The average trial length of service varies from two days or longer until released by the court. 9-6(b). Will acquaint persons who have been selected to serve on a North Carolina grand jury with the general nature and importance of their role. Bring reading materials to occupy your time. It is on your questionnaire or summons right next to a bar code. Within 10 days of your service date, please review the following COVID-19 screening questions: DO NOT REPORT TO THE COURTHOUSE FOR JURY SERVICE IF YOU ANSWERED YES TO EITHER OF THE ABOVE QUESTIONS. Receiving a Jury Duty Summons in North Carolina. [3] If the chief district court judge or the judge or trial court administrator (designated by G.S. Age: Individuals 70 years of age or older who do not wish to serve as a juror, should indicate their date of birth in a letter or on the, Hardship requests based on employment, transportation, distance to the courthouse, vacations, school schedules, or childcare are generally not considered valid grounds for excuse from jury duty. Public safety officers should simply send a letter identifying your position and department. 9-6(b), at any time five business days before the date upon which the person is summoned to appear. Larry King's Clubhouse: Children's Play & Care Center provides free childcare services to jurors and may be contacted at (704) 686-0285. If you wish to be deferred from jury service or feel that you do not qualify, please refer to theDeferraland Disqualification pages. ), Reasons for Excusal, Postponement or Deferment. You have a jury duty excuse letter due to a necessary medical procedure. [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. 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. [3] The persons who are summoned may serve as jurors in either the superior court or district court or both for the week specified, and they will be discharged at the end of the weekly session(s), unless they are involved with a trial of a case, in which case they will be discharged when the trial is completed..[3], According to the North Carolina General Statutes, all persons are qualified to serve as jurors and to be included on the master jury list who are citizens of the State and residents of the county. Seated jurors take an oath and will be given a badge that theyll wear until the judge releases them. Be a resident of or live in Massachusetts for more than 50% of the year. The Juror Selection Process, or "Voir Dire". Find information, training, and resources. View our newest version here. . Electronic Devices / Internet Access * A medical provider note is not necessary if the juror is seeking to be excused because they are age 72 or over. Missing jury service can result in penalties, including: Every two years, a county Jury Commission compiles a list of residents who are registered voters or licensed drivers in North Carolina. Receiving a summons isnt a guarantee that the person will actually serve on a jury. The juror will then be required to appear before the U.S. Magistrate Judge to explain why the court should not hold them in contempt. 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. [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. [1], To begin the process, North Carolina General Statute 9-1 requires that (no later than July 1, 1967), each county shall appoint a jury commission of three members. If your reporting time is in the afternoon (PM), you MUST visit eresponse.mecknc.gov or call the automated juror information line at 877-649-7133 after 12:00 p.m.on your report date to determine your status. Please take any supporting documents, such as letters from your employer or doctor with you. View Sitemap. Individuals selected for jury duty are chosen randomly by an automated system of registered voters and licensed drivers. Jurors will take an oath before serving on a jury and will be given a badge to wear until the court releases them. Jurors may bring a book or other reading materials, needlework, crossword puzzles, stationery, or other materials to occupy their time. Dress comfortably, but not too casually. In North Carolina, a pool of potential jurors is randomly selected from the local population of individuals eligible for jury duty. The judge will instruct you on your duties as a juror. Jurors are to appear in Room 5450 of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on the date they are summoned. Jurors will be acting as part of the court while serving, so dress appropriately. Access to public records is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by appointment only. In reference to the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 ("Pact Act"): The text of the PACT Act may be found here. How Are Potential Jurors Chosen in North Carolina? If chosen to serve as a grand juror, service is required every other Monday for a six-month period. In your state of California, the exemption age is 70. North Carolina jury selection policies are documented in the North Carolina General Statutes 9-1 through 9-9. of excuses that may be considered, the information you must include in your written request, and any supporting documentation . 9-6(b), and this must be done five business days before the date on which the person is summoned to appear. A mental health provider has given you a letter requesting . (Requirements and instructions are listed below.). Those who do not meet these exemptions can still submit an excuse letter if they believe jury service would cause them undue hardship. Check in with the jury staff when you arrive. When you report to the courthouse, you will be shown an orientation video that explains what to expect as a juror. All requests must be submitted a minimum of ten (10) days prior to your jury service date. The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court's Office will be open to the public between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. [3] Anyone who does not qualify under these terms are subject to challenge for cause. AO 229S. 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. Their exemption from jury duty is then at the discretion of the . There are some acceptable reasons an individual can be excused from jury duty, but they must make a request with the clerk of the superior court office or the office of the chief district court judge where they will serve. Requests for excuses and postponements for jury duty must be made by electronically using the requested form below, or by mail or fax. [3] The person must file a signed statement of the ground of the request, and this statement must include a brief explanation of the disability that interferes with the person's ability to serve as a juror. You have a permanent medical exemption from jury duty due to advanced age or a disability. For women, this means a professional-looking pair of pants or a skirt, cardigan, sweater, twinset, or shirt. Following the trial, most jurors are relieved to return to their workplace or home after their time on the jury. After parking, use the crosswalks to cross over to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse entrance at the corner of 4th and McDowell Streets. Persons 65 years of age or older who wish to be excused. Excuses from the discharge of this responsibility may be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship. [3] For each week of district court jury session, the chief district judge of the district court district in which the county is located shall specify the number of jurors to be drawn. 