---
title: "Jefferson Griffin | KnowJudges"
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page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# Jefferson Griffin

North Carolina Court of Appeals · Court of Appeals Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Carolina Court of Appeals
- State: North Carolina
- Role: Court of Appeals Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

Judge Griffin graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003. In 2015, Jefferson was appointed by Governor McCrory to be a District Court Judge in Wake County. Judge Griffin was elected to a four-year term in the 2016 general election to retain his seat on the District Court bench in Wake County. He served as the National Security Law Judge Advocate. Judge Griffin was elected statewide to an eight-year term on the North Carolina Court of Appeals in November of 2020.

## 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/jefferson-griffin)
- [Official roster](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/jefferson-griffin)
- [North Carolina Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/jefferson-griffin)
- [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

- Republican judge serving on Seat 13 of the North Carolina Court of Appeals since January 1, 2021, after being elected in 2020
- Wake County District Court Judge — Appointed by Governor Pat McCrory in 2015; elected in 2016 for a four-year term
- Certified Superior Court Mediator and also serves as Senior Defense Counsel for North Carolina
- He lost narrowly to incumbent Democratic Justice Allison Riggs by 734 votes out of over 5.5 million cast

### Education

- He graduated from Northern Nash High School, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (BA, 2003), and North Carolina Central University School of Law (JD, 2008).

### Additional information

- In January 2023, Griffin announced his run for the NC Supreme Court in the 2024 general election.
- Before his judicial career, he served as a charter fisherman, served in the U.S. Army (including deployment in 2019–2020), and practiced law in Kinston, NC
- Griffin was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, and grew up in Red Oak, Nash County.

