---
title: "Sanford L. Steelman Jr. | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/sanford-l-steelman-jr-8031"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-02"
---

# Sanford L. Steelman Jr.

North Carolina Court of Appeals · Judge

## Profile

- Court: North Carolina Court of Appeals
- State: North Carolina
- Role: Judge
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

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

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Court of Appeals of North Carolina, 2003-present
- Sanford L. Steelman Jr. held the role of a judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals from 2003 until his retirement in June 2015
- 1994–2002: Resident Superior Court Judge for Judicial District 20B (Stanly and Union Counties)
- Began his legal career in 1976 as an associate attorney at Griffin, Caldwell & Helder, P.A., later becoming a partner and running his own practice until 1994

### Education

- J.D. — University of North Carolina School of Law at Chapel Hill in 1976
- Davidson College — B.A.

### Additional information

- Practitioner, 2002-2002
- Born September 11, 1951.
- Date of birth: 1951-09-11

## 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.courtlistener.com/person/8031/sanford-l-steelman-jr/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8031/sanford-l-steelman-jr/)
- [North Carolina Court of Appeals current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8031/sanford-l-steelman-jr/)
- [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)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/8031/sanford-l-steelman-jr/)
- [Sanford Steelman - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sanford_Steelman)

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