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. For example, many judges do not allow anyone to come to court wearing halter or tank tops, cut-off jeans, or shirts with offensive wording and / or images. [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. Served on a grand jury in the previous six years. Until you have received a response from the District Court Judges Office, you are still required to appear at the county courthouse for jury duty on the specified summons date if your juror number is called. 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. In Nevada, citizens 65-plus who live more than 65 miles from the courthouse can be exempted . Read your summons for specific instructions, or view your county's jury service page. You will receive nominal North Carolina jury duty pay for the jury selection day, as well as for any days served on a jury. Two grand juries can be convened simultaneously in one county. Read more in the Employers' Guide to Jury Service. When reporting to the courthouse, the potential juror will likely watch an orientation video. [3], Jury service is a public duty, [3] which means that jury service is the solemn obligation of all qualified citizens. We have set up a jury information line at 1-800-246-7607 that provides detailed information on the types (medical, age, residence, etc.) Elected public officials should submit proof of office documentation. Learn more about how to avoid jury duty scams. Dress for court in a manner that maintains the dignity of the court. Federal grand juries also convene in North Carolina. "Every year, thousands of Pennsylvanians attend jury . Jury service operates on the one-day / one-trial system. Some will be sent home the same day and will have fulfilled their duty, while others will be picked to potentially serve on a jury. IMPORTANT CDC: Prospective jurors summoned for jury duty are being informed via the jury information line that if they fall into a high-risk category, they should not report for jury duty. Jurors who serve more than five days receive $40 a day. 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. (Please note: Jurors are not allowed into the building until 8:00 a.m.). Winston-Salem, NC 27120-0099. Summons to Appear to Complete Juror Qualification Form. Talk to anyone about the case while theyre serving on the jury. Is liable for damages for the workers loss of wages and other benefits. Turn right out of the elevator and report to the Jury Assembly Room (5450). Bring your parking deck ticket for validation by a Jury Coordinator. A juror in North Carolina is paid for the time they serve jury duty: Potential jurors stay in a courthouse waiting area during jury selection on their first day. In Mecklenburg County, citizens who are summoned for jury service may access the interactive juror website at eresponse.mecknc.gov. Jury service is an important civic function that supports one of the fundamental rights of citizens - the right to have their cases decided by a jury of their peers. North Carolina and Wyoming allow an exemption starting at 72 years of age followed by an exemption at 75 years of age in Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio and Pennsylvania. 2011 North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 9 Jurors. From the age of 65 to 80, depending on where you live, you may be able to excuse yourself. Your request must be received no later than seven days prior to your service date. If scheduled to report, all jurors report to the Jury Assembly Room on the third floor of the Wake County Justice Center. People who do not meet the legal exemptions can still submit an excuse request if they believe service will cause them undue hardship. Again, note that laws regarding jury duty and applicable exemptions can vary by state. Citizens over the age of 75 can be exempt from jury service under this age exception.. A person who is seventy-five years of age or older may file affidavit requesting an exemption from jury service and shall be permanently exempt from jury service. Find information, training, and resources. If they cannot attend on the date of the summons they can move the date. Afterwards, all jurors present will be administered an oath. The electronic request must be submitted a minimum of seven (7) days prior to your appearance date. of excuses that may be considered, the information you must include in your written request, and any supporting documentation that is required. Many judges do not allow anyone to come to court wearing halter or tank tops, cut-off jeans, or shirts with offensive wording. The commission then draws prospective jurors names randomly and sends them a summons via U.S. mail. You may request a reasonable accommodation: Your jury summons provides the date, time, and place to report for jury duty. Any phone call stating that a (bench) warrant has been issued for your arrest due to not reporting for jury service is a scam. Under North Carolina law, jury duty is a civic requirement for citizens who meet the courts eligibility requirements. Personal computers are available for use in the Juror Business Center on a first-come, first-served basis. Send or receive digital communication about the case. See G.S.9-6.1. As a juror, you are expected to maintain a professional and respectable appearance while performing your duties. ATTN: Jury Service Jurors cannot: It is not wise for a person who receives a jury summons to ignore it and not show up. Jurors will be instructed as to whether they need to report at all or at a specific time. 