D. Cole Phelps at a glance
- Current role
- District Court Judge
- Court
- North Carolina District Court
- Jurisdiction
- North Carolina · State
- Judicial service
- July 1, 2026–present
D. Cole Phelps
District Court Judge · North Carolina District Court
Available research
Courtroom rules and guidance
Remote Proceedings
North Carolina law permits judicial officials to conduct proceedings by audio and video transmission, subject to statutory safeguards and case-specific limits.
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. ↗
Remote Testimony
For North Carolina civil jury proceedings, remote witness testimony requires a record finding of good cause.
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. ↗
Approved Videoconferencing
North Carolina audio/video proceedings must use videoconferencing applications approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
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. ↗
Official Recording
North Carolina Judicial Branch guidance distinguishes official court reporters, digital recording technicians, and later transcription of official recordings.
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 ↗
Recording Availability
North Carolina states that not all court proceedings are recorded and identifies when audio recordings may be requested from the clerk.
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 ↗
Sources
North Carolina Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked August 14, 2026
https://www.nccourts.gov/news/tag/general-news/judicial-appointment-announced-for-district-court-district-2G.S. 7A-49.6. Proceedings conducted by audio and video transmission.
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_7a/GS_7a-49.6.htmlObtaining Court Records
Judge research source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
https://www.nccourts.gov/help-topics/court-records/obtaining-court-records