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. 

To determine if/when you need to report, you will rely on the juror information phone number that is provided in the summons. The summons will detail the dates and times that you should call.

The juror information number is 804-580-7106.  This line does not accept messages. 

When you dial the information number, listen to the entire message.  It will state whether you need to report to the courthouse and at what time. 

Virginia law mandates that jurors receive $30 each time they report to court, whether or not they are selected to serve. This stipend helps cover jurors’ expenses. 

If you call the juror information number and are told to report to  court, pay attention to the time you are told to arrive. 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. Call the juror information number just before you start for  the courthouse to find out if the trial has been canceled at the last-minute. 

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, so  it’s also important to wear comfortable clothing.  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.