---
title: "Craig James | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/craig-james"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Craig James

North Carolina District Court · District Court Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Carolina District Court
- State: North Carolina
- Role: District Court Judge
- Service status: active
- 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/craig-james)
- [Official roster](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/craig-james)
- [North Carolina Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/craig-james)
- [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)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- District Court Judge for North Carolina’s 11th Judicial District, serving Johnston, Harnett, and Lee counties since April 2022, appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in December 2022
- Prior to this, he had been serving as a District Court judge since April 2022, completing the unexpired term of Judge Addie Harris Rawls
- His profile confirms his role as District Court Judge in Smithfield, NC, and his legal background

### Education



### Additional information

- April 2022 – Appointed to fill the vacancy created by Judge Addie Rawls’ retirement
- Appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in December 2022 to fill the vacancy created when Paul Holcombe was elected to the Superior Court.
- Before his judicial appointment, James practiced law as a solo attorney in the Law Office of Craig James
- handling criminal defense matters.
- Judge James presides over civil, juvenile, and misdemeanor criminal cases in the 11th Judicial District Court of North Carolina.
- Local media, including The Johnston County Report and The Daily Record, have highlighted his appointment and service.
- He also previously worked in the Law Office of Anderson Smith.
- His legal career includes over two decades of experience in district and superior courts
- James served in the United States Army as a Combat Medic and Military Research Volunteer



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [G.S. 7A-49.6. Proceedings conducted by audio and video transmission.](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-500acdaa0896376dfa44b76d) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7a/GS_7a-49.6.html). Collected 2026-07-26.
