The jury will be asked to make decisions regarding disputed facts; therefore, jurors attention at all times is critically important. The court attendant (also known as a "bailiff") maintains courtroom order and assists jurors. The following items are not allowed in the Baldwin County Courthouses. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. 2023 A witness may testify as an expert based on professional experience. endobj Additional legal information and forms are available at www.alacourt.gov. In most criminal cases on which you may be asked to serve, the crime with which the defendant is charged will be a "felony." Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. How often am I required to serve as a juror? For example, the case may involve driving under the influence of alcohol. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. The grand jury is randomly selected by the computer from the qualified juror venire. 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. Alabama Jury Duty Excuse List - Getting Excused From Jury Duty If you are selected to serve on a jury the first day, then you will follow the judges instructions until that case is over. 15 0 obj However, some courts may excuse you if serving on a jury and missing work would cause undue hardship to either yourself or your employer. The grand jury is summoned to serve one term or until the next grand jury is empaneled. If you are in the Montgomery County Area: Note: Jurors are encouraged to take public transportation to the court building. Please be assured that without your service the judicial system could not operate efficiently. 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. After reaching a verdict, the foreperson records the verdict and calls for the court attendant (or bailiff) to escort the jury to the courtroom. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. There are many reasons why an attorney may prefer some jurors to others for a particular trial. By law ( 12-16-62. 9 0 obj Alabama Administrative Office of Courts - alacourt.gov There is no charge for parking. Alabama law states that a full-time employee will receive his/her usual wages while serving as a juror. In a civil trial, the jury decides all questions of fact and determines whether the plaintiff has a valid complaint and should be awarded the relief requested. Peremptory challenges are intended to allow lawyers, both prosecution and defense, to do their best to assure that the trial is fair. Lawrence County - Thirty-Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama 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. Do not give out such information over the phone to anyone who calls you claiming to be with the judicial system. xXMo6Q{EwggnuwecP)y38~rIaN$'W\(_++gL`4Ls\eiqkbVb/ot.M7xynjo{|nYbw 'J=q:s&!RTs.|KW. How was I selected for jury duty?You were selected at random from lists of voter registrations of Montgomery County. Identity thieves in other parts of the country have called residents and threatened them for failing to report for jury service. %PDF-1.5 Once selection of a jury begins, a potential juror should not discuss the case with anyone. 11 0 obj Sometimes, a jury will be demanded by a defendant in a misdemeanor case. After qualification, you will be sworn in with the following juror's oath. You will need toupdate your voter registration. Does my employer have to pay me while I serve on jury duty? Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. It will be at the discretion of the court that summoned you whether to accept or deny your excuse. However, after the trial has concluded, a juror may discuss the case with anyone, but the juror is not obligated to do so. We will gladly assist you in correcting any misunderstanding. 10 0 obj 36104, Copyright Presentation of Evidence: The evidence consists of the testimony of witnesses and the exhibits allowed by the judge. Must my employer pay me while I am on jury duty?If you are a regular full-time employee, your employer is required to pay you while you are on jury duty. 8/15/2011. The Alabama Central Disbursement Division (ACDD) is a newly created division that was established as a result of federal and state law, known as the Welfare Reform Act of 1996. The grand jury may be summoned to serve one term or several short terms. After deliberations begin, a juror can discuss the case only with the other jurors. Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. It is one of the highest duties of citizenship. If you have not been previously rescheduled your turn of service can be deferred to a more convenient time. The St. Clair County Courthouse is located at 100 6th Avenue North, Ashville, AL 35953. 2023 Jury Duty 101. If I work a second or third shift (classified as a shift other than the typical 8-5 workday), must I return to work after I have served on a jury for six to eight hours during the day and am expected to report for jury duty the next day? 7 0 obj If I am unable to serve on jury duty, whom do I call? 8/7/2007. For example, if a person is summoned for jury duty in Alabama, the person's employer in Georgia cannot fire the person for being absent for serving as a juror. Be careful what information you reveal over the phone. A Juror must not conduct independent investigations or experiments to verify testimony given in the case. endobj Generally, if you qualify for one of the statutory excuses, you can respond to your jury duty summons letter with an excuse note containing proof of your excuse, and you will not have to report for jury selection. (Please Note: Your employer is only required to pay you a 40 hour work week's pay, no overtime pay even if you normally work overtime.) PDF JUDICIAL CIRCUITS OF ALABAMA - alacourt.gov Be able to communicate in the English language. Mobile County - Thirteenth Circuit Court of Alabama A Juror must give his/her undivided attention to the trial. 