Buncombe County Jury Service
Length of Service
North Carolina jurors are required to serve one week, with the exception of Buncombe County. Buncombe County jurors are summoned for a specific day of the week. If selected to serve on a jury, jurors will serve the duration of the trial, which will usually last longer than one day. Jurors who are not chosen to serve will complete their service at the completion of that jury selection process, which generally ends on the date of service.
Hours of Service
Jurors are expected to be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
When and Where to Report
Jurors who have instructions to call ahead attached to their summons should follow the instructions on the automated system. Jurors must call (828) 259-3405 any time after 6:00 p.m. on the evening before the service date indicated on their summons. A recorded message will inform jurors if their appearance is required. This message will play the entire night until normal opening hours the following morning. Sometimes the court is able to release some or all jurors when the need for them is less than anticipated.
If instructed to report, jurors are to do so at 8:45 a.m. in room 272 on the 2nd floor of the Buncombe County Judicial Complex on the date indicated on their summons.
Parking Information
Free parking for jurors is provided in the Buncombe County Parking Deck, located directly across from the courthouse at 164 College St. The automated parking ticket jurors receive upon entrance to the parking deck must be validated by the jury clerk.
Request for Jury Service Excuse or Deferral
Requests for exemption, excusal, or deferral must be received within 5 business days of the juror service date to be considered.
Exemptions and Excusals
Exemptions and excusals may be granted for the following reasons:
- People 72 years of age or older
- NOT a Buncombe County resident - proof of address is required (i.e., government issued photo ID, property tax statement or utility bill)
- Person is deceased
- Students enrolled in an out-of-state full-time learning institution – proof is required (i.e., copy of current class schedule)
- Health/Medical reasons – a statement from your physician is required.
- Convicted of a felony and voting rights have NOT been restored – date and county of conviction must be provided.
- Not a United States Citizen – a copy of your visa or green card must be provided.
- On assignment with the military – please provide a copy of your orders.
Deferrals
Deferrals are granted on a case-by-case basis in compliance with North Carolina statutes, and with the approval of our Chief District Court Judge. If a deferral is granted, the juror is notified in writing of the new jury service date. Otherwise, jurors are to report on their assigned service date, as instructed on the summons.
Questions
Questions or concerns regarding your jury summons may be emailed to juryclerk@buncombecounty.org or may be directed to the jury clerk by calling (828) 259-3400 and following the prompts for jury service.