Vance County Jury Service
Length of Service
Jurors are typically summoned for a one-week session. Occasionally, jurors may be summoned for multi-week sessions when complex and / or lengthy matters are to be tried. Jurors can and often do serve on more than one trial. Jurors are obligated to the court for the entire week's session of court, until excused by the presiding judge.
When and Where to Report
Jurors report for jury service in the superior courtroom #SO13 or the civil district courtroom #SO20 located on the second floor at the time designated on their jury summons. Jury locations are posted on the bulletin board located on the main floor upon entry to the courthouse.
Requests to be Excused
General Information
Deferral/Excusal: Jurors requesting to be excused from jury service should appear before a district court judge at 11:00 a.m. on the Monday prior to their scheduled date of service. or submit requests via the Electronic Form located below. Your request must be received no later than seven (7) days prior to your service date. A decision regarding your request will be returned via mail. Supporting documentation may be required for certain requests submitted by mail or via electronic submission (please refer to your jury summons for information on when supporting documentation is required).
The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed. The electronic request must be submitted a minimum of seven (7) days prior to your appearance date. (Requirements and instructions are listed below.)
Reasons for Excusal, Postponement or Deferment
Jury service is the solemn obligation of all qualified citizens. Excuses from the discharge of this responsibility may be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship. Persons qualified to serve must:
- Reside in Vance County
- Be at least 18 years of age or older
- Understand the English language
- Have not served as a juror during the preceding two (2) years or as a grand juror in the past six (6) years
- Be physically and mentally competent
Exemptions, Excuses and Postponements may be granted for the following reasons:
- People 72 years of age or older
- NOT a Vance County, North Carolina Resident
- Person is deceased
- Students enrolled full time in a learning institution
- Health/Medical reasons
- Convicted of a felony and voting rights have NOT been restored
- Not a United States Citizen
- On assignment with the military
Excuses will be granted ONLY for reasons of compelling personal hardship. Requests for excuses and postponements for jury duty must be made by electronically using the requested online form, or appearing before a district court judge on the Monday prior to your service date. Your request CANNOT be handled by telephone. All requests must be submitted a minimum of seven (7) days prior to your jury service date.
Until you have received a response from the Clerk of Court’s 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.
- It is your responsibility to monitor your mail for a CONFIRMATION letter from the Clerk of Superior Court's Office to determine if your request has been approved or denied.
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 and submit the online form
Additional Information
Jurors should dress professionally and comfortably, but not too casually. Many judges do not allow anyone to come to court wearing halter or tank tops, cut-off jeans, or shirts with offensive wording. Jurors will be acting as part of the court while serving, so dress appropriately. Layered clothing is recommended since courtroom temperatures may vary considerably, requiring the removal or addition of a sweater or jacket.
Jurors may bring a book or other reading materials, needlework, crossword puzzles, stationery, or other materials to occupy their time.
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.
Parking
Parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the courthouse.