Sampson 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 call the clerk's office at (910) 596-6605 as instructed by the jury summons delivered by U.S. mail to determine when and where to report for jury service. If you have to report to serve you will be shown an orientation video that explains what to expect as a juror.
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 Electronic Form located below OR Mail. Your request must be received no later than ten (10) 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 completed Application for Excuse, Deferral, Exemption, and Disqualification from Jury Service form and supporting documentation (instructions are included on the summons document). Mail requests can be submitted to:
Sampson County Clerk of Superior Court
ATTN: Jury Clerk
101 East Main Street
Clinton, NC 28328
The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed in lieu of the mail option. The electronic request must be submitted a minimum of ten (10) 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 Sampson 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 Sampson County, North Carolina Resident – proof of address is required
- Person is deceased
- Students enrolled full time in a learning institution – proof to include class schedule is required
- Health/Medical reasons – a note from your physician is required
- Convicted of a felony and voting rights have NOT been restored – date and county of conviction must be provided
- Not a United States Citizen – a copy of your visa or green card must be provided
- On assignment with the military – please provide a copy of your orders
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 ten (10) 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 juror number is called. If you DO NOT receive a response to an excusal request, you are still required to appear for jury service if your juror number is called.
Read more and submit the online form
Parking
Please park in the free designated parking areas around the Courthouse. View the parking map.
Additional Information
View the Administrative Order regarding attire and items that are prohibited in the courthouse.
During jury selection, there will be some waiting time which is unavoidable. Jurors may bring books, needlework, or other materials, etc. to occupy their time.