In Mecklenburg County, citizens who are summoned for jury service may access the interactive juror website at eResponse.mecknc.gov. This site was designed to manage the most common requests related to jury service and offers many helpful features for jurors, including the ability to:

• Obtain current reporting status or status of a request for deferral or excusal (submitted via website)
• Access jury service history
• Verify/update personal data
• Request a deferral: For deferral requests, you may request a maximum of 2 deferrals and must serve within 6 months of your original summons date. You may reschedule for the first time on eResponse.mecknc.gov or by calling (877) 649-7133. Please submit your second request for deferral via email at [email protected] and state the reason the deferral is needed. Deferral requests MUST be submitted at least 5 business days before your scheduled report date.
• Request excusal or disqualification: Supporting documentation, as specified below, is required and should be submitted at least 5 business days prior to your report date via email at [email protected] or fax to (866) 228-9046. (Note: eResponse.mecknc.gov is not designed with document uploading capabilities at this time. You assume all risks associated with transmitting any confidential or personal information over email.)
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen: Submit a copy of your permanent resident card, visa, passport, or any current official documentation.
  • If you are no longer a resident of Mecklenburg County: Submit a copy of your current state ID/driver’s license, vehicle registration, voter registration, or signed license plate receipt.
  • If you do not understand the English language: Submit a request for a language questionnaire via email and return the completed questionnaire to our office for processing.
  • If you are physically or mentally incompetent: Submit a current doctor's written statement specifically for exemption from jury service. A doctor’s written statement is required for individuals under the age of 72.
  • If you are enrolled full-time in an out-of-state postsecondary educational institution: Provide proof of enrollment in an out-of-state trade or professional institution, college, or university.
  • If you have a disability that could interfere with ability to serve as a juror: Submit supporting documentation from a physician.
  • If you are a convicted felon and rights have not been restored: Submit verification from your supervising officer.
  • If you have reported for jury service within the past 2 years or completed service on a grand jury within the last 6 years: Submit a copy of your jury attendance letter.
  • If you are currently on military assignment: Submit a copy of your orders with start and end dates.
  • If you are 72 years of age or older: You do not need to submit supporting documentation. Simply submit your request via email or on eResponse.mecknc.gov. **Individuals 72 or older are encouraged to serve but may request excusal based solely on age.**
  • Other (Other excuses may, by law, only be allowed due to compelling personal hardship.): State the reason for your request and submit any supporting documentation.
• Request a jury service reminder
• Print jury service notifications
• Print Employer Letter or Jury Service Verification Certificate, after jury service concludes

To log onto the interactive site, you will need your juror ID and date of birth. The Jury Management Office hopes the interactive website is user-friendly and is an efficient way to obtain important information about your jury service.

Your feedback regarding the website is welcomed. Please share any suggestions or let us know about your experience on the Jury Service Exit Survey.

Jury service operates on the one-day / one-trial system. 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. However, if a person is not selected for a trial, then their jury service will be over at the end of the day. If sent to a courtroom or selected to sit on a trial, jurors will serve until released by the judge. Jurors released from courtrooms must always report back to the Jury Assembly Room for further instructions. If not selected again, those jurors will be allowed to go home at the end of the day, having completed their jury service.

Jurors selected for a trial that takes several days will need to be present each day while the trial is in progress. If chosen to serve as a grand juror, service is required every other Monday for a six-month period.

Jurors should plan to be present at least until 5:00 p.m. for each day that they are in service.

The lunch break is normally held between the hours of 12:30 p.m. and 1:50 p.m.

Jurors are to appear in Room 5450 of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse on the date they are summoned. (Please note: Jurors are not allowed into the building until 8:00 a.m.)

After parking, use the crosswalks to cross over to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse entrance at the corner of 4th and McDowell Streets. Go through the security checkpoint. Proceed across the atrium to the public elevators and take the elevator to Level 5. Turn right out of the elevator and report to the Jury Assembly Room (5450).