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. [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. You have a jury duty excuse letter from a doctor. Procedures to request an excuse or deferral vary from county to county. In the American court system, criminal defendants are guaranteed the right to trial by a "jury of their peers". If you are seeking excuse from a summons , you will be notified by e -mail or via the U.S. You should mail this form as soon as possible to U.S. District Court, 324 W. Market St., Greensboro, N.C., 27401 Attn: Jury. At least every two years, a three-person Jury Commission for each county oversees the compiling of a master jury list oflicensed drivers and / or registered voters. Most jurors only serve for one or two days, however, if you are seated for a trial, you must serve until the trial ends. Your request must be received no later than ten (10) days prior to your service date. Your duty as a juror is to observe the trial and decide whether the accused is guilty or not. Trial jurors get $12 for their initial day of service and $20 for each additional day. Juror Information - Exemptions. Electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptops, and iPads/tablets, are allowed in the courthouse. All requests must be submitted a minimum of seven (7) days prior to your jury service date. If your name is randomly selected for the jury pool through the process described above, you receive a jury summons in the mail instructing you to appear for jury selection on a pre-set day. Can my employer fire me if I serve as a juror? contact the Clerk of Superior Court office in your county, Legal Notices, Disclaimers and Terms of Use, Residents of the county where the summons was issued, Have served as a juror during the previous two years, Have served a full term as a grand juror in the last six years, Have been convicted of a felony (unless citizenship rights have been restored), By contacting your countys Disability Access Coordinator (DAC) by phone, letter, or email. In North Carolina, jurors meet up to three days per month. United States District Court. Senior Jury Duty Exemption. A refrigerator and microwave are located in the Jury Assembly Room for your convenience. In that instance, half of the jurors will be replaced in three-month increments. are not considered proof of permanent residence. Mentally and physically competent. Acceptable excuses for missing jury duty are: An excuse from jury duty is granted only if a juror's service is contrary to the public welfare, health or safety, or the compelling personal hardship of that juror. While efforts will be made by the court to reduce delays in trial starts and to avoid long waiting periods, some waiting time should be anticipated while jurors are chosen to sit on a jury. The Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Courts Office will be open to the public between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Until you have received a response from the District Court Judge's Office, you are still . If a prospective juror fails to appear or ignores a summons, they may be found in contempt of court and fined up to $50. She holds a B.A. [3] This process may be carried out using electronic data processing equipment in the counties that have the necessary equipment to do so. If you have trouble with the video, watch the orientation video on YouTube. Please follow the parking instructions carefully. For a small number of jurors, though, this may be more challenging than expected. Failing to report to grand jury service can lead the U.S. Eastern District of North Carolina. Who is eligible to serve as a juror in North Carolina courts? Jury selection is the procedure whereby persons from . North Carolina celebrates jurors all year and a special Juror Appreciation Month in July. 18 years of age or older. For your convenience, we have created several excuse forms described below, however, you are welcome to send in a typed or legible letter. However, if a person is not selected for a trial, their jury service will be complete after that one day. You should expect to go home at the end of each court day. It is your responsibility to monitor your mail for a CONFIRMATION letter from the District Court Judges Office to determine if your request has been approved or denied. The Lactation Room features a counter and cabinets, a sink with a "hot shot" water dispenser for sanitizing, a changing table, refrigerator, and a rocking chair. Jury information can be obtained by calling the Interactive Voice Response System at (704) 686-0195. 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. If you would like to request a temporary excuse, please wait until you have received a summons, not a questionnaire. Face Covering Mandate and Other COVID-19 Protocols Lifted as 26th Judicial District (Mecklenburg County) Expands Court Operations, Weddings will be conducted by appointment only, Mecklenburg.Magistrate.Weddings@nccourts.org, Mecklenburg County Juror Orientation video, North Carolina Judicial Branch You, the Jurorvideo, jurymanagementoffice@mecklenburgcountync.gov, COVID-19 quarantine and isolation information, Juror Handbook: A Guide for Potential Jurors, Legal Notices, Disclaimers and Terms of Use, To access Criminal files by appointment, email, To access Civil files by appointment, email, To access Estate files by appointment, go to the. In the event of inclement weather, jurors should tune to their local television or radio station, visit the website at eresponse.mecknc.gov, or call the Jury Information Line at 1-877-649-7133 for reporting instructions and possible court closings. While there are a number of ways to be legally excused from jury duty in North Carolina, failing to appear when summoned for jury selection or jury duty without an excuse is illegal, and can result in legal repercussions. Reviewed by: Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA. Mail or fax requests can be submitted to: Chief District Court Judge Those serving on a grand jury get $20 a day. You can, however, claim payment if your earnings are in any way affected by your participation. Requests for any reason should be made as soon as possible, and in any event, at least five days before the reporting date. Request for Jury Service Excuse or Deferral. 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. How To Get Out of Jury Duty in NC. In the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, the wearing of face masks/coverings is currently optional, unless you have been exposed to COVID-19. Fax: (919) 792-4801, The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed in lieu of the mail or fax option. These policies were originally passed in 1967, and they were revised in 2011. Reviewed by: Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA. Fax: (336) 779-6301, The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed in lieu of the mail or fax option. Ajury summons is printed andissued to jurorsby U.S. mail. Jurors selected for a trial that takes several days will need to be present each day during the trial. A jury summons is an official court summons. Rules for jurors regarding mobile devices, electronic communication, internet use, and social media. [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. Most cases last 3-5 days. Find information about jury service in this county. Please also bring a pen or pencil. 2023 Jury Duty 101.