Clayton Jones is from South Carolina. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of South Carolina and a law degree from North Carolina Central University. He has lived in Durham since 2000.

Clayton has a degree from the University of South Carolina and a law degree from North Carolina Central University. 

Clayton currently works as a chief district court judge. He previously worked as an assistant public defender and assistant district attorney. 

Clayton is currently a district court judge for Durham County. He was first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. He currently serves as Chief District Court Judge for the 16th Judicial District.

Who's Running: Durham County DA, Sheriff, and Judiciary

Clayton is currently chief district court judge for District 16. He was first elected in 2018 and is currently serving his second term. 

As chief district court judge, resolved contested child custody cases while ensuring protection of all parties, dealt with matters of delinquency, crime, traffic, first appearance, involuntary commitments, and bond forfeitures.

As a district court judge, 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 chief district court judge, resolved contested child custody cases while ensuring protection of all parties, dealt with matters of delinquency, crime, traffic, first appearance, involuntary commitments, and bond forfeitures.
- As a district court judge, 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.

Legal Experience

Implemented policy to move cases through court more efficiently, oversaw district transfer to electronic filing, and created court scheduled coverage to cover mental health and recovery courts.

Believes in stronger representation and better outcomes for juvenile offenders.

- Implemented policy to move cases through court more efficiently, oversaw district transfer to electronic filing, and created court scheduled coverage to cover mental health and recovery courts.
- Believes in stronger representation and better outcomes for juvenile offenders.

Judicial Administration

Believes in "compassion, accountability, respect, efficiency, and service to the citizens of Durham."

- Believes in "compassion, accountability, respect, efficiency, and service to the citizens of Durham."

Judicial Philosophy

Durham County Chief District Court Judge Clayton Jones facing ...

Was found not guilty on a misdemeanor charge of assault on a female and a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.

- Was found not guilty on a misdemeanor charge of assault on a female and a misdemeanor charge of domestic violence.

Ethics & Conduct

As of January 2, 2026, Clayton Jones’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Community Involvement

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Clayton Jones

Graduated from NCCU law school and worked for 15 years as an assistant public defender, advocating for stronger representation for Durham’s juvenile offenders.

Member of the Durham Committee and People’s Alliance PACs.

Faces misdemeanor charge of assault and misdemeanor charge of domestic violence with a court date on January 15, 2025.

- Faces misdemeanor charge of assault and misdemeanor charge of domestic violence with a court date on January 15, 2025.

Believes in compassion, accountability, respect, efficiency, and service to the citizens of Durham.

- Believes in compassion, accountability, respect, efficiency, and service to the citizens of Durham.

Clayton Jones (North Carolina) - Ballotpedia

- 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. 