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 (877) 649-7133 for reporting instructions and possible court closings.

Please follow the parking instructions carefully. Bring your parking deck ticket for validation by a Jury Coordinator. Our office can ONLY validate for the parking deck located on 4th Street (915 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202).

The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office oversees courthouse security. Everyone must walk through a metal detector when entering the building. Laptop computers, iPads / tablets, e-readers, and cell phones are allowed in the courthouse. You will be asked to turn on laptops and other electronic devices before being allowed to enter the building. (Make sure devices are charged.) Glass objects, metal utensils, knives, scissors, or any other sharp objects are not allowed in the building. For a comprehensive list of prohibited items, please see the “Building facilities” section of the Mecklenburg County Courthouse page.

No photography, filming, or audio recording is allowed in the courthouse without prior written approval. For additional information, please review the Local Rules Governing Photography, Filming, and Audio Recording within the Mecklenburg County Courthouse (18R520).

Food and Beverages
Lunch will not be provided; however, you may bring your own lunch. A refrigerator and microwave are available in the Jury Assembly Room for your convenience. Drink and snack machines are also available in the Jury Assembly Room. Directions to restaurants within walking distance of the courthouse are posted in the Jury Assembly Room.

Generally, lunch begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 1:50 p.m., unless you are otherwise instructed by the Jury Coordinator or Judge. Please listen to their instructions carefully.

Nursing Mothers
In our continuing efforts to make performing jury service in Mecklenburg County even more convenient for citizens, we offer a Lactation Room for nursing mothers. 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.

To access the Lactation Room, please see one of the Jury Coordinators.

On-Site Childcare
Children are not allowed in the Jury Assembly Room. Larry King's Clubhouse: Children's Play & Care Center provides free childcare services to jurors and may be contacted at (704) 686-0285.

Please note that Larry King's Clubhouse staff cannot answer questions regarding jury service. Jury information can be obtained by calling the Interactive Voice Response System at (877) 649-7133.

Internet Access
Wireless Internet access is available throughout the courthouse. Personal computers are available for use in the Juror Business Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

All petit and grand jurors serving on or after December 9, 2024, will receive payment for their service via debit card. The following is an overview of the juror payment process:

• Step 1: Upon confirming your jury summons, please enter your phone number and email address on eResponse.mecknc.gov to facilitate the activation of your debit card and ensure you receive alerts regarding funds.
• Step 2: All jurors reporting for service will receive a debit card along with an informational pamphlet at check-in. The pamphlet will include essential details regarding the use of the debit card.
• Step 3: For petit jurors, the Jury Coordinators will process payments at the end of each week or at the conclusion of each trial, typically within two weeks. For grand jurors, payments will be processed bi-weekly by the Jury Coordinators. Once your payment has been processed, funds will be activated on your debit card.
• Step 4: Jurors may begin using their activated debit cards as soon as funds are available.

For additional information, please:

1. Watch this brief video regarding debit card usage:
   
2. Report any debit card issues to courtfunds.com or call 833-570-1144.
3. For Frequently Asked Questions about your Court Funds Prepaid Card, please scan the following QR code or visit courtfunds.com/faq
   

Juror Handbook
Mecklenburg's Juror Handbook: A Guide for Potential Jurors explains the trial process and the importance of the juror's role in the proceedings.

Juror Support Program
Following the trial, most jurors are relieved to return to their workplace or home after their time on the jury. For a small number of jurors, though, this may be more challenging than expected. There may be various reasons why jurors feel confused or upset after a trial. If your ability to function in any area(s) of your life is being affected, it may be an indication that you need additional support following your role as a juror. Please see the Juror Support Program pamphlet for additional information and resources.

Learn more about Jury Service

• Selection / Eligibility
• Excuse or Deferral
• Accommodation Needs
• Reporting
• Scams
• Serving
• Juror Orientation Video
• Resources