ABOUT Judge Daniel Hines Entzminger

Since being elected in 2018, Judge Daniel Hines Entzminger has served as a District Court Judge for judicial district 3 in Pitt County, North Carolina. His role as a District Court Judge has enabled him to preside over a diverse array of cases, including criminal matters such as misdemeanors, DWIs, and felony offenses; family law proceedings including divorce, child custody, and child support; domestic violence cases involving criminal charges and protective order hearings; juvenile matters; and involuntary commitment proceedings at ECU Health.

In resolving these cases, Judge Entzminger has consistently aimed to follow the law while showing compassion for those appearing before him. He is dedicated to serving the people of Pitt County, treating litigants with respect and ensuring that each side is heard. As a lifelong resident of this community, Judge Entzminger strives to keep families and local neighborhoods safe from violent offenders.

Prior to his judicial experience, Judge Entzminger practiced as a private attorney and owned a small business in Greenville, North Carolina for 15 years. During his time as a private practice attorney, he handled a wide variety of criminal and civil cases, often traveling to various counties and courtrooms to represent his clients.

Growing up in Greenville, Judge Entzminger graduated from Greenville Christian Academy. After high school, he attended Campbell University, earning both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctorate. He graduated magna cum laude with his undergraduate degree in 2000, and cum laude from law school in 2003.

While studying at Campbell University, Judge Entzminger frequently returned home on weekends to help at his family’s restaurant, the Dixie Queen Seafood Restaurant in Winterville, NC, and to attend church with his family at First Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville.

In addition to his judicial experience, he has served on the Pitt County Board of Elections, was a member of the school board at Christ Covenant School, and acted as Board Chairman for First Free Will Baptist Church in Greenville. He is also a former educator, having taught business law at Pitt Community College for 16 years.

Outside of the courtroom, you can often find Judge Entzminger on a different type of court—the basketball court. His passion for coaching basketball allows him to help young people achieve success, both on the court and in their lives.

Judge Entzminger is married to his wife Holly, and together they have four children: Olivia, Eliza, Christian, and Emerson. His wife works as a teacher with Pitt County Schools.