Who is eligible to serve as a juror in North Carolina courts? If they do, the employer: Any North Carolina juror that experiences unlawful actions from their employer should contact the jury clerk or court officer where they are serving jury duty. Do you have a comment or correction concerning this page? Dress for court as if you were going to work or to church. Each court jurisdiction has different qualifications, but in general, persons older than 70 are exempt from serving jury duty. [3] The three-member committee chooses jurors from a master list that they compile using the policies that are given in G.S. The electronic request must be submitted a minimum of seven (7) days prior to your appearance date. [3] For that reason, excuses from the discharge of this responsibility should be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship or because requiring service would be contrary to the public welfare, health, or safety. People who get a summons for jury duty in North Carolina must report to the court. Federal jurors are paid $50 per day. Trial jurors receive $12 for the first day of service and $20 for each day thereafter. New Mexico has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. (Texas Gov't Code 62.111. Jurors selected for a trial that takes several days will need to be present each day while the trial is in progress. The employee should notify their employer of their jury service as soon as they receive the summons and ask about the business payment policy in regard to jury duty. A request to be excused or deferred from jury service is printed on the back of your summons. [3], At least 30 days prior to any district or superior court cases that require a jury, either the clerk, assistant clerk, or deputy clerk must prepare a randomized list of potential jurors from the master jury list. Who may serve as a juror? Most jurors go home at the end of each day they are rarely sequestered. Disability: A person who has a physical or mental impairment can avoid jury service. A felony conviction unless they have restored their citizenship rights. Please also bring a pen or pencil. 26th Judicial District Announces Modified Court Operations: Weddings will be conducted by appointment only Monday throughFriday, from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. Whether they are a juror for the state or on a federal grand jury panel, ignoring a jury summons wont make it go away, in fact, it can lead to significant fines or even jail time. Excuses from the discharge of this responsibility may be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship. JUROR FAQ. The court could hold you in contempt and / or impose a $50 fine for each time you fail to appear. A summons gives the date, time and location of the court to which the juror must report. Those who need to be excused for a longer term of more than three months will need the approval of a judge. [3] If a prospective juror is excused from duty at that time, that juror may be required to serve as a juror in a subsequent session of court, at which time that juror would be considered the same as if he were regularly summoned for service. Procedures to request an excuse or deferral vary from county to county. Have you experienced any of the symptoms in the list below in the past 48 hours? It is very rare for a jury to be sequestered most people go home at the end of each day. You should expect to go home at the end of each court day. If not selected again, those jurors will be allowed to go home at the end of the day, having completed their jury service. Fax: (336) 779-6301, The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed in lieu of the mail or fax option. Employers in North Carolina are also forbidden from penalizing employees who miss work for jury duty. [3] For each week of superior court sessions, the senior resident superior court judge for the district(s) shall specify the number of jurors to be drawn. In the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, the wearing of face masks/coverings is currently optional, unless you have been exposed to COVID-19. Jury service is the solemn obligation of all qualified citizens. If you do not receive a letter in the mail indicating the status of your request at least 24 hours prior to your assigned jury date, you must comply with all the instructions indicated on your jury summons. Find information, training, and resources. Be 18 or older. It is extremely rare for a jury to be sequestered or kept in a hotel during a trial. 9-1 through 9-9.,[2], During every odd-numbered year, the jury commission is charged with the duty of preparing a master list of prospective jurors who are qualified to serve beginning on January 1 of the next year. . There is a newer version of the North Carolina General Statutes . Excuses will be granted ONLY for reasons of compelling personal hardship. As jury selection is made, potential jurors will stay in a courthouse waiting area on their first day. Usage is subject to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Will acquaint persons who have been selected to serve on a North Carolina grand jury with the general nature and importance of their role. in Communications and English from Niagara University. A jury summons is an official court summons. For men, this means slacks or khakis and a polo or button-down shirt, potentially with a tie or suit jacket. However, not everyone can or will serve on a jury some people dont meet the requirements, and others may be exempt. Jurors selected for a trial that takes several days will need to be present each day during the trial. In an emergency, jurors may be contacted through the clerk of court's office, or at an emergency number given to them when they arrive at the courthouse. The night before their service date, jurors should call the jury information line at (919) 792-4040 and select option one (1). You have a jury duty excuse letter from a doctor. 