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Public parking for court visitors is available at the 4th Street Parking Deck, which is located at the intersection of 4th and McDowell Streets. The public entrance to the parking deck is on 4th Street, directly across from the 3rd and 4th Street / I-277 / John Belk Freeway exit ramp. As you enter the deck, punch for a ticket. The cost is $1.00 per half hour or $12.00 for daily parking. Accessible parking for persons with disabilities is available on Level 2. If you have an oversized vehicle (up to 9 feet in height) you must park on the 2nd Level. Those in need of motorcycle parking should see the booth attendant for parking instructions.

ONCE YOU HAVE PARKED: Using the crosswalk, cross over McDowell Street. Enter the Mecklenburg County Courthouse through the entrance on McDowell Street. All visitors must go through a security checkpoint. You must remove all metals from your person, including belts and steel toed shoes.

The Court does not validate parking for court visitors and is not responsible if your vehicle is ticketed and/or towed. Following are some alternate parking locations for court visitors:

Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center Parking Deck, located at the corner of 4th and Davidson Street. The cost is $1.00 per half hour or $12.00 for daily parking.

Metered parking is available on 3rd Street, with a two hour maximum.

Every effort is made to ensure the courthouse is a safe environment. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office is in charge of courthouse security. In order to prevent firearms, knives, and other weapons from being brought into the building, anyone entering the courthouse must walk through a metal detector. You must not have any metals on your person when walking through the metal detector or an alarm will sound. If metal is detected, you will be asked to remove any metallic items and walk through again. Removing all metal objects from your person, including change, belts and steel-toed shoes, will speed up this process. You may also be scanned with a wand by a deputy to pinpoint the location of metals. You must place all items you are carrying in a basket to be viewed through a live-scan. The metal detectors and live-scan will not pose a health risk to you; this includes pregnant or nursing mothers. If you have a special need or disability, or you wear an implanted device, please inform the deputies. 

Laptop computers, iPads/tablets, e-readers and cell phones are allowed into the courthouse. You will be asked to turn on laptops and other electronic devices before being allowed to enter the building. 

No photography, filming or audio recording is allowed in the courthouse without prior written approval. 

Knives, scissors, or any other sharp objects are not allowed into the building. Please see below for a more comprehensive list of prohibited items. Any suspicious looking items may be subject to examination before entry is permitted. Please understand that the deputies cannot hold items for you, and items that are considered contraband may be confiscated. Security is here for your safety and protection. Your patience and cooperation with courthouse security is appreciated. 

The following items are prohibited by courthouse security: 

Any item that can be deemed a weapon or hazardous by the Sheriff’s Office is prohibited.