You also must include the bottom portion of your summons with your excuse request. There is a newer version of the North Carolina General Statutes . 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. 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. Speak and understand English well enough to be able to participate in a trial. *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. COVID-19 Exposure Guidance:If you have had close contact with someone with COVID-19, you can still report for jury service. This may be mailed or faxed to: Chief District Court Judge Be a resident of or live in Massachusetts for more than 50% of the year. [3] This information will be kept for two years, and those individuals will be exempt from jury service for two years from the date on which they were discharged from their prior service. North Carolina, North Dakota, Wyoming: 75: Arizona, Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee: 80: . In the American court system, criminal defendants are guaranteed the right to trial by a "jury of their peers". News Find information, training, and resources. The process of "Voir Dire", the actual act of jury selection, is how judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors actually choose the individuals who will sit on the juries for upcoming criminal and civil cases. The electronic request must be submitted a minimum of seven (7) days prior to your appearance date. Occasionally, a grand jury may extend to 18 months of service. 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. Reviewed by: Michelle Seidel, B.Sc., LL.B., MBA. Jurors having served a full term on a grand jury shall be exempt for 6 years from the date they were discharged from prior service. Let us know in a single click. Once your service is complete, you won't be summoned for jury duty again until North Carolina re-adds you to the potential juror pool. You may email the DAC directly by emailing. As a juror, you are expected to maintain a professional and respectable appearance while performing your duties. Some of the most common excuse requests are described below: Home | Contact Us | Employment | Glossary of Legal Terms, Honorable Thomas D. Schroeder, Chief Judge John S. Brubaker, Clerk of Court, Multi-Court Voice Case Information System (McVCIS), Pro Se (Non-Prisoner) Information and Forms, Issuance of Subpoenas to Pro Se Litigants, Requesting CM/ECF NextGen Login Privileges, Next Generation of CM/ECF Information & Resources, Medical excuses require a statement from a medical provider which briefly explains why the medical condition prevents you from serving on a jury. In North Carolina, a pool of potential jurors is randomly selected from the local population of individuals eligible for jury duty. 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. [3] Anyone who does not qualify under these terms are subject to challenge for cause. 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. Look for information about the case from an outside source while serving as a juror. To access the Lactation Room, please see one of the Jury Coordinators. Two grand juries can be convened simultaneously in one county. There are valid excuses for not attending jury duty in the state of North Carolina, including: An excuse from jury duty is granted only if the individuals service is contrary to the public welfare, health or safety, or would cause compelling personal hardship of the juror. 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. 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 contempt of court include: Jurors should contact their jury foreperson if they wish to excuse themselves for a short term. When you report to the courthouse, you may be required to watch a juror orientation video. Some will be sent home that day, while others will be seated on a jury panel. [3] The jury commission shall continue to make decisions as to mental or physical competency of prospective jurors. Under North Carolina law, jury duty is a civic requirement for citizens who meet the courts eligibility requirements. All requests for excuse from jury service must be in writing. You should dress comfortably, but not too casually. If a juror has a family emergency while serving, they can be reached through court staff, who will see that they get the message. Jury service in this county operates on the one-day / one-trial system. North Carolina jury selection policies are documented in the North Carolina General Statutes 9-1 through 9-9. Disability: A person who has a physical or mental impairment can avoid jury service. 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. Jurors are to appear in Room 5450 of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on the date they are summoned. Some exemptions are recognized, including being over 72 years old, a full-time student, in the military, or having a disability. Receive or send digital communication regarding the case while serving as a juror. Jury selection is the procedure whereby persons from . [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. Raleigh, NC 27602 This will allow sufficient time to make arrangements to accommodate your request. 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. In larger counties, several court sessions are held at the same time, so you may hear either criminal or civil matters. However, if a person is not selected for a trial, their jury service will be complete after that one day. . Wake County Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates, eCourts is Now Live in Harnett, Johnston, Lee, and Wake Counties, Legal Notices, Disclaimers and Terms of Use, 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 Wake County, North Carolina Resident, Students enrolled full time in a learning institution, Convicted of a felony and voting rights have NOT been restored. Jurors should plan to be present at least until 5:00 p.m. for each day that they are in service. AO 229S. Mail or fax requests can be submitted to: Chief District Court Judge [3] This includes the substitution of a temporary exemption for a requested permanent exemption. [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. For your convenience, we have created several excuse forms described below, however, you are welcome to send in a typed or legible letter. North Carolina has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. 