Stokes County Jury Service
Length of Service
A trial juror's service is normally one week. However, jurors may be put on telephone standby for any time that week when they are not required to be present in the courthouse. The average length of service, if selected to serve as a juror in a trial, is two days.
Hours of Service
The typical juror's day will be from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, other hours are required by the court during trial, but this is rare. If selected to serve as a juror, follow the instructions of the presiding judge.
When and Where to Report
The night before their service date, jurors should call the jury information line at 336-593- 4444. Jurors will be instructed as to whether they need to report at all or at a specific time.
If scheduled to report, all jurors should check in with security at the front door for instruction on where to proceed.
When jurors report to the courthouse, they will be shown an orientation video that explains what to expect as a juror. Court staff will also give jurors additional information. Afterwards, all jurors present will be administered an oath. 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. Once a trial begins, the presiding judge will instruct jurors on their duties.
Request for Jury Service Excuse or Deferral
General Information
Deferral/Excusal: To request an excuse or postponement from jury service, please submit the information via Electronic Form located below or Mail. 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 or email. Requests sent by MAIL must include the completed Application for Excuse, Deferral, Exemption, and Disqualification from Jury Service form and supporting documentation (instructions are included on the summons document). Mail requests can be submitted to:
Office of the Chief District Court Judge
Judicial District 23
PO Box 456
Dobson, NC 27017
The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM may be completed in lieu of the mail option. 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 DefermentJury 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 Stokes 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 Stokes County, North Carolina Resident (Please attach proof – e.g., a copy of your driver’s license or utility bill.)
- Person is deceased (Please attach proof – e.g., a copy of death certificate.)
- Students enrolled full time in a learning institution (Please attach proof – e.g., a copy of student ID.)
- Health/Medical reasons (Please attach physician’s statement.)
- Convicted of a felony and voting rights have NOT been restored
- Not a United States Citizen (Please attach proof – e.g., a copy of your visa or green card.)
- On assignment with the military (Please attach copy of your orders or military ID.)
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 by mail or fax. 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 District Court Judge’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 District Court Judge’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.