9-6(b). [3] These members serve for a term or two years, and appointees may be reappointed to successive terms. We have set up a jury information line at 1-800-246-7607 that provides detailed information on the types (medical, age, residence, etc.) Disabled jurors with a disability that interferes with their capacity to serve must give an explanation of their condition on the summons. You will receive nominal North Carolina jury duty pay for the jury selection day, as well as for any days served on a jury. If you lose your jury summons, contact the Clerk of Superior Court office in your county as soon as possible to obtain reporting information. A business cannot penalize a worker for attending jury duty they cannot fire or demote that worker. You may be selected to serve as a juror on a criminal case or a civil case. News Jurors will be acting as part of the court while serving, so dress appropriately. All requests for excuse from jury service must be in writing. AO 223. In our continuing efforts to make performing jury service in Mecklenburg County even more convenient for citizens, we have added a Lactation Room for nursing mothers. State law does not require that an employee receive full wages while serving. [3], The names of individuals who have been summoned for jury service as well as the dates on which the individuals have served must be noted on the master jury list. General InformationDeferral/Excusal: To request an excuse or postponement from jury service, please submit the information via Electronic Form located below, Mail, OR Fax. Find information about jury service in this county. If you have instructions to call ahead attached to your summons, please follow the instructions on the automated system. When your name is randomly drawn to take a numbered seat in the jury box at the start of a trial, the attorneys will ask you questions about yourself. They are made up of 18 jurors who hear testimony and look at other evidence to determine whether an organization or individual should be formally charged with a crime. Requests sent by MAIL or FAX must include the completed bottom portion of summons and supporting documentation (instructions are included on the summons document). Any person summoned as a juror who is age 72 or older may establish exemption from jury duty without appearing in person by providing the ground or reason for their exemption; and forwarding to the Chief District Court Judge at least 5 working days before the date summoned to appear. Jury service in this county operates on the one-day / one-trial system. The commission then draws prospective jurors names randomly and sends them a summons via U.S. mail. Seek outside information about the case while theyre serving on the jury. [3] The jury commission may also use names from other lists as long as those lists are deemed reliable by that commission. Federal grand juries also convene in North Carolina. All jurors will take an oath. Jurors will be instructed as to whether they need to report at all or at a specific time. Court staff will also give jurors additional information. Excuse requests cannot be made over the phone or by e-mail. Like any jury duty commitment in the state of North Carolina, attendance when called for grand jury duty is mandatory, and ignoring a summons for grand jury service or skipping sessions could lead to potential legal problems. [3] The clerk of court may elect to store an electronic copy of the alphabetized list for the county. The court may request a physician's letter supporting their claim. Similarly, prospective jurors who have recently traveled in Level 3Travel Health Notice Countries should not report, unless they have been cleared by local health officials, as well as individuals experiencing symptoms should not report. Winston-Salem, NC 27120-0099. *If submitting documentation via email, please be aware that you assume all of the risks associated with transmitting any confidential or personal information over email. Children are not allowed in the Jury Assembly Room. . You should mail this form as soon as possible to U.S. District Court, 324 W. Market St., Greensboro, N.C., 27401 Attn: Jury. It's important to check each court's specific guidelines. Please share any suggestions or let us know about your experience on the Jury Service Exit Survey. Those serving on a grand jury get $20 a day. Dress for court in a manner that maintains the dignity of the court. If selected to serve on a trial that is completed before the end of the day, those jurors will return to the jury assembly area and may then be selected for service on another case. Let us know in a single click. [3] The statement must be filed with the chief district court judge of that district or the district court judge or trial court administrator who is designated by the chief district court judge pursuant to G.S. Failure to comply with this summons is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Requests for excuses and postponements for jury duty must be made by electronically using the requested online form, or by mail or fax. Then all jurors present will take an oath as jurors and be given a red juror badge to wear until they are released from jury duty by the judge. Excuse requests cannot be accepted on the date you are scheduled to appear for jury duty. Below are a few of the reasons why you might be excused from jury duty. Access to public records is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by appointment only. If you have trouble with the video, watch the orientation video on YouTube. In that instance, half of the jurors will be replaced in three-month increments. Face masks are available at the check in desk in the Jury Assembly Suite. . During the voir dire process, each lawyer will ask the pool of potential jurors a series of questions about their background, beliefs, prejudices, or relationships with any party to the case. A refrigerator and microwave are located in the Jury Assembly Room for your convenience. Conclusion. Penalties for Not Serving Jury Duty in North Carolina, The Rights of Convicted Felons in North Carolina, How to Write Request Letters for Jury Duty, NC Courts: Communication Rules for Jurors. 