The Outer Banks Voice introduced Moreland before publishing his 2022 candidate-questionnaire responses: “Jeffrey Moreland and his wife Laura are Army veterans who have been living in North Carolina since 2002. He received his undergraduate degree from UNC Pembroke and law degree from UNC Chapel Hill. He moved to Perquimans County in 2014 and after a solo law practice, he accepted a job as an assistant district attorney.”

The Outer Banks Voice - Bland, McAvoy and Moreland compete in Republican primary for District 1 Judge

Jeffrey Moreland has lived in North Carolina since 2002. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is married to Laura and moved to Perquimans County in 2014.

Jeffrey Moreland has lived in North Carolina since 2002. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is married and moved to Perquimans County in 2014.

In his 2022 candidate response, Moreland stated: “There is not a single judge in our district that is a military veteran, and I am the only candidate that is a military veteran. I am also the only candidate that has first-hand experience as both a defense attorney and as a prosecutor. You hear tales that certain judges are defense friendly or prosecution friendly, but having done both, I’d just be fair and impartial.” The article also identified him as “Hertford attorney and District 1 Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Moreland,” and reported that, after a solo law practice, he accepted a job as an assistant district attorney.

Jeffrey has worked as both a defense attorney and a prosecutor.

Ballotpedia's 2022 candidate page states: “Jeff Moreland (Republican Party) ran for election to the North Carolina 1st Judicial District. He was on the ballot in the Republican primary on May 17, 2022.” Its 2026 page separately states: “Jeffrey Moreland is running for election to the North Carolina District Court District 1 Seat 2 in 2026.”

Jeff Moreland (North Carolina 1st Judicial District, North Carolina, candidate 2022)

Jeffrey ran for election to the North Carolina 1st Judicial District in 2022 and was on the ballot in the Republican primary.

Jeff Moreland (North Carolina 1st Judicial District, North Carolina ...

Jeffrey ran for election to the North Carolina 1st Judicial District in 2022.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Worked as a defense attorney, representing clients in legal matters.

Worked as a prosecutor, bringing cases on behalf of the government.

- Worked as a defense attorney, representing clients in legal matters.
- Worked as a prosecutor, bringing cases on behalf of the government.

Legal Experience

The Voice asked each candidate to discuss an aspect of the criminal justice system they felt should be changed or improved. Jeffrey Moreland answered: “North Carolina Courts have been slower than some other states in taking advantage of modern technology. There are some exciting changes in our pipeline, including a paperless court system. However, being in a rural 7 county court system, there is more that could be done. “Too often, a local lawyer will have court in multiple counties on the same day, but due to the distance between courthouses, will most likely have to continue a lot of their cases, just due to the time it takes to travel between courthouses. If the attorneys could appear by video teleconference, like many other states are now doing, that could help alleviate some of the time inefficiency in having witnesses and defendants come to court just for the attorney not to make it in time. This is just an example of technology that could be taken advantage of.” This statement was made during his 2022 campaign; a targeted 2026 search found no newer contradictory statement.

Proposes allowing attorneys to appear by videoconference to reduce continuances caused by travel between rural courthouses.

- Proposes allowing attorneys to appear by videoconference to reduce continuances caused by travel between rural courthouses.

Judicial Administration

The candidates were asked to explain what the phrase “judicial temperament” means to them. Jeffrey Moreland answered: “A textbook definition of judicial temperament is a judge with ‘compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, sensitivity, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias and commitment to equal justice.’ What that means to me, is that a judge with good judicial temperament will consistently show these particular traits, day in and day out. Consistent judges seem to be the most sought after because they give everyone, including victims and clients, a modicum of predictability in an unpredictable system. You should not have to guess whether you are getting Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde on any given day.” This statement was made during his 2022 campaign; a targeted 2026 search found no newer contradictory statement.

Asked about principal differences between himself and his opponents in the 2022 Republican primary, Jeffrey Moreland said: “There is not a single judge in our district that is a military veteran, and I am the only candidate that is a military veteran. I am also the only candidate that has first-hand experience as both a defense attorney and as a prosecutor. You hear tales that certain judges are defense friendly or prosecution friendly, but having done both, I’d just be fair and impartial. I also have a history of public service: as a veteran, a firefighter, government board member, and a prosecutor. It is my hope to continue that commitment of public service, but as a district court judge.” This statement was made during his 2022 campaign; a targeted 2026 search found no newer contradictory statement.

Said judicial temperament requires compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, freedom from bias, equal justice, and consistent conduct.

Said his experience as both a defense attorney and prosecutor would help him be fair and impartial as a judge.

- Said judicial temperament requires compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, freedom from bias, equal justice, and consistent conduct. 
- Said his experience as both a defense attorney and prosecutor would help him be fair and impartial as a judge.

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 5, 2026, Jeffrey Moreland’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

Jeffrey Moreland

Jeffrey Moreland has a bachelors degree in criminal justice from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served in the United States Army from 2000 to 2005. 

Judge Jeffrey R. Moreland - Professional Background & Legal ...

Jeffrey is a judge for the 1st Judicial District Court of North Carolina. He was elected to the bench in 2022. Before taking the bench, he was an assistant district attorney with the 1st Judicial District since 2016. Before that, he managed his own private practice, the Law Office of Jeffrey R. Moreland, from 2015 to 2016. He also served in the United States Army from 2000 to 2005.

Jeff is currently a judge for the 1st Judicial District Court of North Carolina. He was elected to the bench in 2022. Before his election, he was an assistant district attorney with the 1st Judicial District from 2016 to 2022.

As an assistant district attorney, prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted grand jury proceedings.

Alejandra Gracias

Buket Urgen

- District Court judges hear civil, criminal, and juvenile cases. Civil cases dealing with divorce, child custody, and child support are heard in District Court. 
- Under the District Court, the magistrate can try small claims cases ($10,000 or less), landlord eviction cases, and suits for recovery of personal property. A magistrate is an independent judicial officer, recognized by the North Carolina Constitution as an officer of the district court. 
- District Court Judges are elected for a four-year term. Elections are partisan. 

Judge who handles majority of trial level cases.