From the age of 65 to 80, depending on where you live, you may be able to excuse yourself. Jurors will be instructed as to whether they need to report at all or at a specific time. 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. Excuse requests cannot be made over the phone or by e-mail. Drink and snack machines are located in the Jury Assembly Room. Jurors should plan to be present at least until 5:00 p.m. for each day that they are in service. A mental health provider has given you a letter requesting . If sent to a courtroom or selected to sit on a trial, jurors will serve until released by the judge. When filing a long-term excuse request, the juror writes a letter of explanation to the jury clerk, who consults with the judge to give the juror their decision. Until you have received a response from the District Court Judge's Office, you are still . [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. Jury Duty Excuse letter is the reason for giving your excuses in front of local or Federal courts. Can my employer fire me if I serve as a juror? Wireless Internet access is available throughout the courthouse. Will acquaint persons who have been selected to serve on a North Carolina grand jury with the general nature and importance of their role. [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. After questioning, the lawyers begin excusing potential jurors that they believe are not qualified, able or fit to serve. If you want to file a jury duty excuse request but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered in three easy steps: Search Jury Duty Excuse on DoNotPay, and enter your jury duty summons information, including the assigned date, court name, juror number, and more. The summons is only for jury selection day it doesnt mean the potential juror is guaranteed a spot on a jury. PO Box 20099 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. 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. Jurors released from courtrooms must always report back to the Jury Assembly Room for further instructions. If you DO NOT receive a response to an excusal request, you are still required to appear for jury service if your juror number is called. Copies of leases, utility bills, etc. If you had close contact with someone with COVID-19, regardless of whether you have been vaccinated, follow the instructions from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure everyone's safety: Please visit Mecklenburg County Public Healths COVID-19 quarantine and isolation information or call the Public Health hotline at 980-314-9400 for more information on what to do if you are exposed to COVID-19, test positive for COVID-19, or have symptoms of COVID-19. Mecklenburg's Juror Handbook: A Guide for Potential Jurors explains the trial process and the importance of the juror's role in the proceedings. Some exemptions are recognized, including being over 72 years old, a full-time student, in the military, or having a disability. Court staff and the Sheriff's Office do not call or email citizens requesting Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, money, prepaid debit card numbers, or any other sensitive financial information. 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. Winston-Salem, NC 27120-0099. For questions or comments about your service, please include your juror index number. In smaller counties, your jury summons may tell you whether you are summoned for a criminal or civil session of court. [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. When you report to the courthouse, you may be required to watch a juror orientation video. 9-6(b). Safety precautions related to COVID-19 have necessitated the reconfiguration of courtrooms. Fax: (336) 779-6301, The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed in lieu of the mail or fax option. in Communications and English from Niagara University. 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. Should I bring anything with me to the Courthouse? Most courthouses suggest dress ranging from business casual to business attire. There are a number of legal excuses that the court allows as exemptions from jury selection. Notify your employer as soon as you receive a jury summons and check with your employer regarding the payment policy for jury service. In the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, the wearing of face masks/coverings is currently optional, unless you have been exposed to COVID-19. However, most jurors only serve for one or two days. 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 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. Mail or fax requests can be submitted to: Chief District Court Judge Mail or fax requests can be submitted to: Chief District Court Judge As a full-time student, you can be exempted from jury duty if participating in them will make you miss a significant amount of classes. [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. 2011 North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 9 Jurors. They must not have a felony conviction unless their citizenship rights have been restored. Jurors selected for a trial that takes several days will need to be present each day during the trial. They must: Those who wish to be deferred, exempted or excused from serving on a jury in North Carolina can file a statement on the back of the summons at least five business days prior to their scheduled appearance at the courthouse. United States District Court. To be eligible to serve as a juror you must meet the following qualifications: What if I can't serve on the date I have been told to report to the courthouse? The court may also impose a $50 fine for each day the prospective juror fails to appear. 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. On-Site Child Care 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. Access to public records is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by appointment only. Their excuse from jury duty is then at the discretion of the court. Will be subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. All requests for excuse from jury service must be in writing. 