9-6(c)), and it is up to the judge or trial court administrator to accept or reject either in the exercise of discretion conferred by G.S. Find local administrative orders and rules, Administrative Order In Re: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Masks In The Forsyth County Hall of Justice, Legal Notices, Disclaimers and Terms of Use, You must be a citizen and resident of Forsyth County, North Carolina, You must be physically and mentally competent, You must be able to understand the English language, You must not have been convicted of a felony or pled no contest to a felony unless you have had your citizenship restored pursuant by law, You must not have been adjudged incompetent, You must not have served on a jury within the last 2 years or served a full term as a grand juror within the last 6 years, Have not served as a juror during the preceding two (2) years or as a grand juror in the past six (6) years, NOT a Forsyth County, North Carolina Resident, Students enrolled full time in a learning institution, Convicted of a felony and voting rights have NOT been restored. While there are a few excuses for getting out of jury selection in NC, most people summoned will have to report to the courthouse for the next stage of the juror selection process, voir dire. At least eighteen years of age; having been convicted of a felony, had their civil rights restored . Please listen to their instructions carefully. It is against the law for an employer to fire or demote an employee because he or she served as a juror or grand juror. Will I be locked up in a hotel during the trial? * A medical provider note is not necessary if the juror is seeking to be excused because they are age 72 or over. [3] If the chief district court judge or the judge or trial court administrator (designated by G.S. Receiving a summons isnt a guarantee that the person will actually serve on a jury. The commissions then draw names at random to send a summons to prospective jurors via U.S. mail. Therefore, the prospective juror should notify their employer as soon as they receive the summons to find out about their employers payment policy for jury duty. In larger counties, several court sessions are held at the same time, so you may hear either criminal or civil matters. For the status of your application, you can: check online, or. Summons to Appear to Complete Juror Qualification Form. While the goal is to select an impartial jury to render a verdict, each attorney will also seek to exclude any jurors who seem to be more likely to vote against their client's interests. PO Box 20099 Protective Measures: Turn right out of the elevator and report to the Jury Assembly Room (5450). Persons with legal custody and duty of care of a child under the age of seven and who cannot provide adequate childcare while serving as . At the security checkpoint, you will be asked to turn on any electronic devices before being allowed to enter the building. The jurors that pass this first hurdle are asked if serving on the jury will cause them any hardships, and lawyers from both sides question potential jurors to gauge their preexisting knowledge of the case and their potential bias. Excuses from the discharge of this responsibility may be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship. Hawaii and South Dakota begin exempting senior citizens from jury duty when they turn 80. The potential juror must make their excuse request with the clerk of the superior court office or the office of the chief district court judge. These policies were originally passed in 1967, and they were revised in 2011. Remember you will be acting as part of the court while serving as jurors, so dress appropriately. Among states that allow residents to get out of jury duty based solely on age, South Carolina's current exemption age of 65 is the lowest in the country, tied with Mississippi. Jurors serving on a grand jury receive $20 a day. Served on a grand jury in the previous six years. The North Carolina jury selection policies govern a process used to find a panel of jurors who will be fair and impartial to both sides during a trial. Residency: If you reside outside of the twenty four counties of the Middle District, you must submit an excuse request and a copy of a government issued photo identification such as a drivers license, passport or state issued identification card as proof of permanent residence. A close contact is defined as someone who has been within 6 feet of a person currently infected with the virus for at least 15 minutes total during a 24-hour period. Any person summoned as a juror who is age 72 or older may establish exemption from jury duty without appearing in person by providing the ground or reason for their exemption; and forwarding to the Chief District Court Judge at least 5 working days before the date summoned to appear. To access the Lactation Room, please see one of the Jury Coordinators. You should expect that you will be allowed to go home at the end of each court day. [2] These policies were originally passed in 1967, and they were revised in 2011. However, these reasons may be considered for a. For a small number of jurors, though, this may be more challenging than expected. Additionally, prior to reporting for service, you must confirm your receipt of the summons at eresponse.mecknc.gov and watch the. A juror who is lawfully notified to attend court is subject to a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500 if that juror either: fails to attend court in obedience to the notice without a reasonable excuse; or. The guide outlines employers' responsibilities regarding jury service in North Carolina. In addition, people caring for children under 10 or the elderly may . Persons qualified to serve must: Exemptions, Excuses and Postponements may be granted for the following reasons: Excuses will be granted ONLY for reasons of compelling personal hardship. (Please note: Jurors are not allowed into the building until 8:00 a.m.). [1] North Carolina jury selection policies are documented in the North Carolina General Statutes 9-1 through 9-9. Layered clothing is recommended since courtroom temperatures may vary considerably, requiring the removal or