Henderson County Jury Service
Length of Service
Jury service in Henderson County 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 that day or for the duration of that trial. Those jurors selected for a trial that takes several days will need to be present each day while the trial is in progress.
While efforts will be made by the court to reduce delays in trial starts and to avoid long waiting periods, some wait time should be anticipated.
When and Where to Report
Each juror receives a jury summons by U.S. mail. The summons contains information about the time and place to report for jury service.
The night before their service date, jurors should call the jury information line at (828) 694-4109. Jurors must call the number for the jury line anytime after 6:00 p.m. on the evening before the service date shown on their summons. A recorded message will inform jurors if their appearance will be required. This message will play the entire night until normal opening hours the following morning.
If scheduled to report, jurors should follow the instructions on the message for the specific location where they should report. 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. 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.
Parking
The Henderson County Courthouse is located at 200 N. Grove St. in Hendersonville.
Free public parking is in the public access lot of the courthouse at the corner of 3rd Ave. East and Grove St. Additional parking may be found in the public access lot on 4th Ave. East next to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park.
Handicap parking is available in the public access lot of the courthouse.
Additional street parking is available on 3rd Ave. East as well as on 4th Ave. East.
Additional Information
Jurors should dress professionally and comfortably, but not too casually. Many judges do not allow anyone to come to court wearing halter or tank tops, cut-off jeans, or shirts with offensive wording. Jurors will be acting as officers of the court while serving, so dress appropriately. Layered clothing is recommended since courtroom temperatures may vary considerably, requiring the removal or addition of a sweater or jacket.
Jurors may bring a book or other reading materials, crossword puzzles, stationery, or other materials to occupy their time.
When entering the courthouse please ensure that you are not carrying any object that may be considered a weapon, as it will be confiscated at the security gate.
For questions, please contact the Jury Clerk at (828) 694-4100, extension 1 or [email protected].
Request for Jury Service Excuse or Deferral
General Information
Deferral/Excusal: If you need to apply to have your service excused or deferred for one of the reasons listed below, you may submit the application form enclosed with your summons with the required documentation either online using the electronic form located below OR through the mail. Your request must be received no later than five (5) 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 provided Application for Excuse, Deferral, Exemption, and Disqualification from Jury Service form with the required supporting documentation.
You may also choose to appear in person with your summons and required supporting documentation in court on the date and time directed by your summons.
Mail requests can be submitted to:
Clerk of Superior Court
ATTN: Jury Clerk
200 N. Grove St., Suite 163
Hendersonville, NC 28792
The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed in lieu of the mail option. All requests, by mail or electronic request must be submitted a minimum of five (5) 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. For more information, view G.S. 9.6 about jury service and G.S. 9.6.1 about requests to be excused. Excuses from the discharge of this responsibility may be granted only for reasons of compelling personal hardship. Persons qualified to serve must:
- Reside in Henderson 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 with the required supporting documentation attached:
- People 72 years of age or older. Please attach a statement indicating your wish to claim an exemption.
- NOT a Henderson County, North Carolina Resident. Please attach proof of residency in the form of a current government issued photo id, a rental or purchase agreement, or a piece of mail clearly displaying your name and current address.
- Students enrolled full-time in a learning institution. Please attach a copy of your course schedule or proof of enrollment.
- Health/Medical reasons. Please attach a physician’s statement.
- Convicted of a felony and voting rights have NOT been restored. Please provide the date and county of conviction.
- Not a United States Citizen. Please provide a copy of your green card or other documentation.
- On assignment with the military. Please provide a copy of assignment.
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. Your request CANNOT be handled by telephone. All requests must be submitted a minimum of five (5) days prior to your jury service date.
Until you have received a response from the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office, you ARE still required to appear at the county courthouse for jury duty on the specified summons date if your services are needed.
- 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 jury date, you must comply with all the instructions indicated on your jury summons.
- Jurors will receive a response via mail if the request is mailed in OR via email and mail 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 (828) 694-4100, extension 1 or [email protected].
If you DO NOT receive a response to an excusal request, you ARE still required to appear for jury duty if your services are needed.