juror alacourt gov st clair county

Please be assured that without your service the judicial system could not operate efficiently. What is the difference between a petit and a grand jury? 3/31/2005. No knives, or anything that is sharp, pointed or edged including knitting needles. Read, speak, and understand the English language. Smoking is permitted outside the building, however, because of time limitations there will not always be opportunities to go outside. No fingernail files that are 3 inches in length or longer; no scissors of any type or length. We try to keep these to a minimum; however, these are often circumstances beyond the Court's control. 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." Your employer cannot make you work and is required to pay you first shift wages if you are full-time. Copyright 2019 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Frequently Asked Questions about Jury Duty. <> If you were selected to serve as a juror on a trial, please follow the instructions given to you by that presiding judge. No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. Badges should be worn in plain view at all times (including lunch) during jury service. 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. Usage is subject to our Terms and Privacy Policy. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 13 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> ARAP-04. The Attorney General of Alabama has concluded that the phrase "full-time employee" includes an employee who is paid hourly wages as well as a salaried employee. If it has been less than 2 years, you will be excused from that term. If you believe you have a good reason to be excused from jury service, notify the court in advance. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. <> Lynette Spaller is the Juror Manager and can be reached at(251) 937-0356 or (251) 580-1855 or by emailinglynette.spaller@alacourt.gov. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Legal Help for Low Income Clients- Provided by the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, Legal Services Alabama and the Lawyer Referral Service. 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. 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. Should you be released earlier than expected, you should return to your job. 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. Your check and certificate will be mailed to you the end of next week. All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. On occasion, it is necessary to sequester or isolate a jury from contact with the public during the course of the trial. Identification BadgesJurors will be issued Juror badges if selected for the trial. 8/7/2007. You can briefly tell us in your letter, the reason that you need to be excused and mail it to the Clerk's Office. It must be received in our office prior to your reporting date. No. 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. stream The Chambers County Courthouse is located at 2 Lafayette St. South, Lafayette, AL 36862. 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. Your summons will indicate which courtroom you are assigned to. These are called "punitive damages." 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.) A person who knows a fact which could materially affect the case should not serve as a juror. endobj If you wish to inquire as to whether you can be compensated for Alabama jury service, you must consult the law of the state in which you are employed. 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. If you are not selected for the first trial, the Judge will tell you when you need to return. The court will pay for your meals and lodging during the stay. Parking is available around the courthouse. Your Jury service has been completed. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. in the past two years, has served on more than one grand jury, actually served as a grand juror and a petit juror, or if you have actually attended court for service or prospective service as a petit juror for a total of more than twelve days. % Report to the Main Courtroom. 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. I will on occasion call and let jurors know that court has been cancelled for the day. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. No. Selection of a foreman is the jurys first duty. The "plaintiff" sues and brings the case to court, usually asking for money damages to compensate the plaintiff for certain losses. GovernmentThe Court is located near other city, county, state, and federal government buildings. Elmore County - Nineteenth Circuit Court of Alabama If you have received a jury summons, you should register online at https://juror.alacourt.gov immediately. 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? Thank you for serving! endobj A trial cannot begin or continue unless all jurors are present. The courthouse is normally open at 8:00am to begin the check in process. 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. The district attorney is an elected official who is the prosecutor for the state in criminal cases and represents a victim of crime. The judge in the courtroom will explain the case and introduce the lawyers and other participants. You can also be excused if you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL. Employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee and revoking acquired leave timefor serving as a juror. Will I have to come to the Courthouse every day during the 2 week jury term? Instructions to the Jury: At the close of all the evidence, the judge will read the instructions to the the jury, explaining the law and other considerations in the case. In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. Peremptory challenges do not require the lawyers to state any reason for excusing a juror. As a citizen of St. Clair County, you have been chosen to serve in the role of juror. A jurors verdict can only be based upon the evidence presented. In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". These are issued at the end of the term, unless there is a special circumstance that warrants earlier issuance. All those that have been summoned for jury service should report on the day required, to the large courtroom, at the Bay Minette courthouse. Please be prompt. 3 0 obj Be prepared to wait before and during trials. Please allow extra time for parking and going through the metal detector. 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. They are considered contraband and could lead to your arrest. A Juror must give his/her undivided attention to the trial. 13 0 obj PS-01. Sometimes, a jury will be demanded by a defendant in a misdemeanor case. Doctor's excuses can be faxed to the Circuit Judge's office. If you need legal assistance, you should see an attorney. After qualification, you will be sworn in with the following juror's oath:"You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will well and truly try all issues which may be submitted to you during the present session and true verdicts render according to the evidence, so help you God.". The Jury Line will instruct jurors about where to report. No. Once selection of a jury begins, a potential juror should not discuss the case with anyone. 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. 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. 