You are obligated to perform this service honestly and conscientiously, without fear or favor. The grand jury does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. It is one of the highest duties of citizenship. You should arrive in time to be checked in. On behalf of Honorable J. Clark Stankoski, Presiding Circuit Judge, Honorable Jody W. Bishop, Honorable C. Joseph Norton . We now have some general jury information available online about parking, juror pay, work related questions, and more. Copyright 2017 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. Occasionally, the judge may ask jurors to leave the courtroom while the lawyers make their legal arguments. Being struck does not reflect on a juror's honesty or intelligence. 12 0 obj While jury duty is a civic requirement for all eligible citizens in Alabama, there are a number of excuses that can be used to legally get out of being required to report for jury selection or jury duty, or receive a deferral. Be careful what information you reveal over the phone. Jury service may be inconvenient, but no one is excused unless serving on a jury would present an undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, or be required by public necessity. Employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee and revoking acquired leave timefor serving as a juror. On behalf of HonorableJ. Clark Stankoski, Presiding Circuit Judge, Honorable Jody W. Bishop, Honorable C. Joseph Norton, Honorable Carmen Bosch, and Honorable Scott P. Taylor,Circuit Judges and Brenda Ganey,Circuit Clerk, we welcome everyone that has been chosen for jury service. Yes. Welcome to the State of Alabama's Juror Qualification System Verify Juror Enter the following information EXACTLY like it is printed on your summons form. Juror PIN help_outline Must be at least 1 characters County help_outline Date To Appear help_outline Invalid Date Date of Birth help_outline Invalid Date This website provides information on the judges, courts, filing fees, juror information and other pertinent information about the Mobile County courts. Please select a department or category from the menu to the left to find the information you need. <> Report to the Main Courtroom. No. Additional legal and court related information, forms, support, and services are available at www.alacourt.gov. A jury trial involves many people, directly or indirectly. Butler County - Second Circuit Court of Alabama After check in, the judge will ask general questions to determine whether you are qualified to serve as a juror. A juror should listen carefully to all questions by both parties on direct or cross examination of the witness, the testimony given in response to the questions, and the judges instructions to the jury. This is called "challenging a juror". Jury service is scheduled to be for a two week period. After the trial's completion, you are not obligated to answer questions presented by attorneys or the press. No. 15 0 obj We value your feedback! No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. The judges and their staff, along with the circuit clerk and her staff, will do all that is possible to make your jury service as pleasant and enjoyable as possible. In the state of Alabama, volunteer firefighters are exempt from jury duty. A bailiff or deputy sheriff will be in charge of the jurors who are sequestered to ensure that no one contacts them and to protect them. Sometimes the plaintiff may ask for damages in addition to the compensatory damages, in order to punish the defendant and to prevent the defendant from doing the same act again. The verdict is read by the judge, circuit clerk, or foreperson. We have two - 2 week terms each of Civil, Criminal and Grand Jury. A Civil case is an action between parties seeking an impartial settlement of a dispute. A felony is a crime punishable by at least one year and one day in the penitentiary and may also include a fine. Cell Phones are allowed but on vibrate at alltimes. The parties in a civil trial are the plaintiff and the defendant; in a criminal trial, they are the state, represented by the district attorney or prosecutor, and the defendant. Circuit Clerk / Absentee Election Manager. Request to Change Child Support. Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. No exemptions from jury service. The defendants case is presented after the plaintiffs or states case. Your summons will indicate which courtroom you are assigned to. An 18 member grand jury may be impaneled to hear evidence and to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to formally charge the defendant with committing a crime and to require an accused to stand trial. 2023 Jury Duty 101. The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. 9[> Attorneys represent and advise the parties on the law and all aspects of the trial. What if I have an illness or an emergency during service? Closing arguments are not evidence but are the attorneys summaries of the evidence presented during the trial. A criminal case is an action brought by the state against a person or corporation charged with violating the law. Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. 2 0 obj By obtaining from the circuit clerk or court administrator and filling out the form, "Affidavit - Waiver of Payment for Services as a Juror," you may forego all the expense and mileage allowances due to you. Section 12-16-8(c), Code of Alabama 1975, specifically provides that a "full time employee" is entitled to their usual wages during jury service. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. 2023 Be able to communicate in the English language. Cell Phones are allowed but on vibrate at all times. endobj The district attorney is an elected official who is the prosecutor for the state in criminal cases and represents a victim of crime. When to ReportThe Jury Line will instruct jurors as to what time to report. This saves jurors an unnecessary trip to the courthouse. The attorney general has ruled in Opinion 90-00190 that juror pay received while serving is an expense allowance and should not be deducted from your normal salary. