Craven 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 should follow the instructions found on the back of the jury summons they receive. When they arrive at the courthouse, they will be checked in and given an orientation conducted by the jury clerk. This will be followed by a short video presentation designed to educate jurors on the trial process and their role as a juror.
Jury Excuse/Deferral Procedures for Craven County
General Information:
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 as a Juror, must:
- Reside in Craven County;
- Be at least 18 years of age, or older;
- Understand the English language;
- Have not served as a juror during the past 2 years, nor as a grand juror during the past 6 years; and
- Be physically and mentally competent.
Excuses, Deferrals, or Exemptions may be granted for the following reasons:
- You are 72 years of age or older, and wish to claim an exemption from jury service for good cause (attach your statement of explanation);
- You are NOT a resident of Craven County, North Carolina (proof of address is required, i.e., photo ID, property tax statement, utility statement);
- You are a full-time student enrolled in a learning institution (copy of current class schedule is required);
- You have a disability that interferes with jury service (statement from your physician is required);
- You were convicted of a felony, and you are still on supervised probation (date and county of conviction must be provided);
- You are NOT a United States Citizen (copy of visa or green card required);
- You are currently on military assignment (copy of military orders required);
- You have served as a juror during the past 2 years, or as a grand juror during the past 6 years (list your dates of service);
- You do NOT understand the English language (Espanol: No entiendo el idioma de Ingle.);
- Juror is deceased.
To request an Excuse, Deferral, or Exemption from jury service, please complete, sign, and submit Form #AOC-G-400, Application for Excuse, Deferral, Exemption, and Disqualification from Jury Service, either electronically, by first class mail, or by facsimile, including any required attachments as indicated herein, to:
Chief District Court Judge
Craven County Courthouse
Attn: Jury Clerk
PO Box 1187
New Bern, NC 28563
Fax No.: (252) 639-3030
Email: faith.h.lee@nccourts.org
Your application request must be received at least 7 days prior to your jury service date. A decision regarding your application request will be returned to you by first class mail or by email. It is your responsibility to monitor your mail and email for a letter from the Craven County Clerk's Office to determine if your request has been approved or denied. If you do NOT receive a response to your application request, or if you receive a letter of denial, you MUST appear at the Craven County Courthouse for jury duty, on the date and time specified in your jury summons.