--- title: "Julie Kepple | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/julie-kepple" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # Julie Kepple 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. Kepple is a district court judge for the 28th Judicial District, which presides over Buncombe County of North Carolina. She was elected unopposed to the court in 2010 for a full four-year term. Kepple was re-elected unopposed to the 28th Judicial District in 2014, winning a new four year term. ## 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/julie-kepple) - [Official roster](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/julie-kepple) - [North Carolina Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.nccourts.gov/judicial-directory/julie-kepple) - [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) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/julie-kepple", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/julie-kepple", "name": "Julie Kepple | KnowJudges", "description": "Julie Kepple, North Carolina District Court. 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Kepple is an elected District Court Judge for Buncombe County, North Carolina, serving in the 28th Judicial District since 2010, and is known for her leadership in innovative treatment court programs such as ASPIRE Court - In late 2025, she stepped down from presiding over ASPIRE Court, turning it over to Judge Robin Merrell - In 2014, Judge Kepple co‐created ASPIRE Court (previously Sobriety Court), the first DWI treatment court in western North Carolina - held the role of Chief District Court Judge for a period, and is recognized for her judicial leadership ### Education ### Additional information - Legacy: After 14 years, she stepped down in 2025, receiving praise for her “visionary and innovator” leadership - Judge Kepple presides over Buncombe County District Court, District 28 (also listed as District 40, Seat 2 in some voter guides). ## 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.