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require an employer to provide annual, vacation, or sick leave to employees who otherwise are not entitled to the benefits under policies of the employer. Alabama Administrative Office of Courts If you are generally cold-natured, be sure to bring a jacket. You may telephone a relative or friend to bring personal necessities. 10 0 obj If I work 2nd or 3rd shift, do I still have to go work? What type of cases are heard by jurors?Jurors may be selected for criminal cases ranging from traffic offenses to murder as well as civil cases. endobj The thieves then asked for confidential information. If I work outside the state of Alabama and I am summoned as a juror in the county where I reside in the state of Alabama, am I entitled to my usual compensation from my employer? We will gladly assist you in correcting any misunderstanding. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? If you need legal assistance, you should see an attorney. You have completed your jury duty service. endobj For your convenience, the forms may be saved to your computer and used without accessing the internet. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to one year in the county jail or a fine up to $2,000 or both. Exhibits admitted into evidence will be available to the jury for examination during deliberations. I will NEVER call you and ask for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or other sensitive information. If the jury cannot reach a verdict, referred to as "deadlock," a mistrial must be declared and a new jury empaneled to try the case over. The grand jury is summoned to serve one term or until the next grand jury is empaneled. 3 0 obj Who can be excused from jury service?Very few people are excused from jury duty. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. Not necessarily. ChallengesDuring voir dire the lawyers may ask the judge to excuse a juror from sitting on the case. A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. The judge, attorneys, parties, witnesses and jurors are all direct participants in the courtroom proceedings. Your check and certificate will be mailed to you the end of next week. Thank you for serving! A witness may testify as an expert based on professional experience. Should the judge order sequestration, you have to spend the night away from your family. After reaching a verdict, the foreman records the verdict and calls for the bailiff to escort the jury to the courtroom. <> A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. Your name was randomly selected by computer from a list of Chambers County citizens who are registered to vote in Chambers County. It must be received in our office prior to your reporting date. However, some courts may excuse you if serving on a jury and missing work would cause undue hardship to either yourself or your employer. If I am summoned to court as a juror, but I was not chosen to serve, am I still entitled to an expense allowance and mileage? To do so would subject the employer to civil liability. No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. The "defendant" is the party being sued. You have completed your jury duty service! Yes. Please note the required fees for this service. You can also be excused if you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL. One late juror can waste the time of the many persons involved in a trial. The judge in the courtroom will explain the case and introduce the lawyers and other participants. No exemptions from jury service. This person presides over the discussion of the case, acting as chairperson and spokesperson for the jury. PDF JUDICIAL CIRCUITS OF ALABAMA - alacourt.gov If you are selected to serve on a jury, adequate time for lunch will be allowed. <> (Please Note: This will not excuse you permanently from jury duty. Have several alternate dates selected when you make your request. <>/F 4/A<>>> Please take your personal belongings with you during lunch, break, etc. Be prepared to wait before and during trials. Lawrence County - Thirty-Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama Park in the deck at Scott and Lawrence Streets. The judges charge to the jury follows closing arguments. 8/7/2007. These are issued at the end of the term, unless there is a special circumstance that warrants earlier issuance. As a citizen of St. Clair County, you have been chosen to serve in the role of juror. Notes are for personal use only. In most criminal cases on which you may be asked to serve, the crime with which the defendant is charged will be a "felony." Jury Information. Sometimes, a jury will be demanded by a defendant in a misdemeanor case. Copyright 2019 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Frequently Asked Questions about Jury Duty. [Acts 1978, No. Request for Contempt Hearing. no one is exempt from jury duty, but if this week presents an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience you may call Lisa Burdette (334) 864-4348 for a postponement to a later date. Witnesses present testimony under oath regarding what they have seen or know about the facts in the case. As a citizen of St. Clair County, you have been chosen to serve in the role of juror. @"D5;>mgI, wgf4=3b0C[Yc$nIJENUh yhi"V) K`FB76?(r[`dEAtITJe2 In most employment situations, "full time" means 40 hours a week. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. Wear comfortable clothing, which reflects the seriousness of jury service. For any additional questions or concerns please call 334-832-2531. endstream Alabama Judicial System The charge instructs the jury on the issues to be decided and the rules of law that apply to the case. If you do not qualify for any of the Alabama statutory exemptions listed above but seriously think that attending jury selection would cause you undue hardship, you can always submit a jury duty excuse letter with your response to the summons, and ask to be excused. These are called "compensatory damages." These are called "punitive damages." <> Letter of Transmittal of Notice of Appeal to Appellate Clerk by Trial Clerk. Alabama law states that a full-time employee will receive his/her usual wages while serving as a juror. