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Sandra was born in Charleston, South Carolina, and raised in Warsaw, North Carolina. She received an associate's degree from St. Mary's College, a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State University, and a law degree from Campbell Law School. She is a single mother to 3 children and they attend Little Chapel on the Boardwalk at Wrightsville Beach.

Sandra previously worked as a private attorney at her own firm, as an assistant defense attorney in Judicial District 13 and for the firm of Jackson, Rivenbark, & Slaughter, and as an assistant district attorney in Judicial District 5.

Sandra Alice Ray currently serves as the District Court Judge in Judicial District 5. She was first elected in 2004 and is serving her fifth term. She previously ran for  Judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 2018 but did not win.

Star News Online

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

As an assistant district attorney, Ray 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 her own firm, Ray researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in  all areas in criminal and civil court.

- As a state district court judge, Ray oversees all felony, probate, and civil cases, rules in all civil actions against the state seeking financial payment, authorizes naturalization procedures, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an assistant district attorney, Ray 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 her own firm, Ray researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in  all areas in criminal and civil court.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Sandra Alice Ray’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Ethics & Conduct

Supports cameras in the courtroom but reserves the right to remove them if they become "disruptive or prejudicial."

- Supports cameras in the courtroom but reserves the right to remove them if they become "disruptive or prejudicial."
- Wants to expand resources for clerks.

Judicial Administration

Believes district judges should be elected positions and said, "Judges should be held accountable by the people of North Carolina not to some special interest group or political party. It takes the politics of favor out of the process."

Supports efforts to divert youth offenders from jail.

Believes prison is not always the answer for people convicted of drug possession charges and said, "If the crime is possession only...then the case should be looked at more closely to determine if this individual is in active addiction and in need of treatment."

Wants to expand resources to help the "mentally ill, homeless, veterans, victims of abuse and other persons of limited resources and special needs."

- Believes district judges should be elected positions and said, "Judges should be held accountable by the people of North Carolina not to some special interest group or political party. It takes the politics of favor out of the process."
- Supports efforts to divert youth offenders from jail.
- Believes prison is not always the answer for people convicted of drug possession charges and said, "If the crime is possession only...then the case should be looked at more closely to determine if this individual is in active addiction and in need of treatment."
- Wants to expand resources to help the "mentally ill, homeless, veterans, victims of abuse and other persons of limited resources and special needs."

Judicial Philosophy

Trellis

Has been a member of the Lower Cape Fear Republican Women's Club, the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, the New Hanover County Commission for Women, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and Central Rotary, and the Boards of the Airlie Gardens and the Cape Fear Museum.

- Has been a member of the Lower Cape Fear Republican Women's Club, the New Hanover County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, the New Hanover County Commission for Women, the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce and Central Rotary, and the Boards of the Airlie Gardens and the Cape Fear Museum.

Community Involvement

Twitter

Sandra Alice Ray

- 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. 