The North Carolina General Assembly declares the public policy of this state to be that jury service is the solemn obligation of all qualified citizens, and that 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. Please note that there are no exemptions from jury service based on occupation. Although work commitments can be hard to break, they are not a valid reason for being excused from jury service. Prospective jurors can request to be
deferred
to a later date when they may be less busy. Requests for deferral should come from the individual summoned, not the employer.
All requests for excusal from jury service must be submitted
IN WRITING
(including reasons not listed below) and received by the Trial Court Administrator
at least 7 business days before the service date.
Jurors should allow at least 5 business days from date of mailing for their request to be received and processed.
Because of the short length of service, excuses based on reasons other than those found below are rarely granted.
In Mecklenburg County, a prospective juror may request to be excused from jury service for one or more of the following valid reasons:
- Is not a US citizen. Must submit a copy of Employment Authorization Document (Form I-688B), W-7 Form, Permanent Residency Card or VISA (student or employment based) with request.
- Does not understand English. Anyone requesting to be excused on this basis will be mailed a Limited English Proficiency Questionnaire to complete (either by the individual or a translator) and return to the Jury Office. Notification as to whether the request has been granted will be sent after the questionnaire has been reviewed.
- Is under the age of 18.
- Is 72 years of age or older. Please note that persons age 72 or older may request a temporary or permanent exemption by mail, but the law does not constitute a blanket exemption or disqualification for such persons.
- Has been convicted of a felony and is currently incarcerated or is on probation or parole.
- Has a physical or mental disability. Must submit a signed statement by a licensed physician, psychiatrist or psychologist setting forth ALL of the following: a diagnosis of the mental or physical condition, a prognosis of the length of time the mental or physical condition is expected to continue, and a conclusion that the prospective juror is not capable of performing jury service.
- Is not a resident of Mecklenburg County. Must submit proof of new permanent residence (a voter registration card, a copy of a driver's license, a copy of a signed license plate receipt, or some other official document.)
- Is currently on Active Military Duty. Must submit a copy of orders with request.
- Has reported for jury service within the last 2 years. Must indicate approximate date, location, name and address when last reported.
Jurors who are requesting to be excused in writing, should place their jury summons along with any required documents in a stamped envelope and return to: Jury Management, Mecklenburg County Courthouse, 832 E. Fourth Street, Room 5450, Charlotte, NC 28202. Jurors may also submit their information via facsimile at 704-686-0196. Jurors should record their juror number found on their summons for further inquiries. To determine if their request to be excused has been granted, jurors should call 704-686-0195 and follow the instructions.