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. St. Clair County - Thirtieth Circuit Court of Alabama You can renew vehicle license tabs, pay property taxes or utility bills (or ask questions about property taxes or utility bills), apply for a marriage license or a passport, submit building permit plans, or sit in on a County Commissioners meeting, all within a few blocks of the Court. The St. Clair County Courthouse is located at 100 6th Avenue North, Ashville, AL 35953. Are jurors paid for jury service?Jurors are paid $10 each day they report for service in addition to round-trip mileage ($.05 for each mile traveled) from their residence to the courthouse. endobj Chambers County - Fifth Circuit Court of Alabama After qualification, you will be sworn in with the following juror's oath. After the jury is selected, the trial will generally follow this order of events: Opening Statements: The lawyers for each side may explain the case, the evidence they will present, and the issues for the jury to decide. ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS Home Family Court Interpreters Municipal Courts Specialty Courts Guardianship/Conservatorship Commission Alabama Judicial Circuits Map Quick Links Alabama's Judicial Circuits Click on a county on the map to view county-specific information. The court may postpone jury service to a later date rather than grant an excuse. (This includes the evening after jury service is concluded.). The court will not reimburse you for parking citations. The grand jury does not determine the accuseds guilt or innocence. After you complete this process, email trish.campbell@alacourt.gov to notify the court you are seeding a medical excuse from jury duty. Alabama has a list of specific excuses that can be used to be exempt from reporting for jury duty, including excuses for military, elected official, breastfeeding, age, police, firefighter and disability. You will be in processed and given a brief orientation. xXMo6Q{EwggnuwecP)y38~rIaN$'W\(_++gL`4Ls\eiqkbVb/ot.M7xynjo{|nYbw 'J=q:s&!RTs.|KW. . Peremptory challenges do not require the lawyers to state any reason for excusing a juror. A jury trial involves many people, directly or indirectly. As a summoned juror, you are entitled to an expense and mileage allowance regardless of whether you actually served on a jury that particular day. You can also submit your requests in writing to: Mail: Court AdministratorMontgomery County CourthousePO Box 1667Montgomery, AL 36102-1667. A trial cannot begin or continue unless all jurors are present. Your employer is required by law (*Per Section 12-16-8(c) Code of Alabama) to pay you your normal salary if you are a full-time employee or work a full-time schedule on a regular basis. Information on cases in Alabama Circuit and District courts is now available on demand, without a subscription, through Just One Look. Legal Help for Low Income Clients- Provided by the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, Legal Services Alabama and the Lawyer Referral Service. At I-65 Exit 172B, Turn LEFT (East) onto SR-108 (Bell St), Bear RIGHT (South-East) onto SR-108 (Molton St), Turn LEFT (North-East) onto SR-108 (Bibb St), End: Arrive 251 S Lawrence St, Montgomery AL, 36104. The questions are not intended to embarrass anyone but are used to make sure that members of the jury do not have opinions or past experiences which might prevent reaching an impartial decision. Can my employer deduct my juror pay from my pay check? E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. A Juror must not discuss the case with anyone, including relatives, friends, or trial participants. However, after the trial has concluded, a juror may discuss the case with anyone, but the juror is not obligated to do so. They are employed by the parties or, if a defendant is indigent and unable to pay for an attorney in his/her criminal case, an attorney will be appointed by the court at state expense. As a Juror, there are certain responsibilities you will be asked to fulfill. <> After listening to the judges oral charge, the jury retires to begin jury deliberations. There is no limit to the number of jurors who may be excused for challenge for cause. On occasion there will be times you will be required to wait while the Judge takes up an issue which must be heard outside of the jury's presence. Should your family have an emergency you can be reached by calling the Clerk's Office at (334) 864-4348. Jury service is scheduled to be for a one to week period depending on the number of cases at issue. endobj Upon completion of cross-examination, the plaintiffs attorney or district attorney may, on redirect examination, clarify statements previously made by the witness. How is a civil case different from a criminal case? PS-01. After the qualifying and excuses, you will be given a break to move your car out of the 2-hour parking, and then you will be divided into panels and you will keep the same panel number the whole term. Justice ultimately depends in large measure on the jurors who serve in our courts. This elected official is responsible for court records, issuing summonses and subpoenas, collecting court-ordered monies, and conducting other business activities. The judge conducts the trial, rules on questions of law raised by the attorneys, and, at the close of the trial, instructs the jury on the law that applies to the case. The Jury Line will instruct jurors about where to report. No fingernail files that are 3 inches in length or longer; no scissors of any type or length. The jury panel is sent to the courtroom in which the case will be heard. I will on occasion call and let jurors know that court has been cancelled for the day. A jurors verdict can only be based upon the evidence presented.

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