addition of a sweater or jacket. She holds a B.A. A decision regarding your request will be returned via mail or email. Read more in the Employers' Guide to Jury Service. If they cannot attend on the date of the summons they can move the date. Be a resident of or live in Massachusetts for more than 50% of the year. Having to work on a day when a person is supposed to go to jury duty is not an acceptable exemption in North Carolina. [3] In order to ensure random selection of names from the master list, the list is to be sorted into random order before the first panel is drawn, and after the first panel, names may be selected sequentially from the randomized list without having to be further randomized. Talk about the case to anyone while serving as a juror. North Carolina Jury Duty Summons Frequency: A juror will be exempt for a period of 2 years from the date on which they were discharged from their prior service. [3] The clerk of superior court then may either prepare and issue the summons from that office or may deliver the printed list of summonses or list of names and addresses of jurors to the sheriff, who will then issue the summonses in accordance with the provisions of G.S, 9-10(a). From the age of 65 to 80, depending on where you live, you may be able to excuse yourself. A state grand jury is enlisted by a superior court for twelve months; nine jurors are replaced in six-month increments. Requests for any reason should be made as soon as possible, and in any event, at least five days before the reporting date. Winston-Salem, NC 27120 Individuals at higher risk for complications should they contract the Coronavirus due to underlying conditions may seek to be excused from jury service or have their service deferred with documentation from their medical provider. They get reminders mailed to them approximately one week before each scheduled meeting. Yes. Requests sent by MAIL or FAX must include the completed bottom portion of summons and supporting documentation (instructions are included on the summons document). [3] In order to account for jurors whose duty has been deferred until this session, the clerk of superior court may decide to decrease the number of names on the randomized list. Work responsibility is not a valid reason for skipping federal jury duty in North Carolina. She holds a B.A. [3], Process according to North Carolina General Statutes, "Jury Commissions, Preparation of Jury Lists, and Drawing of Panels", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=North_Carolina_Jury_Selection_Policies&oldid=694501174, This page was last edited on 9 December 2015, at 17:43. North Carolina has a list of valid excuses a juror can use to be excused from jury duty. Court staff will give you additional information. People who do not meet the legal exemptions can still submit an excuse request if they believe service will cause them undue hardship. Any person summoned as a juror who is age 72 or older may establish exemption from jury duty without appearing in person by providing the ground or reason for their exemption, and forwarding to the Chief District Court Judge at least 5 working days before the date summoned to appear. Go through the security checkpoint. Juror Support Program Jurors should plan to be present at least until 5:00 p.m. for each day that they are in service. After parking, use the crosswalks to cross over to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse entrance at the corner of 4th and McDowell Streets. Volunteer Safety Personnel will be excused upon submission of a written individual request and supporting documentation. Mentally and physically competent. North Carolina residents over 72 years old may request to be exempted or excused from jury duty by mailing back the summons with their reason and including supporting age documentation. A jury summons is an official court summons. PO Box 351 Mail or fax requests can be submitted to: Chief District Court Judge The court may request additional medical documentation supporting their claim. The Clerk of Court will issue payment by check by U.S. mail a few days after your jury service concludes. A person who ignores a jury summons may receive a Delinquency Notice, a Failure to Appear Notice, or a Notice of Hearing on an Application for Criminal Complaint. Your request CANNOT be handled by telephone. 9-6(b) rejects the request for exemption, the prospective juror must immediately be notified of that decision by the trial court administrator or the clerk of court, and this can be done by telephone, letter, or in person. If you are seated on a trial and serve for more than 5 days, you will be paid $40 for every day after those first 5 days. Your duty as a juror is to observe the trial and decide whether the accused is guilty or not. Jurors serve on a petit or grand jury, as indicated on the summons. In reference to the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 ("Pact Act"): The text of the PACT Act may be found here. Lunch will not be provided; however, you may bring your own lunch. excuses for getting out of jury selection in NC, legally excused from jury duty in North Carolina, A resident of the county in which summoned, having been convicted of a felony, had their civil rights restored, Able to understand and communicate in the English language, Have not been adjudged non compos mentis (sound mind). [3] One member of the commission shall be appointed by the senior regular resident superior court judge, one member by the clerk of superior court, and one member by the board of county commissioners. Furthermore, employers cannot penalize individuals for attending jury duty they cannot fire or demote a worker for time spent on a jury. The court may also impose a $50 fine for each day the prospective juror fails to appear. Jurors should report to room 432 on the 4th floor of the Hall of Justice at 200 N. Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC, as instructed on your summons. A grand jurys jurors are chosen from a master list of registered voters and licensed drivers, and picked by the jury commission from each county randomly.