3 0 obj In courts holding sessions longer than 30 days, the order shall be made returnable 20 days after it issues, and the person in default shall have 10 days after service in which to appear and render his excuse. A Juror must not research the case through broadcast and newspaper accounts. What is the difference between a petit and a grand jury? A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. The jurors should understand that such interruptions are needed to make sure that their verdict is based upon proper evidence, as determined by the judge under the Rules of Evidence. In Alabama, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty. Report to the Main Courtroom. In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". Your Jury service has been completed. All rights reserved. The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. On occasion, it is necessary to sequester or isolate a jury from contact with the public during the course of the trial. The website is located at https://judicial.alabama.gov, 300 Dexter Ave. Rulings by the Judge: The judge may be asked to decide questions of law during the trial. After the first day, you will be given a pink juror card with a telephone number to call every night after 5:00 pm. This elected official is responsible for court records, issuing summonses and subpoenas, collecting court-ordered monies, and conducting other business activities. You are obligated to perform this service honestly and conscientiously, without fear or favor. Legal Disclaimer, Local Court Information Regarding COVID-19, Intergovernmental Child Support Enforcement Forms, Alabama Central Disbursement Division (ACDD), Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Forms and Time-Sharing Schedules, Registry of Foreign Language Interpreters, Overview of the Foreign Language Interpreter Program, Overview of the Sign Language Interpreter Program, AOC Foreign Language Interpreter Policies, Instructions for Payment of Alabama Court Interpreters, Payment Claim Form for Foreign Language Interpreters, Payment Claim Form for Interpreters for the Deaf, Fee Standards for Foreign Language Interpreters, Fee Standards for Sign Language Interpreters, Authorization to Conduct a Criminal Background Check, Overview of Foreign Language Interpreter Program, Overview of Sign Language Interpreter Program, Instructions for Payment of AL Court Interpreters, Authorization to Conduct Criminal Background Check. These are called "punitive damages." Mobile County - Thirteenth Circuit Court of Alabama We read every comment! Copyright 2017 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. His fax number is located on the jury summons. PS-02. If you believe you have a good reason to be excused from jury service, notify the court in advance. Click the above map. What if I have an illness or an emergency during service? You can briefly tell us in your letter, the reason that you need to be excused and mail it to the Clerk's Office. 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. All those that have been summoned for jury service should report on the day required, to the large courtroom, at the Bay Minette courthouse. You will be in processed and given a brief orientation. The grand jury does not determine the accuseds guilt or innocence. 3/31/2005. Being struck does not reflect on a juror's honesty or intelligence. If you are selected to serve on a jury, adequate time for lunch will be allowed. <> 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. . If you need legal assistance, you should see an attorney. Request for Contempt Hearing. [Acts 1978, No. To qualify for jury service, a person generally must have a reputation for being honest and intelligent, must possess good character and sound judgment, and also must: Most of our jury terms are scheduled for two consecutive weeks. endobj The court, however, can require the defendant to reimburse the state for these costs, if s(he) is able. 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 Our Justices, Judges and staff share the sentiments of former United States Chief Justice Earl Warren when he stated that, "The success of any legal system is measured by its fidelity to the universal ideal of justice." endobj Circuit Clerk / Absentee Election Manager. Please allow extra time for parking and going through the metal detector. The Chambers County Courthouse is located at 2 Lafayette St. South, Lafayette, AL 36862. The Clerk does not have anything to do with the selection process. As a juror, you are part of the judicial system of our state and will serve as an officer of the Court along with the judges and lawyers. As a citizen of St. Clair County, you have been chosen to serve in the role of juror. 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? The jury panel is sent to the courtroom in which the case will be heard. 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. 