaining-court-records)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/clayton-jones)
- [Official roster](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/clayton-jones)
- [North Carolina Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/clayton-jones)
- [G.S. 7A-49.6. Proceedings conducted by audio and video transmission.](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7a/GS_7a-49.6.html)
- [Obtaining Court Records](https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/obtaining-court-records)
- [Governor Stein Announces District Court Appointments](https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/21/governor-stein-announces-district-court-appointments)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- He has held the role of a district court judge in Durham County since 2019 and continues to hold a prominent judicial role following his acquittal in 2026
- Clayton Jones Jr. serves as a judge for the fifth seat of North Carolina's 16th Judicial District and assumed office on January 1, 2024
- He later held the role of an assistant district attorney, prosecuting violent crimes and heading the robbery task force

### Education

- Jones graduated from North Carolina Central School of Law in 2003.

### Additional information

- In 2026, Jones was found not guilty of all charges in a Guilford County courtroom
- First elected to the Durham County District Court in 2018 and successfully ran for re-election for the 14th Judicial District on November 8, 2022.
- Began his legal career as an assistant public defender from September 2003 to April 2016
- Clayton Jones Jr. is a seasoned legal professional with extensive experience as both a public defender and prosecutor.
- Jones’ attorneys maintained that the allegations were false, citing eyewitness accounts that did not support the claims.
- representing defendants in civil and criminal matters, including misdemeanors, traffic offenses, and violent felonies such as murder and robbery.
- Affiliated with the North Carolina Democratic Party
- He also managed a docket of over 200 misdemeanors and low-level felonies daily
- His responsibilities later expanded to include all criminal sessions of court
- During his absence, Judge Doretta L. Walker temporarily replaced him as chief judge.

