FAQs
be able to read and write; not have served as a juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court; and. not have been convicted of, or be under indictment or other legal accusation for, misdemeanor theft or a felony.
What is the best excuse to miss jury duty? ›
Excuse from Service
- You have no means of transportation.
- You would have to travel an excessive distance to the courthouse.
- You have a physical or mental impairment.
- You provide care for a dependent and cannot afford to have someone cover for you.
- Serving would be an extreme financial burden.
Jurors who fail to report for jury duty and who have not been excused by the court may be served a Show Cause Order. Those jurors will be ordered to appear before the Court to show cause why they should not be held in contempt of the Jury Service and Selection Act.
How do I respond to a jury summons in Texas? ›
If you receive a Standby Jury Summons:
- Respond Online: Respond to this notice by completing the juror questionnaire online at the Jury Response website before scheduled date. ...
- Report for Service: Upon completion of your questionnaire, your status is now' “CONFIRMED”. ...
- Notice of Completion of Standby Term:
Dress the Part
Business attire is recommended. Shorts, tank tops and flip-flop sandals are not considered appropriate attire for court. Jeans are allowed.
What happens if I accidentally miss jury duty in Texas? ›
Ignoring a jury summons can result in serious legal penalties in Texas: You can be fined from $100 to $1,000 for failing to answer the summons. If you fail to attend court without a reasonable excuse, you can be fined $100 to $500. Filing a false claim of exemption from jury service can also result in fines.
How to write a letter to a judge to be excused from jury duty? ›
When writing a jury excuse letter, directly state why you cannot serve and how serving would lead to hardship. Valid exemptions include being ill or disabled, being the sole guardian of young children, or being over the age of 70. Include documentation such as a doctor's note or a letter from an employer.
Why do lawyers ask more personal questions during jury selection? ›
Why do lawyers and judges ask so many jury selection questions? To ensure they are finding the best potential jurors for the case and evidence that will be before the jury. Because we all have our own life experiences, certain biases and judgments make certain people better fitted to certain cases.
What does the Bible say about being a juror? ›
God's Prerogative
For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged" (Matthew 7:1-2), or as we might say in modern language, "Don't convict others of sin." Christ's disciples should not engage in the trying, judging, sentencing or punishing of others.
How many times can you postpone jury duty Texas? ›
If you cannot serve the week that you have been scheduled for jury duty, you are eligible to be rescheduled 1 time within 6 months of the date of your original summons.
Persons who will be automatically excused from jury service upon request: (1) A person who is over 70 years of age; (2) A person who has served in federal court as a grand or petit juror within the last two years (you must have appeared for service, not merely been summoned to appear);
Can I ignore a jury summons in Texas? ›
Under Texas law, specifically Section 62.0141 of the Government Code , the court can impose a fine ranging from $100 to $1,000 for failing to respond to a jury summons. Contempt of Court: If you disregard a court summons or fail to show up for jury duty without valid reason, the court may hold you in contempt.
How do you get disqualified from jury duty in Texas? ›
You are not of sound mind or of good moral character. You have served as a petit juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court, or during the preceding six months in the district court. You have been convicted of misdemeanor theft or a felony.
What can you bring to jury duty in Texas? ›
Jury duty does involve some waiting, so a good book or handwork will help pass the time. You may also want to bring money for snacks, drinks and lunch. There are vending machines for snacks during breaks, so plan to have plenty of change.
What happens if you refuse jury duty in Texas? ›
If you do not respond to the summons, do not appear in court, or deliberately create excuses to avoid being selected for jury duty, the courts reserve the right to charge you with contempt of court. As such, you can face a fine between $100 and $1,000.
What are the 4 qualifications to serve on a jury in Texas? ›
Am I Eligible?
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a citizen of this state and a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror;
- Be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in the county in which you are to serve as a juror;
- Be of sound mind and good moral character;
- Be able to read and write.
Approximately 20% of those summoned to jury duty are chosen to serve on a jury. So, there is a good chance that you will be released from your jury service after the first or second day. If you are selected to serve, this will be an opportunity to see firsthand our justice system in action.
How often can you be called for jury duty in Texas? ›
Jurors can be summoned more than once during their two month term of service and can serve on more than one trial during that term. If you are selected for a trial and it lasts more than one day, the judge will dismiss the jury each evening and instruct you as to what time you will need to report in the next day.
