FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Excuses or Exemptions from Jury Service:
IMPORTANT: If you plan on asking the judge to be rescheduled, excused, or exempted from jury service, please call us at 361-364-9377 before reporting for jury duty. It is quite possible that we can save you a trip to the courthouse with approval of the judge.
Medical Excuse:
To request temporary or permanent medical excuse, please complete a Medical Jury Excuse Affidavit and have your Doctor email a statement to juryinfo@sanpatriciocountytx.gov or fax to 361-364-9477.
If the exemption is permanent, the statement must specify the doctor is requesting a permanent exemption.
Juror Selection Process:
The process for selecting prospective jurors is mandated by state law. If you are a registered voter, have a Texas driver's license or Texas personal identification card and you live in San Patricio County, your name is entered in a computer system designed to randomly select prospective jurors.
When directed by the State, District, County or Justice of the Peace Courts of San Patricio County, the District Clerk makes a random selection of names asking for a pre-qualification survey to be completed. Prospective jurors who meet qualifications could then receive a summons, which is mailed by the San Patricio County District Clerk's Office.
Because this is a random selection system, and there is not an endless supply of potential jurors, it is quite possible that you will receive more than one jury summons while you live in San Patricio County.
Exemptions:
You can be exempted from jury duty in certain circumstances. If any of the listed exemptions apply to you, you are entitled (but not required) to claim said exemption.
The exemptions for jury service are as follows:
· You are 75 years of age or older.
· You have legal custody of a child or children younger than 12 years of age and the person’s service on the jury requires leaving the child or children without adequate supervision.
· You are a student of a public or private secondary school.
· You are a person enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education.
· You are an officer or an employee of the senate, the house of representatives or any department, commission, board, office or other agency in the legislative branch or state government.
· You are the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for himself or herself. (NOTE: This exemption does not apply to you if you are a primary caretaker only in your capacity as a health care worker)
· Member of the United States Military forces serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from your home station and out of your county of residence.
Non-Allowable Exemptions:
There are several common reasons given for exemption requests which are not allowable:
· being the sole owner of a business
· have an employer who will not pay you for your jury service (although financial hardship caused by jury service may be considered)
Jury Duty and Your Job:
The law protects your job while you are fulfilling your jury duty and you cannot be fired for serving. Your employer is not, however, required to pay you for the time missed from work while on jury duty.
Travel Assistance:
If you do not have a vehicle or do not drive, or you are unable to drive because of a physical disability, please contact the Jury Administration's office at (361) 364-9377.
Dress the Part:
All persons entering the courtroom should be dressed in clothing befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings. No shorts, sleeveless blouses, tank tops, hats or sunglasses allowed. The room can be a bit on the chilly side, so a jacket or light sweater might be helpful.
What Your Jury Service Involves:
Once you have arrived at the San Patricio County Courthouse your jury service is underway. You'll find that the system is set up to guide you along with clear instructions throughout the process. Whether you are selected for a jury or not, you will still be providing an essential part of the trial by jury system.
After checking in, prospective jurors will be given a brief orientation by the qualifying Judge. The qualifying Judge will give further instructions and hear possible exemptions and qualifications. Prospective jurors are then briefed by the judge and questioned by attorneys for both sides until the jurors who will hear the case are chosen.
Accessible Entry:
Handicap accessible parking and entrance is located at the Northeast corner of the building closest to Market & Archer Streets.
Security:
Please be prepared for security screening at the entrance.
Firearms or weapons of any kind are prohibited in the courthouse.
Getting Paid for Jury Service:
Jurors are paid for their service. Each prospective juror will receive $20.00 for the first day of service. If you are instructed to return to court another day, you will receive sixty dollars ($60) per day beginning the second day of service and thereafter until the trial has concluded. If you would prefer to donate your compensation, you have the option to indicate this at check in. The options for donation are: State of Texas Crime Victims Compensation Fund OR San Patricio County Child Welfare Board.
A Day in the Life of a Juror:
A trial can last less than a day or take up to a week or more. They are very seldom much longer than a week.
During the trial, the judge will tell you what time you need to be in court each day and what time to expect each day to end. You will also be given a break for lunch.
Trials follow a set procedure:
Opening Statement: Attorneys for each side may explain the case, outline any evidence they will present, and discuss the issues you will decide. This is usually a broad statement which sets the stage for witnesses and the details to follow.
Presentation of Evidence: Testimony of witnesses and exhibits are all evidence. Any exhibits will be available to the jury during their deliberations. Because you will be deciding the case based on the facts presented, it is very important to pay close attention to all evidence.
Rulings by the Judge: The judge may be asked to decide questions of law during the trial. He or she may ask jurors to leave the courtroom while lawyers make legal arguments. If this happens, understand that these issues must be decided so that proper evidence can be considered by the jury.
Instruction to the Jury: After all evidence has been presented, the judge may give the jury the Charge of the Court. This includes legal instructions about the case and the question the jury must answer.
Closing Arguments: This gives the lawyers an opportunity to summarize the evidence and to try to persuade the jury to accept their client's view of the case.
Jury Deliberations and Decision: After hearing the closing arguments, the jury is sent to deliberate. During deliberations, members of the jury will decide how they will answer the questions presented in the Charge of Court and then return a final verdict.
Sequestered Juries:
Sequestered juries are very rare. Before you are assigned to such a jury, you will have an opportunity to discuss with the judge any problems this might create.
Parking:
Free, uncovered parking is available in areas around the San Patricio County Courthouse.
Still Have Questions?
If you still have questions about your summons or jury duty, please call the San Patricio County District Clerk's Office at (361) 364-9377.
We appreciate your participation in jury service. We rely on our citizens to keep our justice system running, and we thank you in advance for the very important part you play.