There are magazines in the jury lounge to read, or you may want to bring a book. (This includes the evening after jury service is concluded.). In Alabama, jurors are not "paid" for their service, however, jurors are given an expense allowance of $10.00 per day and $.05 per mile for each day's round trip mileage (Please Note: the state only allows for one trip to the courthouse and the trip home each day.) Be prepared to wait before and during trials. <> These are called "compensatory damages." St. Clair-Ashville: All Divisions St. Clair County Courthouse 100 6th Avenue, Courthouse Square, Suite 400 Ashville, AL 35953 (205) 594-2184 St. Clair-Pell City: All Divisions District Court of St. Clair 1815 Cogswell Ave., Suite 217 Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-2511 Sumter County: All Divisions 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 jury trial involves many people, directly or indirectly. All those that have been summoned for jury service should report on the day required, to the large courtroom, at the Bay Minette courthouse. 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. Read, speak, and understand the English language; Not have been convicted of a crime involving "moral turpitude" (a crime which violates accepted standards of the community, including crimes involving dishonesty) which resulted in the suspension of a persons right to vote. Court Administrator - LaShandra Warren-BarnesExecutive Assistant - Charletta SmithClerk Assistant - Nury Quintero. Have several alternate dates selected when you make your request. Thank you for serving! No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. As part of jury selection, the judge and the lawyers will then question the jury panel members to determine if anyone has knowledge of the case, a personal interest in it, or feelings that might make it hard to be impartial. 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. Usage is subject to our Terms and Privacy Policy. 9[> The presentation of the case begins with the plaintiffs or the district attorneys direct examination of a witness. GovernmentThe Court is located near other city, county, state, and federal government buildings. Lynette Spaller is the Juror Manager and can be reached at(251) 937-0356 or (251) 580-1855 or by emailinglynette.spaller@alacourt.gov. Pay traffic tickets or district criminal case fines online. This person presides over the discussion of the case, acting as chairperson and spokesperson for the jury. Why is jury duty important?The United States Constitution and the Alabama State Constitution guarantees all people the right to trial by an impartial jury. [Acts 1978, No. Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. If you are selected to serve on a jury the first day, then you will follow the judges instructions until that case is over. Wear comfortable clothing that reflects the seriousness of jury service. The courthouse will open at 8:00 a.m. to begin the check in process. 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. Juror Responsibilities Jury Duty FAQ Legal and Judicial Terms Sequence of Trial Events Trial Participants On behalf of the Honorable Greg Nicholas, Presiding Circuit Judge, Honorable Martha E. Williams, Circuit Judge and Lisa McSwain, Circuit Clerk, thank you for your willingness to serve as a juror! A "Certificate of Jury Service" may be obtained from the circuit clerk as proof of jury service for your employer. Evidence can be testimony given by a witness at trial or a physical exhibit such as a gun or a photograph. 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." You will need toupdate your voter registration. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. Sometimes, a jury will be demanded by a defendant in a misdemeanor case. Also, the phrase "full-time employee" may be defined by industry standards, in addition to the standards of that particular community. There is no charge for parking. Every person that serves on a jury will be issued a check for each day of . In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. JURORS: Please review the Juror FAQ to find answers to questions about how the Mobile County courts intend to handle jury assembly and trials during the Covid-19 pandemic. SmokingState law prohibits smoking in all parts of the Courthouse. Can I be excused from or postpone service? You have completed your jury duty service! You may telephone a relative or friend to bring personal necessities. Your service as a juror is as important as those of the judge. A prospective juror is asked questions to determine whether he/she has knowledge of or has an interest in the case to be tried. endobj Peremptory challenges do not require the lawyers to state any reason for excusing a juror. If you can't get out of attending jury selection, there are many ways to raise the odds that you will be excused after jury selection without being selected to serve on a jury. 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 have completed your jury duty service. Report to the Main Courtroom. PS-01. A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. After the defendants case, the plaintiff or state may present rebuttal witnesses or evidence designed to disprove the testimony and evidence presented by the defendant. A felony is a crime punishable by at least one year and one day in the penitentiary and may also include a fine of $5,000 or more. Who would be considered a "Full Time Employee" in terms of being able to receive their salary or wages during jury service? If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. Simply stated, our mission is to be the most successful judicial system in the nation. The verdict is read by the judge, circuit clerk, or foreman. A jury of 12 people will be selected in the courtroom. 8/15/2011. endobj xXMo6Q{EwggnuwecP)y38~rIaN$'W\(_++gL`4Ls\eiqkbVb/ot.M7xynjo{|nYbw 'J=q:s&!RTs.