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. [1] North Carolina jury selection policies are documented in the North Carolina General Statutes 9-1 through 9-9. You may be selected to serve as a juror on a criminal case or a civil case. G.S.9-6.1 The lunch break is normally held between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 1:55 p.m. Those who need to be excused for a longer term of more than three months will need the approval of a judge. Full-time students taking classes can be excused from jury duty if they show supporting documentation of their enrollment. Access to public records is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by appointment only. For the status of your application, you can: check online, or. Most jurors only serve for one or two days, however, if you are seated for a trial, you must serve until the trial ends. The commissions then draw names at random to send a summons to prospective jurors via U.S. mail. Check in with the jury staff when you arrive. Deferral/Excusal: To request an excuse or postponement from jury service, please submit the information via Electronic Form located below, Mail, OR Fax. In that instance, half of the jurors will be replaced in three-month increments. Two grand juries can be convened simultaneously in one county. Who is eligible to serve jury duty? 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. Disability: A person who has a physical or mental impairment can avoid jury service. If scheduled to report, all jurors report to the Jury Assembly Room on the third floor of the Wake County Justice Center. A decision regarding your request will be returned via mail or email. [3] After a citizen applies for excusal from service, each chief district court judge shall receive, hear, and pass on applications for excuses from jury duty prior to the date on which the jury session convenes. These policies were originally passed in 1967, and they were revised in 2011. 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. A new group of jurors are summoned each day of the week and, if selected to serve on a jury, a juror will serve for the duration of the trial. People who do not meet the legal exemptions can still submit an excuse request if they believe service will cause them undue hardship. Jury service in this county operates on the one-day / one-trial system. A juror in North Carolina is paid for the time they serve jury duty: Trial jurors receive $12 for their first day and $20 for each additional day. In Mecklenburg County, citizens who are summoned for jury service may access the interactive juror website at eresponse.mecknc.gov. Individuals on active military duty may request a military exemption by mailing their summons with their reason for not attending to the court with proof of their military orders. 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. Hawaii and South Dakota begin exempting senior citizens from jury duty when they turn 80. 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. As a . Trial jurors receive $12 for the first day of service and $20 for each day thereafter. Be 18 or older. See G.S.9-6.1. If you require an accommodation to participate in jury service (not for an excusal or deferral), please let the court know as soon as possible prior to the date you are summoned to appear. Juror Support Program Bring reading materials to occupy your time. State law does not require that an employee receive full wages while serving. You also must include the bottom portion of your summons with your excuse request. Jury Service ScamsWARNING: If you fail to appear, you cannot be fined by telephone or email. The primary caretaker of a disabled person or a person age 65 or older who cannot care for himself. It is 72 in North Carolina and 75 in Pennsylvania. [3] The time and place for which applications for excuses will be heard must be publicly announced, and prospective jurors must be informed of this time and place. The guide outlines employers' responsibilities regarding jury service in North Carolina. The night before their service date, jurors should call the jury information line at (919) 792-4040 and select option one (1). It's important to check each court's specific guidelines. Once a trial begins, the presiding judge will instruct jurors on their duties. 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. Generally, lunch begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 1:55 p.m., unless you are otherwise instructed by the Jury Coordinator or Judge. 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. General InformationDeferral/Excusal: To request an excuse or postponement from jury service, please submit the information via Electronic Form located below, Mail, OR Fax. Prospective jurors commonly use the following ground to request jury duty exemptionNorth Carolina does not recognize them all: To access Criminal files by appointment, email Mecklenburg.Criminal@nccourts.org. 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. Please listen to their instructions carefully. 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. 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. 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. 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. [3] This process may be carried out using electronic data processing equipment in the counties that have the necessary equipment to do so. A trial could last two days or several weeks, depending on the case. If a family emergency occurs while you are serving, you may be contacted through the Clerk of Courts office or at an emergency number given to you by a bailiff. 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. It is extremely rare for a jury to be "sequestered" or kept in a hotel during a trial. 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. are not considered proof of permanent residence. 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. Occasionally, a grand jury may extend to 18 months of service. The court may request additional medical documentation supporting their claim. North Carolina law provides for the compensation of citizens who are called for jury service at the rate of $12 for day one of service. AO 224. Potential jurors must meet certain requirements to be on a jury in the Tar Heel State. 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. All county residents are eligible for jury service except those who have served on the jury in the last two years, who are under eighteen years of age, who are physically or mentally incompetent, or who have been convicted of a . [3] Anyone who is summoned as a juror who has a disability that could interfere with that person's ability to serve as a juror and who wishes to be excused, deferred, or exempted may make the request without appearing in person. 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. [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. 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. If you were not selected to serve on any jury during the voir dire process, you can go home, and your North Carolina jury duty obligations are complete. Jurors selected to serve on a trial will be given a juror badge to wear until they are released from jury service by the judge. 