Brunswick County Jury Service
Lost Summons
If you have lost your summons, please email [email protected].
Length of ServiceJurors 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.
If a juror is not selected for a trial and the presiding judge excuses them, their jury service will be completed for two (2) years. Any juror who serves on a trial or anyone who reports for jury service and is not selected and is excused by the presiding judge will be ineligible for jury service for two (2) years.
When and Where to Report
Jurors must call the phone number for the jury line that they received in the mail to determine exactly when and where they are to report for jury service. The message will provide jurors with all the information needed for the duration of their service.
Jurors are to report to the jury lounge located on the second floor of the courthouse.
Cell Phones
Pursuant to an Administrative Order, cell phones and other personal communication devices are prohibited at the Brunswick County Courthouse. An exception is made for jurors. You must present your summons to the security staff at the front door to be allowed to bring your cell phone or other device into the courthouse.
Parking
There is free parking directly across the street from the courthouse and in front of the county administration building located on the western side of the courthouse. Handicap parking is available at both locations and directly beside the courthouse on the western side.
Additional Information
Jurors should dress professionally and comfortable, but not too casually. Shorts are not allowed in the courthouse. Many judges do not allow anyone to come to court wearing halter or tank tops, or shirts with offensive wording. Jurors will be acting as part of the court while serving, so please dress appropriately. Layered clothing is recommended since courtroom temperatures may vary considerably, requiring the removal or addition of a sweater or jacket.
For questions, please contact the Jury Clerk at: 910-253-3390 or [email protected].
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 the Electronic Form located below OR by Mail using the Application included with your summons. 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, email, or phone call. If you submit a request after the deadline, no response will be given and you must report for service. Requests sent by MAIL must include the Application that was enclosed with your summons and supporting documentation (instructions are included on the summons document). Mail requires can be submitted to:
Brunswick County Clerk of Superior Court
ATTN: Jury Clerk
310 Government Center Drive NE
Bolivia, NC 28422
The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) 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 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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick County resident - proof of address is required (e.g., Drivers License or Utility Bill)
- Person is deceased
- Students enrolled in a full time learning institution - proof is required (e.g., student ID)
- Health/Medical reasons - doctor's note/letter IS required. Failure to submit will result in a denial of your request.
- 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. A work conflict is not a personal hardship and at best will result in a deferment of your jury service. Until you have received a response from the Clerk of Superior Court, you are still required to comply with all the instructions as indicated on your jury summons and appear for jury service.
- If you do not receive a letter in the mail or email indicating the status of your request at least 24 hours prior to your assigned date, you must comply with all the instructions indicated on your jury summons and appear for jury service.
- Users will receive a response via mail if the request is mailed OR via email if the request is from the online form.
- It is your responsibility to monitor your mail and email for a CONFIRMATION letter from the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office to determine if your request has been approved or denied.
- For questions, please contact the Jury Clerk at 910-253-3390.
If you DO NOT receive a response to an excusal request, you are required to comply with the instructions as indicated on your jury summons and appear for jury service.