|KW. This law required a single location in each state to which employers could send wage withheld child support payments to be processed. To register for E-notices as a Pro Se go to https://alafile.alacourt.gov and click on Register. Logon to the jury webpage (juror.alacourt.gov) to respond to your summons. 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. You should register online prior to reporting. Jurors will be excused only upon a demonstration of undue hardship or extreme inconvenience or for other reasons provided by law. You can also be excused if you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL. <> There is no limit to the number of jurors who may be excused for challenge for cause. The Chambers County Courthouse is located at 2 Lafayette St. South, Lafayette, AL 36862. 1 0 obj A juror should listen to the evidence presented by both sides carefully and avoid "taking sides" until (s)he has an opportunity to hear all the evidence and the judges instructions as to the law applicable to that particular 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. The following is a description of their roles: If there are other terms or phrases which you hear while serving as a juror that you do not understand, ask the judge to explain the term or phrase to you. The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. 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. A felony is a crime punishable by at least one year and one day in the penitentiary and may also include a fine. 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. If a juror had been in an accident with a drunk driver and was still upset about it, the defense attorney could ask that the juror be excused for that reason. %PDF-1.5 Please allow extra time for parking and going through the metal detector. Talladega County Circuit Clerk's Office 148 East St. N P.O. 3 0 obj 11 0 obj How is a civil case different from a criminal case? Appellee's Designation of Clerks Record. The judges charge to the jury follows closing arguments. A juror may not listen to radio or television accounts concerning the trial, or read articles about the trial. The court will not reimburse you for parking citations. Every person that serves will be issued a check for each day of service and be given a certificate of service for your employer. 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. as we will not be responsible for their loss. As a citizen of St. Clair County, you have been chosen to serve in the role of juror. Your summons will indicate which courtroom you are assigned to. St. Clair County Court Records are public records, documents, files, and transcripts associated with court cases and court dockets available in St. Clair County, Alabama. 8/15/2011. Your check and certificate will be mailed to you the end of next week. Presentation of Evidence: The evidence consists of the testimony of witnesses and the exhibits allowed by the judge. 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. The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. Identity thieves in other parts of the country have called residents and threatened them for failing to report for jury service. Elmore County - Nineteenth Circuit Court of Alabama If you have received a jury summons, you should register online at https://juror.alacourt.gov immediately. A Juror must be prompt. The district attorney is an elected official who is the prosecutor for the state in criminal cases and represents a victim of crime. The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. | Alabama Medical Jury Duty Excuse In the state of Alabama, physicians, dentists, and nurses are exempt from jury duty. All rights reserved. No. The court reporter records a word-for-word account of all court testimony and proceedings, and, in the event of an appeal and upon request of one or both of the parties, will transcribe the record into a written transcript. 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. This presentation is intended to prove the claims made. To do so would subject the employer to civil liability. A trial cannot begin or continue unless all jurors are present. All requests to be excused from serving must be made in writing. Jury service is scheduled to be for a one to week period depending on the number of cases at issue. 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 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. There are many reasons why an attorney may prefer some jurors to others for a particular trial. 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. By law ( 12-16-62. endobj Employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee and revoking acquired leave timefor serving as a juror. This elected official is responsible for court records, issuing summonses and subpoenas, collecting court-ordered monies, and conducting other business activities. 12 0 obj A criminal case is an action brought by the state against a person or corporation charged with violating the law. Welcome to Jury Duty If you have received a jury summons, you should register online at https://juror.alacourt.gov immediately.. Lynette Spaller is the Juror Manager and can be reached at (251) 937-0356 or (251) 580-1855 or by emailing lynette.spaller@alacourt.gov. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. Request for Contempt Hearing. You will need to call Lisa Burdette at (334) 864-4348and give your updated address and phone number to be taken off of the list for that week. How is a civil case different from a criminal case? 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. Smoking is permitted outside the building, however, because of time limitations there will not always be opportunities to go outside. Circuit Clerk / Absentee Election Manager. There is no way to permanently excuse anyone from jury duty. 