Petit Jury Information
Jurors
are selected electronically at random from a list compiled by the
Secretary of State's Office, utilizing a list of voter registrations and
a list of driver's license registrations from this County. As a juror,
you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions are the
Please
read your summons carefully. The exemptions and disqualifications for
petit jury service are stated on the summons. If any disqualification
applies to you, you cannot serve. You must circle the disqualification
and return the card to the District Clerk. If any exemption applies to
you, you do not have to claim it and you may serve. If you claim an
exemption or disqualification, please do so immediately upon
receipt of your summons. Please circle the appropriate number, then sign
and date the summons card and return it (the whole card) to the
District Clerk’s Office.
You
may call our office at the following number (361) 449-8060 the Friday
before jury duty to inquire if your jury service is still required. If
Jury Duty is cancelled, no further action is required.
You must report for jury service unless you:
(1) claim an exemption;(2)are disqualified;(3) or choose to postpone your service.
To claim an Exemption: Circle the exemption(s) that you claim,
Sign the form. Mail or take the form to the correct office. NOTE: You do
not have to claim an exemption and may instead choose to serve.
If you are Disqualified: Circle the qualification(s) that you do
not meet. Sign the form. Mail or take the form to the correct office.
NOTE: If you claim to be disqualified because you are not a Texas
citizen or a resident of this county, you may become ineligible to vote
in this county.
To Postpone your Service Contact the District Clerk's office at (361)449-2733 before your scheduled date of service.
If you choose to wait until the day of service to postpone or be
excused from jury service ONLY the Judge may excuse/postpone you from
service. Unless you claim one of the listed exemptions or
disqualifications.
Right to Reemployment: A private employer may not terminate the
employment of a permanent employee because the employee serves as a
juror. An employee whose employment is terminated in violation of this
section is entitled to return to the same employment that the employee
held when summoned for jury service if the employee, as soon as
practical after release from jury service, gives the employer actual
notice that the employee intends to return. (Civil Practice and Remedies
Code, Section 122.001)
Failure to Answer Summons and Penalties: A person who fails to
comply with this summons is subject to a contempt action punishable by a
fine not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 (Government Code, Section
62.0141). Additionally, a person shall be fined not less than $100 nor
more than $500 if the person: (1) fails to attend court in obedience to
this summons without reasonable excuse; or (2) files a false claim of
exemption from jury service. (Government Code, Section 62.111. See also
Code of Criminal Procedures, article 35.01)
Proper Clothing Required: All persons entering the courtroom
should be dressed in clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and
solemnity of the court proceedings.
Grand Jury Information
If you receive a summons for Grand Jury duty and feel that you cannot serve, please contact the 156th
District Court Judge's office at 361-364-9310 for more information. The
Judge is the only person who can excuse you from Grand Jury service
prior to the summons date.