New Castle County, DE Courthouse Cell Phone Policy, Lockers & Jury Duty Parking (2026)
Short answer: No for the general public. Under Delaware Courts Capitol Police Security Directive (New Castle County), general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt. Yes. New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington) provides phone lockers ($0.25 fee): Small coin/PIN lockers inside the main security vestibule before magnetometers. Arrive early as lockers fill up during the 8:30 AM morning rush. Last checked
How sure is this? This page applies the statewide Delaware court rule to New Castle County. We have not yet confirmed it building by building, and local judges or the Sheriff can set stricter rules. Before you go, call (302) 255-0800 or check the official court site. Know the current rule? Tell us.
🏛️ Main Courthouse Facility
- Building
- New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington)
- Address
- 500 N King St, Wilmington, DE 19801
- Hours
- 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mon–Fri)
- Clerk / Security Phone
- (302) 255-0800
- Est. Foot Traffic
- ~2,066 visitors/day
- Official Court Site
- https://courts.delaware.gov/ ↗
🅿️ Validated Jury Duty Parking & Transit
- Juror Parking Status
- FREE / Validated for Summoned Jurors
- Designated Garage / Lot
- New Castle County Juror Parking Facility (Wilmington Judicial Garage)
- How to Validate
- Park in the designated New Castle County Juror Garage in downtown Wilmington. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
- Public Transit
- Served by Wilmington local bus and regional transit stops within 2 blocks of the main courthouse entrance. Warning: If arriving by Uber, Lyft, or bus at a phone-ban facility without lockers, do not bring prohibited electronics.
Security Rules, Lockers & Decorum (New Castle County)
Authority: Delaware Courts Capitol Police Security Directive (New Castle County) · Verification: Statewide court rule baseline (Delaware); building-level check pending
| Rule / Amenity | New Castle County Policy | Official Directive & Verification Quote |
|---|---|---|
| Cell phone policy | Banned for public · Jurors & attorneys exempt | “New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington) Capitol Police Security Directive: "Cell phones and smartwatches with recording capability are prohibited for general visitors. Summoned jurors presenting their jury summons may bring phones to the Jury Services lounge."” |
| Cell phones banned | Phones banned · Lockers at door ($0.25) | “New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington) Capitol Police Security Directive: "Cell phones and smartwatches with recording capability are prohibited for general visitors. Summoned jurors presenting their jury summons may bring phones to the Jury Services lounge."” |
| Phone lockers at entrance | Lockers available ($0.25) | “Security Checkpoint Notice (New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington)): "Small personal electronics lockers are available in the main lobby ($0.25 fee); capacity is limited and Court Security assumes no liability."” |
| Uber & bus rider safe (no car) | Safe for Uber/bus (lobby lockers: $0.25) | “Security Checkpoint Notice (New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington)): "Small personal electronics lockers are available in the main lobby ($0.25 fee); capacity is limited and Court Security assumes no liability."” |
| Jury duty parking & validation | Free validated parking · New Castle County Juror Parking Facility (Wilmington Judicial Garage) | “Jury Summons Instructions (New Castle County): "Jurors receive free validated parking at New Castle County Juror Parking Facility (Wilmington Judicial Garage). Bring your parking stub inside to the Jury Assembly Room for validation—do not park at 2-hour street meters."” |
| Juror phone & laptop rules | Jurors allowed phones & laptops in Jury Lounge | “New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington) Capitol Police Security Directive: "Cell phones and smartwatches with recording capability are prohibited for general visitors. Summoned jurors presenting their jury summons may bring phones to the Jury Services lounge."” |
| Security line wait times | ~10 mins peak (arrive 20 mins early) | “Peak screening window is 8:00 AM – 9:15 AM during Monday/Tuesday jury call (10 min typical queue at magnetometers; belts, metal, and bags x-rayed).” |
| Courtroom dress code | Strict decorum: No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or hats | “Courtroom Decorum Order (New Castle County): "Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Judges and bailiffs may deny entry or reschedule appearances for inappropriate attire."” |
| Smartwatches & Apple Watch | Smartwatches BANNED at checkpoint | “New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington) Capitol Police Security Directive: "Cell phones and smartwatches with recording capability are prohibited for general visitors. Summoned jurors presenting their jury summons may bring phones to the Jury Services lounge."” |
Courthouse Buildings & Branch Annexes in New Castle County
| Courthouse / Branch Building | Cell Phone Policy | Phone Lockers | Juror & Visitor Parking |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington) Main Trial & Jury Courthouse · 500 N King St, Wilmington, DE 19801 |
Banned for Public | Lockers ($0.25) | Validated free (New Castle County Juror Parking Facility (Wilmington Judicial Garage)) |
What to Know Before You Go to New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington)
📱 If You Have Jury Duty
Summoned jurors in New Castle County are permitted to bring cell phones and laptops through the security checkpoint into the Jury Assembly Room. Show your printed Jury Summons to the Sheriff deputy at the magnetometer.