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. Please allow extra time for parking and going through the metal detector. E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Welcome to E-Forms The following forms are available in portable document format (PDF) for the public and other users of the AOC website. In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. 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. If you need legal assistance, you should see an attorney. Jury deliberations generally conclude when a unanimous verdict has been reached. read more. Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. (Please Note: This will not excuse you permanently from jury duty. These are called "compensatory damages." For example, the case may involve driving under the influence of alcohol. After deliberations begin, a juror can discuss the case only with the other jurors. What if I have an illness or an emergency during service? 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. What is the difference between a petit and a grand jury? The courts business manager is the circuit clerk. Please select a department or category from the menu to the left to find the information you need. If the court finds it necessary for the jury to inspect the scene of an accident or alleged crime, the judge will arrange for the entire jury to do so together. Juror note-taking or the use of any notes will be determined by the judge. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. However, you are not authorized to receive an expense and mileage allowance if you are notified in advance that your services are not needed for that day, or if you report only to be excused. However, you are not authorized to receive an expense and mileage allowance if you are notified in advance that your services are not needed for that day or if you report only to be excused. [Acts 1978, No. ChallengesDuring voir dire the lawyers may ask the judge to excuse a juror from sitting on the case. The judge in the courtroom will explain the case and introduce the lawyers and other participants. Cell Phones are allowed but on vibrate at all times. The attorney general has ruled in Opinion 95-00007 and Opinion 97-0138 that any second or third shift employee is placed on first shift status by law for their week of jury duty service. The grand jury does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Where to goThe Jury Assembly Room is to your left as your leave the elevator on the 3rd floor. Yes. 15 0 obj As a Juror, there are certain responsibilities you will be asked to fulfill. For information on the Mobile County Family Court, see their website at http://www.stricklandyouthcenter.org/. If you are generally cold-natured, be sure to bring a jacket. <> 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 Copyright 2017 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. A Civil case is an action between parties seeking an impartial settlement of a dispute. If you are in the Montgomery County Area: Note: Jurors are encouraged to take public transportation to the court building. <>/F 4/A<>>> All other panels, your Jury service has been completed. If I work 2nd or 3rd shift, do I still have to go work? In Baldwin County, we have two (2) week jury terms, but you most likely will not serve every day of the term. endobj 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. 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. You can also submit your requests in writing to: Mail: Court AdministratorMontgomery County CourthousePO Box 1667Montgomery, AL 36102-1667. In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". Jury Duty Juror FAQ Juror Responsibilities Trial Participants Sequence of Events Prohibited Items Thank You for Your Jury Service Jury service is scheduled to be for a two week period. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Will I have to come to the Courthouse every day during the 2 week jury term? endobj Closing arguments follow evidence presentation, at which time both sides summarize the case from their viewpoint. This saves jurors an unnecessary trip to the courthouse. ", Per Section 12-16-8(b) Code of Alabama: "An employee may not be required or requested to use annual, vacation, unpaid leave, or sick leave for time spent responding to a summons for jury duty, time spent participating in the jury selection process, or for time spent actually serving on a jury. 4 0 obj A jurors verdict can only be based upon the evidence presented. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. The courts have defined "full time" as the amount of time considered as the normal or standard amount of work time for a given period, such as a day, week, or month. A prospective juror may be considered for exemption if they are: You may also show some other reason that serving as a juror will cause a deal of hardship or inconvenience. MealsDowntown Montgomery has a number of fine restaurants, within a short walk from the courthouse. After the opening statements from both sides, the plaintiffs or states case is presented in the form of evidence. When to ReportThe Jury Line will instruct jurors as to what time to report. Thank you for serving! We try to keep these to a minimum; however, these are often circumstances beyond the Court's control. This process is called "voir dire", a phrase meaning "to speak the truth". Sometimes, a jury will be demanded by a defendant in a misdemeanor case. PS-03. % 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. A civil case is an action between parties seeking an impartial settlement of a dispute. We read every comment! Additional legal and court related information, forms, support, and services are available at www.alacourt.gov. Not necessarily. The charge instructs the jury on the issues to be decided and the rules of law that apply to the case. No exemptions from jury service. It is one of the highest duties of citizenship. A Juror must not conduct independent investigations or experiments to verify testimony given in the case. 