Daniel Hines Entzminger is from Greenville, North Carolina. He has a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Campbell University. He lives with his wife, Holly, and their four children.

Daniel is a district court judge for North Carolina's District 3.

Entzminger picks up opponent for District Court judge seat | Local ...

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Daniel previously worked as an attorney for the Law Office of Richard L. Griffin and the Law Office of Daniel Hines Entzminger. He also taught business law at Pitt Community College.

Daniel is currently a North Carolina district court judge representing District 3A, Seat 1. He was first elected in 2018. He previously ran for a judgeship in 2014 but did not win.

Daniel Hines Entzminger - Ballotpedia

Daniel Hines Entzminger | BallotReady

As a state district court judge for eight years oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an attorney at the Law Office of Richard L. Griffin and the Law Office of Daniel Hines Entzminger, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients specializing in criminal and traffic law.

- As a state district court judge for eight years oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an attorney at the Law Office of Richard L. Griffin and the Law Office of Daniel Hines Entzminger, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients specializing in criminal and traffic law.

Legal Experience

Supported transitioning to an e-courts filing system rather than paper files.

- Supported transitioning to an e-courts filing system rather than paper files.

Judicial Administration

States that he works "to resolve cases quickly and efficiently, by following the law and Constitution in every case."

States that he works "to follow the established laws to ensure that our citizens are safe from violent offenders."

Supports fairness and impartiality in every case.

States that he uses "reason and common sense in determining the outcome of a case."

- States that he works "to resolve cases quickly and efficiently, by following the law and Constitution in every case."
- States that he works "to follow the established laws to ensure that our citizens are safe from violent offenders."
- Supports fairness and impartiality in every case.
- States that he uses "reason and common sense in determining the outcome of a case."

Judicial Philosophy

As of January 5, 2026, Daniel Hines Entzminger’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Served on the Pitt County Board of Elections.

Served as a member of the Christ Covenant School Board.

Served as the board chairman at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, NC.

- Served on the Pitt County Board of Elections.
- Served as a member of the Christ Covenant School Board.
- Served as the board chairman at the First Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville, NC.
- Volunteers as a youth basketball coach.

Community Involvement

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Daniel Hines Entzminger

Daniel is from Greenville, North Carolina. He has a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Campbell University. He lives with his wife, Holly, and their four children.

Daniel is a district court judge for North Carolina's District 3. He previously worked as an attorney for the Law Office of Richard L. Griffin and the Law Office of Daniel Hines Entzminger. He also taught business law at Pitt Community College for 16 years. 

Daniel Hines Entzminger is currently a North Carolina district court judge representing District 3A, Seat 1. He was first elected in 2018. He previously ran for a judgeship in 2014 but did not win.

Buket Urgen

For Candidate Daniel Hines Entzminger on Issue judicial-administration:  
Cited the efficient operation of the court system and the successful management of case backlogs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watsi Sutton is from Greenville, North Carolina. She has a law degree from the University of North Carolina. 

Watsi Sutton Profile - Washington, NC Child Custody Lawyer

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Watsi Sutton is from Greenville, North Carolina. She has a bachelor's degree in economics from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. 

Watsi is an attorney. He previously served as a prosecutor. He also worked as a defense and family attorney, a legal aid attorney, and a nonprofit leader. 

Watsi currently works as the executive director of Koinonia Community Solutions. She worked as an attorney for the Town of Williamston, Watsi M. Sutton, Attorney at Law, Legal Aid of North Carolina, and Brooks Stevens & Pope. She was also a partner at Gray Suttone PLLC Attorneys & Counselors and an assistant district attorney in North Carolina's 2nd Judicial District. 

Watsi is currently a family and criminal defense attorney. She has also worked as a Legal Aid attorney and a nonprofit leader.

Watsi M. Sutton - BallotPedia

Watsi previously ran for district court judge for North Carolina's 2nd Judicial District in 2010, but did not win.

Has experience in criminal, family, civil, child protective services, and juvenile delinquency courts.

As a town attorney for the Town of Williamston, oversaw the negotiation and review of government contracts, legal compliance, legal advice, and municipal law. 

As a managing partner at Watsi M. Sutton, Attorney at Law, oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth focusing on family, criminal, traffic, and juvenile law.

As partner at Gray Sutton PLLC Attorneys & Counselors, managed key client relationships, pursued new clients, mentored junior lawyers, oversaw certain areas of legal practice, and provided legal counsel and representation to clients.

As 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 interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As an attorney at the Legal Aid of North Carolina and Brooks Stevens & Pope, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in general practice.

- As a town attorney for the Town of Williamston, oversaw the negotiation and review of government contracts, legal compliance, legal advice, and municipal law. 
- As a managing partner at Watsi M. Sutton, Attorney at Law, oversaw finances and budgeting, shaped and enforced firm culture, helped attract new clients, managed and mentored legal associates, and guided growth focusing on family, criminal, traffic, and juvenile law.
- As partner at Gray Sutton PLLC Attorneys & Counselors, managed key client relationships, pursued new clients, mentored junior lawyers, oversaw certain areas of legal practice, and provided legal counsel and representation to clients.
- As 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 interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As an attorney at the Legal Aid of North Carolina and Brooks Stevens & Pope, researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in general practice.

As of January 5, 2026, Watsi M. Sutton’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Watsi M. Sutton

Watsi Sutton is from Greenville, North Carolina. She has a bachelor's degree from the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law. 

Watsi M. Sutton previously ran for district court judge for North Carolina's 2nd Judicial District in 2010, but did not win.

Watsi M. Sutton is from Washington, North Carolina. She has a bachelor's degree in economics from the North Carolina A&T State University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel School of Law. She lives in Greenville, and has a son. 

Watsi currently works as the executive director of Koinonia Community Solutions, as a town attorney for the Town of Williamston, and as managing principal of Watsi M. Sutton, Attorney at Law, PA. 

Watsi's campaign for District Court Judge in Judicial District 3 is her first run for public office. 

- Has experience in criminal, family, civil, child protective services, and juvenile delinquency courts.

As of January 5, 2026, Watsi M. Sutton did not have a website or any information online.

- 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. 

North Carolina District Court Judge, District 3

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Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement