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Jury FAQs

  • Do I need to attach a note from my doctor for a medical excuse?

    No.

  • If I don't get my excuse letter there by the due date, can I still be considered for an excuse?

    Yes. All excuses will be considered when received in the clerk's office.
    NOTE: The court DOES NOT accept excuses from the employer.

  • What if I get sick at the last minute?

    If you get sick at the last minute please call the Jury Clerk at the toll free number (877) 377-1219. If you call before working hours please leave a message.

  • What if there is bad weather on the day I'm asked to appear?

    If bad weather prohibits your travel for jury duty, call 877-377-1219, to leave a message with the Jury Clerk.    Those people who have been selected and are sitting as jurors will be notified via telephone if the trial is canceled due to weather.

  • What if I do not read, speak or understand English?

    If you cannot understand English, contact the jury office at (877) 377-1219. If you need assistance, a friend or a family member who can speak English can make the phone call for you.

  • What time will I be able to go home each evening if I am selected to serve?

    Most of our trials follow business hours when possible, however, on the day of deliberation, you may be required to stay later in order to render a verdict.

  • May I bring my cell phone, pager or laptop computer into the Courthouse?

    No. New security requirements prohibit carrying such devices in the Courthouse. Please do not bring them into the Courthouse. 

  • What is petit jury service?

    Petit (trial) jurors are "on call" for a three month period. Although you are on call, you may only be called to report for jury selection a couple times during your term of service. The number of times may vary depending on the needs of the court.  Once you appear, you will not be called again.  You will appear only on days when requested during the period of service. Please note that if you are called to serve on a trial that begins at the end of your term of service or if you are selected for a trial that exceeds your service period, you will be required to serve until the completion of the trial. 

  • What is grand jury service?

    The federal grand jury hears evidence presented by an attorney of the government which tends to show the commission of a crime and whether someone should be tried for that crime. The grand jury then votes to indict or not to indict that person or persons. 

  • What is the difference between a judge and a magistrate judge?

    A district court judge is nominated by the President and confirmed by the US Senate. These judicial officers are appointed for a life term. District court judges hear criminal and civil cases. A U.S. magistrate judge is a judicial officer of the district court and is appointed by majority vote of the active district judges of the court to exercise jurisdiction over matters assigned by statute as well as those delegated by the district judges. A full-time magistrate judge serves a term of eight years. Duties assigned to magistrate judges by district court judges may vary considerably from court to court, however, magistrate judges usually hear civil cases and criminal misdemeanor cases.

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