Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Maris was an Assistant Public Defender for nearly 11 years in adult criminal district and superior courts. She also represented juveniles in juvenile delinquency court at the beginning and end of her career. It was a particular passion of hers to advocate for her juvenile and teen clients and the impact of the court system on youth and families is especially significant to Judge Maris.

RESUME HIGHLIGHTS | judgeamandamaris

Amanda L. Maris previously worked as an assistant public defender, representing adult criminal defendants in district and superior courts and juveniles in juvenile delinquency court.

News & Events
Judge Maris is honored to have been re-elected as a District Court Judge for two terms in the 2018 and 2022 general election and sincerely thanks the people of Durham for their support. She is running for re-election in 2026 and humbly seeks your support.

2026 Election:

Judge Maris filed her Notice of Candidacy December 1, 2025 with the State Board of Elections seeking re-election as a District Court Judge.

NEWS & EVENTS | judgeamandamaris

Amanda currently serves as a District Court Judge. She was reelected in the 2018 and 2022 general elections and is serving her second term.

Amanda currently serves as a District Court Judge. She was elected in the 2018 and 2022 general elections and is serving her second term.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Served as an assistant public defender for nearly 11 years, representing adult criminal defendants and juveniles in delinquency court.

- Served as an assistant public defender for nearly 11 years, representing adult criminal defendants and juveniles in delinquency court.

Legal Experience

6) Do you believe the cash bail system is in need of reform? What changes do you believe are necessary to ensure those accused of crimes are not incarcerated due to their inability to afford bond? What factors do you consider when determining the bond amount?
As a judge, I am required to follow the applicable law in each case. North Carolina has several statutes that control bail and which bonds can be set in which types of cases. These laws also set out several factors a judge must consider when determining a bond (like, prior criminal record, history of failing to appear in court, safety of a victim and the community, potential for flight, community ties or support for the person charged, and ability to pay). Ability to pay is one of the factors the current law requires a judge to take into account so that a judge doesn’t set a bond that isn’t proportional to a person’s ability to pay. The cash bail system is in need of reform, but that is up to the legislative branch. There are some crimes that don’t need a cash bond of any kind. Also, utilization of the Pretrial system instead of a cash bond or secured bond is an important tool I use a lot, implementing electronic monitoring or house arrest where necessary.

Candidate Questionnaire: Amanda Maris, NC District Court 14, Seat 6

5) Black North Carolinians are incarcerated at six times the rate of whites. How do you see your responsibility as a judge in addressing racial inequity in the justice system?
Judges have a responsibility as court actors to ensure equitable outcomes in each case and to support or initiate court programming designed to combat historic racial & other inequities in the court system. I have been involved in a variety of court programs that support this principle, including as a co-founder of the DEAR Program (learn more at: www.deardurham.org).

7) Do you support restorative justice practices prior to sentencing? If so, how would you seek to implement those practices in your capacity as a judge? Which types of cases do you think should be eligible?
Yes, I do. Restorative Justice, when implemented well, can help the justice system operate at its best, leaving all parties feeling that justice was served. It is appropriate in cases where the victim(s) and person charged both desire to try it, and the DAs Office is willing to apply it as well.

9) Some district courts are implementing misdemeanor diversion programs for young and/or first-time offenders. Do you believe programs like these are effective?
Absolutely. I was the assigned public defender in Durham’s first misdemeanor diversion program years ago (see my campaign website for more). Diversion is a crucial tool for a court system to deliver equitable outcomes.

Now, as a judge, Maris has worked in collaboration with a broad group of partners in local government, the community and the courts to develop a first of its kind court referral program that dramatically increased access to expunctions and driver's license restoration in Durham. The Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program (linked here) is designed to help thousands of eligible persons waiting for relief of limited financial means to obtain a fresh start at life in the areas of employment, housing and education. Since its public launch in 2019, over 14,000 individuals have received help restoring their licenses and tens of thousands of eligible criminal charges have been expunged. (See the "News and Events" Page for more articles about the DEAR Program and Judge Maris's continued role.)

COMMUNITY WORK | judgeamandamaris

Said that cash bail needs legislative reform and that she uses pretrial monitoring or house arrest instead of secured bonds when appropriate.

Advocates for court programs to address historic racial and other inequities in the court system.

Supports restorative justice before sentencing when the victim, accused person, and district attorney's office agree.