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? Request to Change Child Support. 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. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. 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. 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. 10 0 obj The grand jury does not determine the accuseds guilt or innocence. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? However, if allowed, juror may not use his/her own notes to sway other jurors. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 13 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> The grand jury is summoned to serve one term or until the next grand jury is empaneled. The court, however, can require the defendant to reimburse the state for these costs, if s(he) is able. Cell Phones are allowed but on vibrate at alltimes. 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. Note: The Attorney General in Georgia has concluded that it is unlawful for an employer 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 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. The judge is an elected or appointed official who administers proceedings between the parties. It must be received in our office prior to your reporting date. Direct examination discloses points important to the case. After you complete this process, email trish.campbell@alacourt.gov to notify the court you are seeding a medical excuse from jury duty. 205 Government Street, Suite 913 | Mobile, AL 36644-2913 Phone: (251) 574-8511 | Fax: (251) 574-8796 | Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, M - F . What is my duty as a juror?As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. What time do I have to arrive at the Courthouse on Monday? Information on cases in Alabama Circuit and District courts is now available on demand, without a subscription, through Just One Look. Deliberation: After closing arguments, the jury is isolated to decide the verdict in the case. Report to the Main Courtroom. Your Jury service has been completed. These are called "punitive damages." The jurys verdict can only be based upon evidence presented in court. Can I Get Excused From Jury Duty Because I Work? This is called "challenging a juror". Alabama Judicial System endobj 400 | Ashville, AL 35953 Phone: (205) 594-2184 , Pell City - (205) 338-2511 | Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, M-F Need Directions? The St. Clair County Courthouse is located at 100 6th Avenue North, Ashville, AL 35953. 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. 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. What if I have a medical condition which would prevent me from serving? *Section 12-16-8(c) Code of Alabama: "Notwithstanding the excused absence provided in subsection (a), any full time employee shall be entitled to his or her usual compensation received from such employment.". It is very unlikely that you will have to spend every day at jury duty. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. @"D5;>mgI, wgf4=3b0C[Yc$nIJENUh yhi"V) K`FB76?(r[`dEAtITJe2 We now have some general jury information available online about parking, juror pay, work related questions, and more. The jury panel is sent to the courtroom in which the case will be heard. Parking is available around the courthouse. How long does jury duty last?Service as a juror depends upon many factors, one of which is the type and complexity of the case. An Alabama jury may be excused from jury service due to advanced age, at their request, if they are over age 70. The verdict is read by the judge, circuit clerk, or foreperson. The "plaintiff" sues and brings the case to court usually asking for money damages to compensate the plaintiff for certain losses. 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. Jurors may give the evidence whatever weight they consider appropriate. Notes are for personal use only. Jury Service Information forTuesday, April 11, 2023. On the first day that you appear, a jury will be selected for the first case to be tried for that term of court. Be careful what information you reveal over the phone. A jury trial involves many people, directly or indirectly. 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. Jurors are NOT allowed to bring their cell phones into the court house. Witnesses present testimony under oath regarding what they have seen or know about the facts in the case. We value your feedback! 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. 6 0 obj Who can be excused from jury service?Very few people are excused from jury duty. After the trial's completion, you are not obligated to answer questions presented by attorneys or the press. 14 0 obj Rarely does service exceed five work days. Please mail your request to be excused to: You will need to submit a request to be excused in writing. 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. Exhibits admitted into evidence will be available to the jury for examination during deliberations. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit for the State of Alabama consists of Mobile County's state courts. No. The sheriff serves summonses or process on witnesses, jurors, and defendants and provides court security. y &=84Fpl7ZhslggEyg';v.m ;s vScHMQ ^E/[\1Fk$Bi^WX8&!1/pP-C_M).y()Yya&MIbU 4tQZd( R3(e No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. 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. <> Please be assured that without your service the judicial system could not operate efficiently. 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.". The website is located at https://judicial.alabama.gov, 300 Dexter Ave. 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.
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