Watauga 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.
Hours of Service
The typical juror's day will be from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, other hours are required by the court during trial, but this is rare. If selected to serve as a juror, follow the instructions of the presiding judge.
When and Where to Report
Refer to the front of the jury summons for the specific reporting time and location.
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 by Mail. Your request must be received five (5) days before the service date or the Wednesday prior to the session of court. A decision regarding requests submitted by electronic submission will be returned via email. For mail requests, please contact the number below to inquire about the decision. 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:
Watauga County Clerk of Superior Court
842 West King Street
Boone, NC 28607
Telephone: 828-268-6600 - option 2
The ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION FORM (see below) may be completed in lieu of the mail option. The electronic request must be submitted a minimum of five (5) days prior to your appearance date or by the Wednesday prior to the court session. (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 Watauga 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 Watauga 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 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 juror number is called.
- It is your responsibility to contact the Clerk of Superior Court’s Office to determine if your request has been approved or denied if you mailed in your request.
- If you submitted a request via electronic submission and you do not receive an 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.
- It is your responsibility to monitor your email for a CONFIRMATION from the Clerk of Superior 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 appear for jury service if your juror number is called.
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.