North Carolina introduces debit card payments for jury services

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — North Carolinians serving on juries will begin receiving payments via prepaid debit cards instead of paper checks. This continues the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts’ (NCAOC) commitment to initiatives aimed at increasing efficiency and implementing paperless processes. By the end of October 2024, more than 30 counties will begin issuing debit card payments for jury duty. By January 2025, 55 of North Carolina’s 100 counties are expected to use the new method, with more counties to follow soon after.

“Jury trials are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system, and we appreciate the service of those who take time out of their schedule to serve as jurors,” said NCAOC Director Ryan S. Boyce. “By offering this new payment option, jurors will not have to wait for paper checks to be mailed and will have immediate access to these funds.”

By the end of October, debit cards are expected to be available in the following counties: Alamance, Brunswick, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Carteret, Catawba, Cumberland, Dare, Davie, Duplin, Franklin, Gaston, Graham, Guilford, Iredell, Jackson, Lee, Lenoir, New -Hanover, Onslow, Orange, Pender, Randolph, Rowan, Sampson, Stanley, Surry, Transylvania, Union, Wake, Wilkes and Yadkin.

“We are very excited about this opportunity,” said Iredell County Clerk Jim Mixson, who serves as president of the North Carolina Conference of Clerks of the Supreme Court. “The transition from paper checks to debit cards provides a more efficient and secure method of paying jurors for their services. This also ensures jurors have access to payment almost immediately upon completion of service.”

The North Carolina court system is transitioning to public-friendly electronic processes, including free digital access to case records and court calendars, e-court kiosks, virtual hearing capabilities, e-form filing and payment, and other initiatives.

For more information about jury service in North Carolina, visit NCcourts.gov/jury-service.