Charles R. Jonas Courthouse (W.D.N.C.): Cell Phone Policy (2026)
Short answer: Members of the general public may not bring electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, smartphones) into any federal courthouse in the district. They may secure them in the storage lock boxes provided in the courthouse lobby; devices must first be screened by the Marshals Service or a Court Security Officer. Pro se litigants who need a device for a proceeding must get the Clerk's permission in advance. Checked
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Public phones | Restricted |
| Rule for visitors | Members of the general public may not bring electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, smartphones) into any federal courthouse in the district. They may secure them in the storage lock boxes provided in the courthouse lobby; devices must first be screened by the Marshals Service or a Court Security Officer. Pro se litigants who need a device for a proceeding must get the Clerk's permission in advance. |
| Lockers | Storage lock boxes in the lobby of each courthouse (device screened first). Anyone who does not allow screening may not bring the device in. |
| Jurors | Summoned jurors (selected for a jury and jury-pool members) may bring cell phones/smartphones into the courthouse; phones brought into the courtroom must be turned off. |
| Attorneys | Attorneys, paralegals, law firm staff accompanied by an attorney, and federal employees may bring devices after screening (LCvR 83.3). |
| Governing order | Order No. 3:05-MC-344 (filed June 11, 2021); Local Civil Rule 83.3 |
Federal and county courthouses set separate rules. If your case is in state or county court (traffic, family, most criminal cases, state jury duty), see North Carolina county courthouses.
Other Federal Courthouses in North Carolina
- United States Courthouse (Terry Sanford Federal Building and Courthouse), Raleigh
- U.S. Courthouse, Greensboro (headquarters)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my phone into the Charles R. Jonas Courthouse?
Members of the general public may not bring electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, smartphones) into any federal courthouse in the district. They may secure them in the storage lock boxes provided in the courthouse lobby; devices must first be screened by the Marshals Service or a Court Security Officer. Pro se litigants who need a device for a proceeding must get the Clerk's permission in advance.
Are there phone lockers at the Charles R. Jonas Courthouse?
Storage lock boxes in the lobby of each courthouse (device screened first). Anyone who does not allow screening may not bring the device in.
Can jurors bring phones to the Charles R. Jonas Courthouse?
Summoned jurors (selected for a jury and jury-pool members) may bring cell phones/smartphones into the courthouse; phones brought into the courtroom must be turned off.
Can attorneys bring phones to the Charles R. Jonas Courthouse?
Attorneys, paralegals, law firm staff accompanied by an attorney, and federal employees may bring devices after screening (LCvR 83.3).
Can I bring a gun or knife into a federal courthouse?
No. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 930) prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons in federal court facilities, with narrow exceptions such as on-duty law enforcement.