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. Should you receive another summons in the future and you are still having medical problems, you would need to submit another request to be excused.) Your check and certificate will be mailed to you the end of next week. Yes. Note: The Attorney General in Georgia has concluded that it is unlawful for an employee in Georgia to fire an employee working in Georgia because the employee was absent from his/her employment for the purpose of serving as a juror in Alabama. A circuit judge randomly selects the grand jury from the qualified juror pool. If you have any difficulty with your employer as a result of your Jury Service, you can call us at 256-761-2103. Please note the required fees for this service. The court may require alternate jurors to serve who shall have the same qualifications, be subject to the same examination, take the same oath, and have the same functions and powers as regular jurors. Should you be released earlier than expected, you should return to your job. You should register online prior to reporting. Do you have a comment or correction concerning this page? Direct examination discloses points important to the case. When to ReportThe Jury Line will instruct jurors as to what time to report. For any additional questions or concerns please call 334-832-2531. ARAP-02. To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. No knives, or anything that is sharp, pointed or edged including knitting needles. The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. These are called "compensatory damages." Certificate of Completion of Clerk's Record. State law prohibits an employer from dismissing an employee because (s)he is summoned for jury service. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit for the State of Alabama consists of Mobile County's state courts. Can I Get Excused From Jury Duty Because I Work? 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. Per Section 12-16-82 Code of Alabama: "If any person summoned as a grand or petit juror shall fail to obey such summons without good excuse, to be determined by the court, he or she shall be deemed guilty of a contempt of court; and, if no sufficient excuse is rendered for him or her at the time of his or her default, an order shall be entered for him or her to show cause why he or she shall not be adjudged guilty of contempt and punished accordingly; and, if he shall fail at the next session after the service of such notice to render such excuse, he or she shall be fined by the court not more than three hundred dollars ($300) and may be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than 10 days. You can also be excused if you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL. A prospective juror is asked questions to determine whether he or she has knowledge of or has an interest in the case to be tried. St. Clair County - Thirtieth Circuit Court of Alabama - alacourt.gov This is called "challenging a juror". If it has been less than 2 years, you will be excused from that term. <> 35650. The defendants case presentation follows the same format as the plaintiffs or States case. The verdict is read by the judge, circuit clerk, or foreperson. <> The judge in the courtroom will explain the case and introduce the lawyers and other participants. basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty, will be an actively engaged full time teacher at the time of jury service, have active care of an infirm or aged individual whose safety or health would be jeopardized by your absence. May I waive or forego my expense and mileage allowances if I choose to do so? <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 13 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> For each required service day, you are entitled to be paid by the circuit clerk or court administrator an expense allowance of $10.00 plus a mileage allowance of $.05 for each mile traveled in going to and returning from court to your residence. We try to keep these to a minimum; however, these are often circumstances beyond the Court's control. You have completed your jury duty service! No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. PDF JURY DUTY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What Should I Do If - alacourt.gov read more. Courts in St. Clair County maintain records on everything that occurs during the legal process for future reference, including appeals. A person who knows a fact which could materially affect the case should not serve as a juror. What is my duty as a juror?As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. No lighters, matches or anything that will light a fire. A Juror must not discuss the case with anyone, including relatives, friends, or trial participants. Contact your doctor/medical care provider and request a medical excuse stating you are not physically and/or mentally able to serve as a Jury Information Links Notice of Garnishments District Judges Honorable Alan Furr, District Judge County Courthouse, Suite 308 1815 Cogswell Ave Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-3869 Honorable Robert Minor, District Judge County Courthouse, Suite 208 1815 Cogswell Ave Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-1034 endobj The presentation of the case begins with the plaintiffs or the district attorneys direct examination of a witness. (This includes the evening after jury service is concluded.). United States Constitution:Amendment VIIn all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. Also, the temperature fluctuates greatly in our old courthouse, so you may want to bring a jacket. Parking is available around the courthouse. The courthouse is normally open at 8:00am to begin the check in process. They are considered contraband and could lead to your arrest. <>/F 4/A<>>> <> | Alabama Medical Jury Duty Excuse In the state of Alabama, physicians, dentists, and nurses are exempt from jury duty. For example, if a person is a resident of Alabama and works in Georgia and that person is summoned for jury duty in Alabama, the persons employer in Georgia cannot fire the person for being absent for serving as a juror. The thieves then asked for confidential information. A jurors verdict can only be based upon the evidence presented. Not necessarily. 