Supports misdemeanor diversion programs as a tool for equitable court outcomes.

Co-founded the Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program, a court referral program to expunge records and restore driver's licenses.

Wants to see an innovative School-Justice Partnership in Durham that places more emphasis on school discipline reform.

- Said that cash bail needs legislative reform and that she uses pretrial monitoring or house arrest instead of secured bonds when appropriate.
- Advocates for court programs to address historic racial and other inequities in the court system. 
- Supports restorative justice before sentencing when the victim, accused person, and district attorney's office agree.
- Supports misdemeanor diversion programs as a tool for equitable court outcomes.
- Co-founded the Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program, a court referral program to expunge records and restore driver's licenses.
- Wants to see an innovative School-Justice Partnership in Durham that places more emphasis on school discipline reform.

Judicial Administration

4) In a sentence, how would you define your judicial philosophy?

My judicial philosophy is to realize a more just and equitable court system through innovative court programming and to administer fair rulings in each case based on the applicable law, with compassion and respect for all.

Plans to issue rulings based on applicable law, with compassion and respect, while pursuing innovative court programming.

- Plans to issue rulings based on applicable law, with compassion and respect, while pursuing innovative court programming.

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 5, 2026, Amanda L. Maris’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

School Discipline & Safety

Judge Maris is dedicated to improving the relationship between the school system and court system to see that our kids stay in the classroom and out of the courtroom. Judge Maris would like to see an innovative School-Justice Partnership in Durham that places more emphasis on school discipline reform. We must work harder to reduce the influx of youth into our juvenile justice and criminal justice systems. This is a goal Judge Maris has pursued as a board member in Rebound - Alternatives for Youth, in other community groups and as a judge.

As a former co-chair of the Education Team in the Durham People's Alliance, Maris was on a joint committee with the Education Chairs of the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People (DCABP) in 2016-2017 that examined revisions to the Durham Public Schools Code of Conduct and the resulting 5-year implementation plan aimed at reducing out-of-school suspensions and racial disparities present. Maris will continue to work with those committed to reducing school suspensions and referrals to our courts with emphasis instead on more rehabilitative and supportive endeavors to see that all children are afforded the same opportunities at success in school and life.

Served as a member of the board of Rebound - Alternatives for Youth.

Served as co-chair of the Education Team in the Durham People's Alliance.

Served on a joint committee examining Durham Public Schools' Code of Conduct revisions and implementation plan.

- Served as a member of the board of Rebound - Alternatives for Youth.
- Served as co-chair of the Education Team in the Durham People's Alliance.

Community Involvement

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Amanda L. Maris

- Advocates for court programs to address historic racial and other inequities in the court system.
- Supports restorative justice before sentencing when the victim, accused person, and district attorney's office agree.
- Supports misdemeanor diversion programs as a tool for equitable court outcomes.
- Co-founded the Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program, a court referral program to expunge records and restore driver's licenses.

- Served as co-chair of the Education Team in the Durham People's Alliance.
- Served on a joint committee examining Durham Public Schools' Code of Conduct revisions and implementation plan.

Amanda is a district court judge for North Carolina's 16th Judicial District. She was first appointed to the bench in July 2017. Before becoming a judge, Amanda was an assistant public defender for nearly 11 years. She also co-founded the Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program, which helps residents obtain employment, housing, and education opportunities.

Who's Running For Durham County District Attorney and Sheriff?

Amanda is currently a North Carolina District Court Judge for District 16.

Supports establishing a School-Justice Partnership in Durham to prioritize school discipline reform and reduce youth involvement in the juvenile and criminal justice systems.

As a judge, collaborated to develop the Durham Expunction and Restoration (DEAR) Program, aiding those with limited financial means to expunge criminal charges and restore driver's licenses.

As a representative to the Durham Crime Cabinet for the Public Defender's Office, worked on issues such as developing a mental health court, probation reform, and gun safety.

Past chair of the Education Team in the Durham People's Alliance.

Supports community involvement by working to prevent the school-to-prison pipeline and supporting local youth.

Supports inclusion of all children in camp experiences, including those with special needs.

Currently serves as a member of the Inclusion Committee at the Judea Reform Synagogue.

Previously served on the Youth Committee at Judea Reform Synagogue.

Previously served as a board member for Rebound - Alternatives for Youth.

Previously served as chair of the Durham Crime Cabinet and the Court Fees & Fines Task Force.

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.