🚗 If You Have Traffic, Family, or Criminal Court
Litigants, defendants, and spectators are prohibited from bringing cell phones inside. Use the lobby lockers ($0.25) before the metal detector. If you need text messages, photos, or insurance PDFs as courtroom evidence, print physical copies before arriving.
👔 Dress Code & Security Line
Peak morning screening (8:00 AM – 9:15 AM) takes ~10 minutes. Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms. Remove belts, coins, and keychains before the magnetometer.
Skip the Security Line & Protect Your Record in New Castle County, DE
If you have a Traffic Ticket, Speeding/CDL Violation, DUI, Misdemeanor, or Family Court hearing in New Castle County, DE, a licensed local attorney can often appear in court on your behalf—saving you from missing work, risking a bench warrant, or taking points on your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my cell phone to New Castle County Courthouse in Wilmington, DE?
No for the general public. Under Delaware Courts Capitol Police Security Directive (New Castle County), general visitors and traffic/criminal defendants are PROHIBITED from bringing cell phones into New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington). However, summoned jurors presenting an official Jury Summons and licensed attorneys are exempt.
Does New Castle County Courthouse have cell phone lockers at the entrance?
Yes. New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington) provides phone lockers ($0.25 fee): Small coin/PIN lockers inside the main security vestibule before magnetometers. Arrive early as lockers fill up during the 8:30 AM morning rush.
Where do I park for jury duty at New Castle County Courthouse and is it free?
Yes, jury duty parking is free/validated at New Castle County Juror Parking Facility (Wilmington Judicial Garage). Park in the designated New Castle County Juror Garage in downtown Wilmington. Bring your parking ticket or license plate number inside to the Jury Assembly Room for full validation.
Can summoned jurors bring a laptop or phone to New Castle County Jury Duty?
Yes. Summoned jurors with their Jury Summons may bring a cell phone and laptop/tablet into the New Castle County Jury Assembly Room. All devices must be turned off when entering a courtroom.
How long is the security line at New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington) and what is the dress code?
Expect a 10-minute wait at the Sheriff magnetometers between 8:00 AM and 9:15 AM (arrive at least 20 minutes before your court call). Dress code: Business casual required. No shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, pajamas, or clothing with offensive graphics. Hats must be removed upon entering courtrooms.
What happens if I am turned away at security and miss my New Castle County court call?
If a bailiff denies you entry because you brought a prohibited phone without a car or wore prohibited attire, missing your docket call in traffic or criminal court can result in a default conviction or a Failure to Appear (FTA) Bench Warrant. Contact the Clerk at (302) 255-0800 or consult a local New Castle County traffic/defense attorney immediately.
Before You Go
- Delaware jury duty pay & laws
- What to bring to jury duty
- What to bring to traffic court
- Prohibited items at security
- Postpone jury duty / check reporting status
- Jury duty scam calls
Other County Courthouses in Delaware
Last checked 2026-11-04. Administrative orders and security protocols can change by order of the Chief Judge or County Sheriff. Spot an update at New Castle County Courthouse (Wilmington)? Submit a verified update.