Ellen M. Shelley

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- 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.

Criminal Justice

Property Rights

North Carolina

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

District Court Judge

Buket Urgen

Ellen is a district court judge for District 29A. She previously worked as an attorney.

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Ellen is currently a District Court Judge for District 29A. She is one of only two sitting District Court Judges in District 41 to have presided over a District Court jury trial.

As a district court judge, Shelley oversees civil and criminal trials outside the jurisdiction of lower courts, exercises exclusive authority to issue search and arrest warrants, and conducts naturalization ceremonies.

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