Contacting the District Clerks Office:

How can I reach the Grayson County District Clerks Office?

The District Clerks Office is open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During business hours, jurors may call the Jury Coordinator at (903) 813-4326. The District Clerks Office address is:

Pre-Calling:

Sometimes jury trials are cancelled. Visit the website www.co.grayson.tx.us/ijuror.html AFTER 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before you are required to report. We also now send out text or email notification letting you know if you are required to report or not. Make sure we have a good phone number or email address if you would like to receive these notifications.

Parking Tickets:

Parking tickets are issued by the City of Sherman. Grayson County Government has no authority to excuse parking tickets.

Jury Selection:

Where does the District Clerk obtain names of prospective jurors?

The list of names that is used to call people for jury service is created by combining the County's voter registration list and Texas Licensed Driver and Identification records. Names are randomly selected from that master list for possible service as a juror.

I can no longer fulfill my duties as a juror. Can't you take my name from your records?

Under certain circumstances, such as permanent mental or physical disability. Call the Jury Coordinator at (903) 813-4326 who can help you with the procedures that are needed to accomplish this.

I am not a citizen of the United States but I would still like to serve as a juror. Why can't I?

The law automatically disqualifies non-citizens, convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored, and people under 18 years of age from jury service.

Jury Service:

Why is jury service important?

The United States Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin or economic status the right to trial by an impartial jury of one's peers. In order to uphold this guarantee, we need those summoned to participate in the jury process to ensure every citizen's right to have their case decided by an impartial jury selected from a representative pool of prospective jurors.

Who is entitled to a jury trial?

Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party in a civil case has the right to a trial by jury. All parties are equal before the law and each is given the same fair and impartial treatment.

What are my duties as a juror?

Your duty as a juror is to weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented to you and to decide the outcome of the case based upon the law and the evidence. Your decision must be fair, impartial and free of any bias or prejudice. Jury service is the basis of our judicial system and is essential to the administration of justice.

How are jurors selected for a trial?

After your panel is selected and reports to a courtroom, a process known as voir dire begins. During voir dire, the judge and possibly the attorneys will ask you questions to see if you can keep an open mind and be fair. After you have been questioned, you will either be selected or excused for that particular case. If you are selected, you and the other selected jurors will receive instructions from the judge as to what is expected of you. If you are not selected, you will return to the jury room and may be sent to another courtroom with another panel.

How long does jury service usually last if I am selected?

If you are selected to sit on a jury, the average trial length is two to three days, although trials may be longer or shorter depending upon the facts of the case.

What are the different types of cases I might be selected for?

There are two basic types of cases, criminal and civil. In a CRIMINAL case, the jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. In a CIVIL case, the jury decides whether or not money damages should be given and, if given, how much those damages will be.

Attire:

Jurors should dress comfortably but appropriately for a courtroom decorum (e.g. shorts, tank-tops, T-shirts prohibited).

Is jury service mandatory?

The United States Constitution and the Texas State Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury. Failure to attend as directed may subject you to penalties provided by law. All Grayson County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they:

• Are NOT a United States citizen;

• Are NOT a resident of Grayson County, Texas;

• Are UNDER 18 years of age;

• Have been convicted of a felony or theft offense;

What can I bring with me to jury service?

Jurors may bring a book or other form of reading material to the jury assembly room. Jurors may NOT bring cameras, walkmans or radios. Cellular phones and pagers MUST be turned off.

Can I bring someone to jury service with me?

No. Only those summoned for jury service are allowed in the jury assembly room. You may have someone escort you to and from jury service, but that person is not allowed to enter the jury assembly room. The jury assembly room is for prospective jurors ONLY.

What happens if I do not show up for jury service?

Failure to appear for jury service when summoned is a serious matter. You may be held in contempt of court and could be fined up to $500.00. It is in your best interest to appear if you are summoned to avoid any further action

Security:

Anyone entering the Justice Center, including jurors, must go through a security screening process. We encourage you to leave all unnecessary items in your vehicle and to place your keys and wallet in your purse or briefcase to speed up the screening process. The follow items are not permitted in the Justice Center and may be confiscated by security personnel as appropriate: firearms/ammunitions of any kind, knives (Including pocketknives), letter openers, fingernail files, any object that could be used a weapon.

Juror Compensation:

Will I be compensated for jury duty?

You will be paid $20.00 for the first day of service and $60.00 each day thereafter. The District Clerk is mandated to inform you of your right to donate your money to charitable organizations approved by our Commissioner's Court.

Work Issues:

Must my employer pay me while I'm on jury service?

No. An employer is NOT required by law to pay employees who are on jury service but many employers do. You should check with your company's human resources department before serving to see if your company pays your salary for days you are a juror. If you DO receive your salary while on jury service, you should ask what your employer requires as proof that you served as a juror.

Can my employer fire me for performing jury service?

No. According to Texas law, Right to reemployment: A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because the employee serves as a juror. An employee whose employment is terminated is a violation of Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section §122.001.

Excuse from Service:

May I request an excuse from jury service?

A prospective juror may be excused if he/she:

• Has a physical or mental disability that would prevent him/her from serving. The prospective juror will be required to provide a doctor's note verifying the disability.

• Must provide actual and necessary care for another and alternate arrangements are not feasible. (Employment as a caregiver does not qualify)

• Is unable to read or understand the English language.

• Over 75 years of age.

• Has custody of child under 12 years of age and service would leave the child without adequate supervision.

• Is a student of public or private secondary school or enrolled and in attendance at an institution of higher education.

• Is an employee of the legislative branch of state government. (Not exempt if a staff in law enforcement or department of corrections).

• Has been convicted of a felony or theft offense.

• Active military out of county.

Each request is individually reviewed. Potential jurors are encouraged to complete the request truthfully, to the best of their knowledge. Failure to do so is against the law. Jury service is a citizen's civic duty, and responsibility.

I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused?

Texas law does not provide for an excuse from jury service for moral or religious beliefs. You are still required to appear for jury service. When you get to a courtroom, the judge will make that decision.

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?

Grayson County tries civil and criminal cases, both of which require juries. The random selection process prevents you from knowing in advance what trial or even what type of trial for which you'll be selected. If when you get to a courtroom the judge excuses you, you've fulfilled your obligation for jury service. But the Jury staff cannot excuse you as a potential juror because of what you do for a living.

Postponement:

What about getting a postponement?

The District Clerks Office realizes prospective jurors may have been summoned at an inconvenient time and we are willing to defer service to a more convenient time in most instances. Jurors may request a first-time postponement after being summoned via phone (903)813-4326 or Internet. Jurors may select a new date of their choice, with some limitations as long as the new date is within 90 days of the date on which they were scheduled to appear. Subsequent postponements are not allowed unless it is an extreme emergency that was not anticipated when the first postponement was granted.

Hopefully, we have been able to provide you with the information that you have needed. However, if you feel your individual question has not been addressed call the Grayson County Jury Coordinator at (903) 813-4326 for further advice and assistance.