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. The Clerk of Court will issue payment by check by U.S. mail a few days after your jury service concludes. View our newest version here. If sent to a courtroom or selected to sit on a trial, jurors will serve until released by the judge. You have a jury duty excuse letter from a doctor. Failure to comply with this summons is punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both. Those serving more than five days get $40 a day. Finally as a reminder, before any request for excuse, deferral, postponement, disqualification or exemption can be considered, you must have either completed the juror information questionnaire on line at ejuror as instructed on the back of the summons OR complete and return the bottom portion of the jury summons in the business reply mail . Any person summoned as a juror who is a full-time student at an out of state educational institution and who wishes to be excused or who is 72 years or older and who wishes to be excused, deferred, or exempted, may make the request without appearing in person by filing a signed statement of the ground of the request at any time five business days before the date upon which the person is summoned to appear. General InformationDeferral/Excusal: To request an excuse or postponement from jury service, please submit the information via Electronic Form located below, Mail, OR Fax. Full-time students can seek an exemption from jury duty by showing supporting documentation of their enrollment. Electronic devices, such as cell phones, laptops, and iPads/tablets, are allowed in the courthouse. 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. Excuses from the discharge of this responsibility may be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship. Jurors will take an oath before serving on a jury and will be given a badge to wear until the court releases them. All Guilford County residents are qualified by state law to serve as a juror unless they: Have been adjudged incompetent; Are NOT a United States citizen; Are NOT a resident of Guilford County, NC; Are UNDER 18 years of age; Have been convicted of a felony or offense and have not had their citizenship restored by law; 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. You should mail this form as soon as possible to U.S. District Court, 324 W. Market St., Greensboro, N.C., 27401 Attn: Jury. Jurors are expected to be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the length of the trial they have been selected for. You may also submit your request online with supporting documentation using this form. If there is an emergency at home, how will my family contact me? The average trial length of service varies from two days or longer until released by the court. 9-6(b), at any time five business days before the date upon which the person is summoned to appear. [3] The clerk of court may elect to store an electronic copy of the alphabetized list for the county. You can, however, claim payment if your earnings are in any way affected by your participation. The Judicial Branch is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have an equal opportunity to benefit from all court services, programs, and activities. You will receive nominal North Carolina jury duty pay for the jury selection day, as well as for any days served on a jury. A state grand jury is enlisted by a superior court for twelve months; nine jurors are replaced in six-month increments. If you have instructions to call ahead attached to your summons, please follow the instructions on the automated system. 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. It is extremely rare for a jury to be sequestered or kept in a hotel during a trial. 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. Excuses from jury service will be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship or because requiring service would be contrary to public welfare, health, or safety. In North Carolina, as in all states, jury duty is a civic requirement for those who meet the courts requirement of eligibility. [3] The office of the clerk of court is charged with maintaining the alphabetized list along with a statement of the sources used and procedures followed in preparing the list. People who get a summons for jury duty in North Carolina must report to the court. [3] In North Carolina counties in which a trial court administrator is in place, the trial court administrator may be assigned the duty of reviewing applications for excuses from service. Jurors reporting for jury duty or jury selection in the state of North Carolina are expected to dress professionally, in a manner appropriate for a court room. . If not selected again, those jurors will be allowed to go home at the end of the day, having completed their jury service. You also must include the bottom portion of your summons with your excuse request. Will acquaint persons who have been selected to serve on a North Carolina grand jury with the general nature and importance of their role. If chosen to serve as a grand juror, service is required every other Monday for a six-month period. 