Jury Duty

Serving on a jury is an important civic responsibility that is  coordinated by the Northumberland County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office.  You can  find general information about jury service in the Virginia Judicial  System’s brochure titled “The Answer Book for Jury Service (PDF)”  

Jury service notices are mailed in January, April, July and October.

The notice indicates the term dates that your name will be in a pool of candidates used to select persons to serve on a jury, if a jury trial is scheduled during that term.

If you believe you are eligible for relief from jury service, now is the time to submit your written request.

 Jury summonses are delivered by the Northumberland County Sheriff's Department at least 7 days prior to date indicated on the summons.  The summons will indicate the date(s) you have been asked to serve and will provide instructions on what to do.  

Receiving a summons does not necessarily mean that you will serve on a jury, but you will need to report to court to be in a pool of candidates who could potentially serve. 

You will need to call the juror information phone number that is provided on the summons. The summons will detail the date(s) and time(s) that you will need to appear.

The juror information phone number is 804-580-7106. Please listen to the ENTIRE message as it will state whether you need to report to the courthouse and at what time. **This line does not accept messages. **

 You will report to:

•     Northumberland County Circuit Court
     220 Judicial Place
     Heathsville, VA 22473

Arrive at the courthouse with time to spare as proceedings will start on time. We recommend that you call the juror information number just before you leave home to find out if the trial has been canceled at the last-minute. 

Virginia law mandates that jurors receive $50 each time they report to court, whether or not they are selected to serve. This stipend helps cover jurors' expenses.

By watching this video, you should have a better understanding of what is required for serving juror duty.  The Commonwealth of Virginia Juror Orientation 

Wear conservative clothes comparable to what you’d wear in a business environment. It’s possible that you’ll spend a long day in court. You may want a sweater or light jacket, as the courtroom may be cold.

If you need to be excused from jury service for a part or the entire term, or believe you are exempted by law from serving, you must complete the exemption request form.

Juror Request for Exemption

• Northumberland Circuit Court
     Attention: Jury Coordinator
     P.O. Box 217
     Heathsville, VA 22473
• You may also fax the exemption request form to (804)580-2261 or email vheadley@vacourts.gov

Send your request before your jury service term begins.