Robeson 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.
When and Where to Report
Jurors must call 910-272-6001 after 5:30 p.m. the evening before their scheduled jury date for reporting instructions. There will be a recorded message that will inform jurors of when and what time to report for service. Failure to call may result in unnecessary appearance without pay.
Request for Jury Service Excuse or Deferral
General Information
Deferral/Excusal: Jurors requesting to be excused from jury service should submit requests via the Electronic Form located below. Your request must be received no later than fourteen (14) days prior to your service date. A decision regarding your request will be returned via email or mail. Requests sent by electronic submission must contain supporting documentation (required supporting documentations are included on the summons document).
The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed. The electronic request must be submitted a minimum of fourteen (14) 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 Robeson 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 Robeson County, North Carolina Resident
- Person is deceased
- Students enrolled full time in a learning institution
- Health/Medical reasons
- 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. Requests for excuses and postponements for jury duty must be made by electronically using the requested online form, or appearing before a district court judge on the date listed on your jury summons. Your request CANNOT be handled by telephone. All requests must be submitted a minimum of fourteen (14) 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 call 910-272-6001 the night before your jury date.
- If you do not receive a letter in the mail or email from the Clerk of Superior Court's Office 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 / email for a CONFIRMATION letter from the Clerk of Court’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 to call 910-272-6001 the night before your jury date.
Read more and submit the online form
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 part 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, needlework, crossword puzzles, stationery, or other materials to occupy their time. Cell phones, laptops, tablets, or other electronics are NOT allowed in the courthouse.
While efforts will be made by the court to reduce delays in trial starts and to avoid long waiting periods, some waiting time should be anticipated while jurors are chosen to sit on a jury.