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. Court staff will make certain that you receive any emergency messages. However, if a person is not selected for a trial, their jury service will be complete after that one day. * A medical provider note is not necessary if the juror is seeking to be excused because they are age 72 or over. [2] Jury selection is the procedure whereby persons from the community are called to court, questioned by the litigants as to their qualifications to serve as a juror and then either selected or rejected to serve as a juror. If you DO NOT receive a response to an excusal request, you are still required to appear for jury service if your juror number is called. Read more in the Employers' Guide to Jury Service. You should be 18 years or older age and you live in the judicial district for one year. [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). [3] This includes the substitution of a temporary exemption for a requested permanent exemption. Panel selections can often last more than one day. Marshal Service to serve the juror with an Order to Show Cause. They may request an exemption by filling out the information requested on the summons at least five business days before they are scheduled to appear for jury selection. Federal grand juries also convene in North Carolina. Jurors with a disability that interferes with their capacity to serve on a jury must give a brief explanation of their condition when mailing their summons back. The commission then draws prospective jurors names randomly and sends them a summons via U.S. mail. [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. A summons gives the date, time and location of the court to which the juror must report. In your state of California, the exemption age is 70. If your reporting time is in the morning (AM), you MUST visit eresponse.mecknc.gov or call the automated juror information line at 877-649-7133 after 5:30 p.m. the evening before your scheduled report date to determine if your appearance is still required. You should expect to go home at the end of each court day. You should mail this form as soon as possible to U.S. District Court, 324 W. Market St., Greensboro, N.C., 27401 Attn: Jury. The court staff will make certain that you get the message. Jurors may bring a book or other reading materials, needlework, crossword puzzles, stationery, or other materials to occupy their time. Requests for excuses and postponements for jury duty must be made by electronically using the requested form below, or by mail or fax. This will allow sufficient time to make arrangements to accommodate your request. You may request a reasonable accommodation: Your jury summons provides the date, time, and place to report for jury duty. Seated jurors take an oath and will be given a badge that theyll wear until the judge releases them. Requests for any reason should be made as soon as possible, and in any event, at least five days before the reporting date. [3] The master list must be created from a record of all the registered voters and persons with drivers license records. Residents at least 72 years old may request an age exemption from jury duty by mailing their summons with their reason to the court with supporting age documentation. Trial jurors receive $12 for their first day and $20 for each additional day. However, these reasons may be considered for a. For your convenience, we have created several excuse forms described below, however, you are welcome to send in a typed or legible letter. If not selected again, those jurors will be allowed to go home at the end of the day, having completed their jury service. View Sitemap. Senior Jury Duty Exemption. Jurors will be instructed as to whether they need to report at all or at a specific time. [3] Once this list is created, the commission must merge the names from each source used and randomly select the desired number of names for the master jury list. Your request CANNOT be handled by telephone. 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. Again, note that laws regarding jury duty and applicable exemptions can vary by state. Proceed across the atrium to the public elevators and take the elevator to Level 5. If there is an emergency at home, how will my family contact me? There is a newer version of the North Carolina General Statutes . Look for information about the case from an outside source while serving as a juror. Layered clothing is recommended since courtroom temperatures may vary considerably, requiring the removal or addition of a sweater or jacket. View our newest version here. You will be paid $20 for each day of service, day 2-5. The summons provides the location of the court and the time and date for reporting. [3] The three-member committee chooses jurors from a master list that they compile using the policies that are given in G.S. Furthermore, employers cannot penalize individuals for attending jury duty they cannot fire or demote a worker for time spent on a jury. Grand jurors receive $20 per day. AO 229S. 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). Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Jurors cannot: Approximately every two years, a Jury Commission in every county in the state compiles a master list of residents that are licensed drivers or registered voters. For general comments you may email nyjuror@nycourts.gov or call 1-800-NYJUROR [1-800-695-8767]. Your request must be received no later than seven days prior to your service date. 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. Work responsibility is not a valid reason for skipping federal jury duty in North Carolina. 18 years of age or older. Some people may disqualify themselves from serving on jury duty by taking advantage of an exemption; these exemptions must be specifically requested. Send or receive digital communication about the case. Under North Carolina law, jury duty is a civic requirement for citizens who meet the courts eligibility requirements. Winston-Salem, NC 27120 Additionally, prior to reporting for service, you must confirm your receipt of the summons at eresponse.mecknc.gov and watch the. If you have trouble with the video, watch the orientation video on YouTube. 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. You also must include the bottom portion of your summons with your excuse request. A new group of jurors are summoned each day of the week and, if selected to serve on a jury, a juror will serve for that day or for the length of a trial. 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. Juror Handbook There may be various reasons why jurors feel confused or upset after a trial. Jury service in this county operates on the one-day / one-trial system. How Are Potential Jurors Chosen in North Carolina?
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