Frequently Asked Questions About Juries and Jury Service

For anyone who has faced applying for jury duty, or wondered how it works, this is the article to read. Below you will find a series of frequently asked questions about juries, jury duty and more. If you are concerned about a recent request for jury duty, or have missed your jury duty, contact a trusted criminal defense attorney for advice on what to do next. In the meantime, please read the following questions to get answers to your initial queries.

What is the age requirement for jury duty?

The national age requirement to be an eligible member of a federal court is 18 years. Those over the age of 70 can request to be excused from jury duty.

How did the courts get my information?

Varies from state to state. Check with your county clerk’s office for information on how your city obtains its information for jury duty. For example, in Indiana, they use the state voter registration and the Supreme Court jury list to find potential jurors.

Is jury duty mandatory?

Yes, jury duty is mandatory and you must attend; however, it is not technically illegal for someone not to show up, so there are no criminal consequences.

What happens if I don’t show up?

If you do not show up after receiving an official citation, there are no legal consequences or penalties; instead, you will simply be placed back in the jury pool for future selections.

What happens if I can’t make my citation date?

In the initial questionnaire (Juror Qualification Questionnaire), you are not yet being summoned. The actual call will come at a later date, after the second questionnaire. When you receive the second questionnaire (Federal Court Jury Duty Questionnaire), you can list the dates you cannot serve in Part 1, Question #7. If you cannot meet most of the requested one-month deadline, you will need to complete a hardship application form. If you are unable to serve due to a medical condition, please submit a Physician’s Statement with your initial questionnaire (Jury Qualification Questionnaire).

What is the difference between a trial and a grand jury?

Grand juries are different from trial juries because they meet to determine whether or not there is sufficient probable cause to prosecute. They do not rule on guilt or innocence. In fact, grand juries only hear arguments from the prosecution, not the defense.

What kind of case will I be on?

Most cases are civil, but you may find yourself in a criminal case. He won’t know anything until the introductory jury meeting.

I already served on a jury in a county court. Why am I called to serve again?

You must also serve in federal court. Then you’re exempt from jury duty.

I already filled out a questionnaire. Why do I have to fill another?

Sometimes the Federal Court Jury Service Questionnaire comes months after the Jury Qualification Questionnaire. And since their information might have changed in that time, they send out a second questionnaire to confirm accuracy.

I completed the questionnaire, but forgot to send it within the 10-day deadline. What do I do now?

Just send it as soon as possible. The courts understand that people are going out of town, going on vacation, or have other circumstances in their life, so there is no penalty, you will just be on a waiting list.

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