What should I wear during my Jury Service?

"Business Casual" would be considered an appropriate way to dress for Jury Duty. Nice jeans are also allowed.

Shorts, uniforms, tank tops, inappropriate clothing, and any clothing with holes or tears are NOT allowed in the courtroom.

Is jury service mandatory?

The United States Constitution and the Texas State Constitution guarantee the right to trial by jury. State law obligates all qualified residents to serve as a juror.

What if I claim an exemption or disqualification?

If you claim an exemption or disqualification, then you are excused and will not have to appear on your summons date. You may submit a legal exemption online using the eJuror Online Jury Services.

Where does the Jury Office 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.

My mailing address is in Dallas, TX. Why do I have to serve in Collin County?

Part of Northwest Dallas is in Collin County.

I no longer can fulfill my duties as a juror. Can you permanently delete my name from your records?

State law does not allow us to permanently remove you from our records unless you are 70 years of age or older, not a citizen of the United States, or no longer reside in Collin County.

How do I request a postponement from jury service?

Most postponements can be made by accessing the automated phone system or by using eJuror Online Jury Services.

Must jurors be paid by their employers while serving jury duty?

No. State law does not require employers to compensate their employees while on jury service. Many employers, however, do support the jury system. Please check with your employer regarding your company’s policy.

Can my employer prevent me from serving as a juror?

State law prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee for taking time off to serve as a juror.

Note to employers: Pursuant To Civil Practice and Remedies Code Sec122.001 Juror’s Right to Reemployment; Notice of intent to Return.

1. A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because an employee serves as a juror.
   
2. 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 for jury service, gives the employer actual notice that the employee intends to return.

Are business and economic reasons a valid reason to be excused from jury service?

No. State law does not allow a person to be excused for economic or business reasons. Hardships or concerns may be addressed in the court to which you are assigned.

How long will I serve as a juror?

If you are selected as a juror to participate in a trial, the trial will begin immediately after jury selection unless otherwise ordered by the judge. Your jury service will end when the trial is completed. If you are not selected as a juror, your service will be finished at the end of jury selection on the date you appear.

While serving jury duty will there be a lot of waiting involved?

There can be some wait time. We suggest that you bring reading material or small projects to pass the time while waiting for assignment to a courtroom. The most common complaint of jurors is the unexplained time apparently wasted during jury selection and trials. What might appear to be a waste of time to you is actually time being used by the judge and attorneys working on matters that must be done outside the presence of the jury. These events often arise unexpectedly and cannot be planned for in advance.

I know that I will not be selected to be on a jury because of what I do for a living.
Why not excuse me now and save time?

All qualified residents are required to serve jury duty 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!

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 get 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 $40.00 per day after the first day. A check will be mailed to you once you have completed your jury service. Please cash your check within 60 days.

Can I bring food or drink?

Food or drink is not allowed in the Central Jury Room.

How do I get to the location to which I am summoned to appear?

Maps and directions to each of the facilities can be obtained online, by calling the automated phone system, or by using the eJuror Online Jury Services.

Can I complete my juror questionnaire online?

The online system for completing Juror Questionnaires is currently available. Please click here to access the eJuror Online Jury Services.

Is there security at the courthouse?

Yes. No weapons of any kind including objects that could poke, stab, or cut are allowed into the courthouse facilities. This includes pocketknives, scissors, knitting needles, etc.

Will the scanner damage my electronics?

No. Laptops, cellphones, iPods, and pagers will not be damaged by the scanner and may be brought into the courthouse facilities.