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. Excuses will be granted ONLY for reasons of compelling personal hardship. If you lose your jury summons, contact the Clerk of Superior Court office in your county as soon as possible to obtain reporting information. [3] The jury commission may also use names from other lists as long as those lists are deemed reliable by that commission. Individuals selected for jury duty are chosen randomly by an automated system of registered voters and licensed drivers. Information about jury service as a duty and why it is important in the administration of justice. [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. When jurors report to the courthouse, they will be shown an orientation video that explains what to expect as a juror. You will be paid $20 for each day of service, day 2-5. [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. Protective Measures: Usage is subject to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 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. Bring a book, crossword puzzles, or other materials to occupy your time. If your answers to questions lead the attorneys or the judge to feel that you could not be objective in considering the evidence in this trial, you will be dismissed with the courts thanks. 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. Send or receive digital communication about the case. 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. Any phone call stating that a (bench) warrant has been issued for your arrest due to not reporting for jury service is a scam. At the security checkpoint, you will be asked to turn on any electronic devices before being allowed to enter the building. [2] These policies were originally passed in 1967, and they were revised in 2011. How Much Does Jury Duty Pay in NC? 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. Failing to report to grand jury service can lead the U.S. When you report to the courthouse, you will be shown an orientation video that explains what to expect as a juror. Prospective jurors commonly use the following ground to request jury duty exemptionNorth Carolina does not recognize them all: If the grand jury panel returns an indictment, the party may then be charged and go to trial before a jury to determine their fate. New or unexplained onset of cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, New or unexplained loss of taste or smell, New or unexplained muscle aches (not due to injury or exercise). 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? State law does not require a worker to receive full wages during jury duty. Jury service is a mandatory civic duty, but if a person has an acceptable excuse for missing jury duty, they can let the court know and show supporting documentation. 2023 Jury Duty 101. Find out what to expect when you arrive, how to conduct yourself, and what you need to do when you serve as a juror. in Communications and English from Niagara University. Age 72 (North Carolina and Wyoming) Age 75 (Arizona, Connecticut, Indiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, and Pennsylvania) . PO Box 351 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. Jurors selected for a trial that takes several days will need to be present each day while the trial is in progress. [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. 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. Jury service is the solemn obligation of all qualified citizens. North Carolina law prohibits employers from firing or demoting an employee because they serve as a juror. New Mexico has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. For a small number of jurors, though, this may be more challenging than expected. Jury Service ScamsWARNING: If you fail to appear, you cannot be fined by telephone or email. Jury duty is a civic responsibility that you do not get paid to attend. Proceed across the atrium to the public elevators and take the elevator to Level 5. To serve as a Massachusetts juror, you must: Be a citizen of the United States. Once a trial begins, the judge will instruct you on your duties as a juror. Turn right out of the elevator and report to the Jury Assembly Room (5450). The Jury Act, which is set out at Title 28, U.S. Code, Sections 1861-1878, calls for random selection of citizens' names from voters lists or from voter . State law does not require that an employee receive full wages while serving. In reference to the Honoring our PACT Act of 2022 ("Pact Act"): The text of the PACT Act may be found here. While jury duty is a civic requirement for all eligible citizens in North Carolina, the state restricts how often you can be summoned for jury duty in order to ensure a fresh jury pool and prevent undue hardship by being summoned too frequently. 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. 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. However, these reasons may be considered for a. 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. Those serving on a grand jury get $20 a day. The court staff will ensure that jurors get the message. Federal grand juries also convene in North Carolina. Your request CANNOT be handled by telephone. Please also bring a pen or pencil. Public safety officers should simply send a letter identifying your position and department. There are a number of legal excuses that the court allows as exemptions from jury selection. [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. Safety precautions related to COVID-19 have necessitated the reconfiguration of courtrooms. A federal grand jury does not determine a partys guilt or innocence; it only concludes whether or not there is sufficient evidence to reasonably believe that the party should be charged with a crime. [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. Access to public records is available from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, by appointment only. [3], Any person summoned as a juror who is 72 years or older and who wishes to be excused, deferred, or exempted may make the request without appearing in person by filing a signed statement on the ground of the request with the chief district court judge pursuant to G.S. 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. Learn more about how to avoid jury duty scams. A decision regarding your request will be returned via mail or email. Common reasons senior citizens may be able to . The commission then draws prospective jurors names randomly and sends them a summons via U.S. mail.
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