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THE UNITED STATES AND TEXAS STATE CONSTITUTIONS GUARANTEE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY. STATE AND FEDERAL LAW OBLIGATES ALL QUALIFIED RESIDENTS TO SERVE AS A JUROR.
Most questions can be answered by viewing the entire questionnaire/summons. You may complete your ejuror online questionnaire here:
eJuror Online Jury Services
All exemptions and disqualifications that are approved by the state can be claimed on the reverse side of your questionnaire or within the eJuror application under the excuse/disqualification link on the left.
General Questions
Can I be permanently excused from jury duty?
Can a person serve as a juror if he/she has a theft or felony?
Where does the jury service department obtain names of prospective jurors?
What if I live in Dallas? Do I have to serve in Collin County?
Must jurors be paid by their employers while serving jury duty?
Do I have to serve if I know I will not be selected because of my occupation?
Can I donate my jury pay?
Day of Jury Service
How do I check my stand-by status?
Can I bring food or drink?
Is interent access available?
If circumstances beyond my control prevent me from appearing on my schedule date and I cannot reach the department in the morning, will a warrant be issued for my arrest?
Why am I unable to get through by telephone to the jury service department during jury selection days?
What is the appropriate dress for serving jury duty?
When serving jury duty, will there be a lot of waiting involved?
Where do I park? Is there a fee for parking?
When will I be paid for my jury services?
Will I be required to go through security at the courthouse?
General Questions
Can I be permanently excused from jury duty?
Yes, only if you are 70 years of age or older OR do not reside in Collin County. These exemptions may be found on the reverse side of your questionnaire or under the excuses/disqualifications link on the left-hand side within the ejuror Online Jury Services application. You may also be permanently excused for mental or physical disability ONLY if you provide documentation from your doctor.
Can a person serve as a juror if he/she has a theft or felony?
A person is disqualified if they have been convicted of any theft or a felony or is under indictment or other legal accusation for any theft or felony.
A person is NOT disqualified as a result of a theft charge or a felony if:
- The person has successfully completed a deferred adjudication
- The person has completed a term of probation and the conviction has been dismissed under Tex. Code Crim. Proc. Ann. art. 42.12 &20.
Where does the jury service department obtain names of prospective jurors?
Jurors are randomly selected from a list of Collin County residents created by the state, combining voter registration and Texas Department of Public Safety records.
What if I live in Dallas? Do I have to serve in Collin County?
Part of Northwest Dallas is located in Collin County. Homeowners who pay property taxes to Collin County are required to serve.
Must jurors be paid by their employers while serving jury duty?
No, please contact your employer regarding their policy for jury service. It is a violation of state law for an employee to be terminated for serving jury duty pursuant to Civil Practice & Remedies Code Sec. 122.001 Juror’s Right to Reemployment; Notice of Intent to Return.
Do I have to serve if I know I will not be selected because of my occupation?
All qualified residents are required to serve regardless of their occupation. FOR EXAMPLE: NURSES, DOCTORS, TEACHERS AND POLICE OFFICERS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY EXEMPT OR DISQUALIFIED BECAUSE OF THEIR PROFESSION. JUDGES MUST ALSO SERVE JURY DUTY.
Can I donate my jury pay?
Yes, you may designate on your questionaire where you would like your pay donated or tell the Jury Services Office on the day you serve jury duty.
Day of Jury Service
How do I check my stand-by status?
Jurors may check their stand-by status by following the instructions on the top of the map included with their summons.
Can I bring food or drink?
Bottled water and snacks are allowed but must be kept closed in the jury room and may be consumed at breaks in the hallway.
Is internet access available?
Wi-Fi is available for use by jurors while in the jury room.
If circumstances beyond my control prevent me from appearing on my schedule date and I cannot reach the department in the morning, will a warrant be issued for my arrest?
No, you will not be arrested. You may call our office or send an email of explanation to the Jury Services Department and you will be assisted by one of our jury clerks in a timely manner.
Why am I unable to get through by telephone to the jury service department during jury selection days?
The Jury Service Department is in jury selection and unavailable during this process. Most questions can be answered by viewing the entire questionnaire/summons. You may request a postponement by phone or online as well.
What is the appropriate dress for serving jury duty?
“Business Casual” would be considered an appropriate way to dress for jury duty. NO SHORTS, TANK TOPS, UNIFORMS, INAPPROPRIATE CLOTHING OR CLOTHES WITH HOLES OR TEARS ARE PERMITTED.
When serving jury duty, will there be a lot of waiting involved?
It is possible that jurors may have to wait in the Central Jury room or outside a courtroom for an indefinite period of time. This is not “wasted time” because the immediate availability of a jury panel frequently motivates the parties of a trial to negotiate and settle a case without a trial. Wi-Fi and television are available, and we encourage you to bring a book or other reading material.
Where do I park? Is there a fee for parking?
There is no fee for parking; however parking is limited. Handicapped parking is available.
When will I be paid for my jury services?
All jurors receive $6.00 for their first day of service. Only jurors who actually serve on a trial two or more days will receive $30.00 per day after the first day. A check will be mailed to you once you have completed your jury service in 4-6 weeks. Your check is not valid after 60 days.
Will I be required to go through security at the courthouse?
Yes. No weapons or objects that could poke, stab, or cut are allowed in the courthouse facilities. This includes pocketknives, scissors, knitting needles, etc. NO CAMERAS ARE ALLOWED.
Laptops, cellphones, ipods and pagers will NOT be damaged by the scanner and may be brought into the courthouse facilities.
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