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. Badges should be worn in plain view at all times (including lunch) during jury service. The courthouse will open at 8:00 a.m. to begin the check in process. Have several alternate dates selected when you make your request. How is a civil case different from a criminal case? J'affirme avoir achev le Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du plaideur l'chelon de l'tat en ligne tel que propos par le Comit de la Cour suprme sur l'accs aux tribunaux de la famille. Doctor's excuses can be faxed to the Circuit Judge's office. The judge, attorneys, parties, witnesses, and jurors are all direct participants in the courtroom proceedings. Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Jury Service Information forTuesday, April 11, 2023. Per Section 12-16-75(b) Code of Alabama: "A juror who has served on a petit jury in this state shall not be summoned to serve again as a petit juror in any court of this state for 24 months following the last day of service.". A "Certificate of Jury Service" may be obtained from the circuit clerk as proof of jury service for your employer. You should arrive in time to be checked in. The law requires that a juror be excused until the next day so the juror may be fully attentive to his/her duties as a juror. endobj Lynette Spaller is the Juror Manager and can be reached at(251) 937-0356 or (251) 580-1855 or by emailinglynette.spaller@alacourt.gov. Legal Help for Low Income Clients- Provided by the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, Legal Services Alabama and the Lawyer Referral Service. Delays result for many reasons: settlement or plea negotiations, record checking, points of law, etc. 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. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. Keep in mind that your initial jury duty summons is only for attending jury selection day, where it will be decided if you are to actually serve on a jury during the "Voir Dire" process. The sheriff, as an elected official, is the countys chief law enforcement officer. E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Will my expense allowance be deducted from my salary? No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. Please be prompt. 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? Upon completion of a voir dire examination, each attorney may strike the names of jurors from the list of prospective jurors until only 12 names remain. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. 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. You may call the Circuit Judge listed on your jury summons card or 256-549-2174 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least one week prior to the date you are to report. The court will not reimburse you for parking citations. Employers are prohibited by law 12-16-8.1) from firing an employee for serving as a juror. When you call that number (943-7935 in Gulf Area and 937-0363 in all other areas), there will be a recorded message by the Circuit Clerk telling you whether or not your panel number needs to come to jury duty the next day, and if your panel number is to come, when you are to report. 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. After check in, the judge will ask general questions to determine whether you are qualified to serve as a juror. 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. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. We schedule a term of Civil, a term of Criminal and a term of Grand Jury in the Spring and in the Fall of each year. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? Occasionally, the judge may ask jurors to leave the courtroom while the lawyers make their legal arguments. To qualify for jury service, a person generally must have a reputation for being honest and intelligent, must possess good character and sound judgment, and also must: Service as a juror depends upon many factors, one of which is the type and complexity of the case. <> If you were selected to serve as a juror on a trial, please follow the instructions given to you by that presiding judge. (Please Note: This will not excuse you permanently from jury duty. We have two - 2 week terms each of Civil, Criminal and Grand Jury. This presentation is intended to prove the claims made. In the state of Alabama, physicians, dentists, and nurses are exempt from jury duty. In a civil trial, the jury decides all questions of fact and determines whether the plaintiff has a valid complaint and should be awarded the relief requested. Upon completion of cross-examination, the plaintiffs attorney or district attorney may, on redirect examination, clarify statements previously made by the witness.