1 0 obj A circuit judge randomly selects the grand jury from the qualified juror pool. The court schedules seventeen weeks of jury trials each year. After reaching a verdict, the foreman records the verdict and calls for the bailiff to escort the jury to the courtroom. There is no way to permanently excuse anyone from jury duty. endobj Report to the Main Courtroom. You can also submit your requests in writing to: Mail: Court AdministratorMontgomery County CourthousePO Box 1667Montgomery, AL 36102-1667. Also, the phrase "full-time employee" may be defined by industry standards, in addition to the standards of that particular community. <> m All requests to be excused from serving must be made in writing. endobj When to ReportThe Jury Line will instruct jurors as to what time to report. <> No lighters, matches or anything that will light a fire. In the state of Alabama, volunteer firefighters are exempt from jury duty. One late juror can waste the time of the many persons involved in a trial. Justice ultimately depends in large measure on the jurors who serve in our courts. Exhibits admitted into evidence will be available to the jury for examination during deliberations. A jury trial involves many people, directly or indirectly. 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. If you are in doubt about your eligibility for jury service, you may contact the Jury Coordinator by mail or telephone: Mail: Court AdministratorMontgomery County CourthousePO Box 1667Montgomery, AL 35104-1667. Being struck does not reflect on a juror's honesty or intelligence. endobj The Clerk does not have anything to do with the selection process. Pay traffic tickets or district criminal case fines online. The sheriff serves summonses or process on witnesses, jurors, and defendants and provides court security. In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. For information on the Mobile County Family Court, see their website at http://www.stricklandyouthcenter.org/. Have several alternate dates selected when you make your request. 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. Voir DireAfter you have reported for jury duty, you will be selected for a jury panel along with other jurors. Once you have completed the . How was I selected for jury duty?You were selected at random from lists of voter registrations of Montgomery County. Government Plaza | 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, Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. ", Jurors are randomly selected by computer and the summonses are mailed from Montgomery. It is very unlikely that you will have to spend every day at jury duty. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? A Juror must be impartial until (s)he hears all the evidence and law applicable to the case. xXMo6Q{EwggnuwecP)y38~rIaN$'W\(_++gL`4Ls\eiqkbVb/ot.M7xynjo{|nYbw 'J=q:s&!RTs.|KW. There are magazines in the jury lounge to read, or you may want to bring a book. Certificat d'achvement du Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du plaideur l'chelon de l'tat. 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. 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. endobj Montgomery, Al. Direct examination discloses points important to the case. Does my employer have to pay me while I serve on jury duty? In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". Being struck does not reflect on a jurors honesty or intelligence. Can my employer deduct my juror pay from my pay check? If you receive a jury summons and it has been less than 2 years since you last served, give us a call and we will check our records to verify your previous date. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 15 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> 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. 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 person's right to vote. If you are in the Montgomery County Area: Note: Jurors are encouraged to take public transportation to the court building. Contact your doctor/medical care provider and request a medical excuse stating you are not physically and/or mentally able to serve as a 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. 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. In Alabama, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty. In most employment situations, "full time" means 40 hours a week. To do so would subject the employer to civil liability. 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. Thank you for serving! 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 . Alabama Judicial System 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. 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 grand jury may be summoned to serve one term or several short terms. Your service as a juror is as important as those of the judge. Be sure to include your name as it appears on your summons and provide us with your current phone number. (Please Note: Until your name is taken off of the Chambers County voter's registration list your name is subject to be selected again in the future.). Yes. endstream 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 should register online prior to reporting. Not necessarily. There are two types of challenges: a challenge for cause and a peremptory challenge. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? The courthouse will open at 8:00 a.m. to begin the check in process. You must apply the law given by the judge to the facts given during the trial to make a decision in a case. 2023 Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. Jury service is scheduled to be for a one to week period depending on the number of cases at issue. 8/15/2011. It will be at the discretion of the court that summoned you whether to accept or deny your excuse. 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. @"D5;>mgI, wgf4=3b0C[Yc$nIJENUh yhi"V) K`FB76?(r[`dEAtITJe2 Who can be excused from jury service?Very few people are excused from jury duty. How is a civil case different from a criminal case? These are called "punitive damages." Usually, others indirectly involved provide essential services but are not active trial participants. Jurors are NOT allowed to bring their cell phones into the court house. 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. We value your feedback! A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to one year in the county jail or a fine up to $2,000 or both. There are many reasons why an attorney may prefer some jurors to others for a particular trial. If you wish to waive this compensation, there are forms in the Clerks Office for you to request such. The Supreme Court of Alabama launched a website for Alabama's Unified Judicial System. No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. ChallengesDuring voir dire the lawyers may ask the judge to excuse a juror from sitting on the case. Click the above map. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. If you are selected to serve on a jury the first day, then you will follow the judges instructions until that case is over. The court attendant (also known as a "bailiff") maintains courtroom order and assists jurors. If someone attempts to talk to a juror, (s)he should report it to the judge. After the opening statements from both sides, the plaintiffs or states case is presented in the form of evidence. endobj Sometimes, a jury will be demanded by a defendant in a misdemeanor case. A Juror must be prompt. . A jury of 12 people will be selected in the courtroom. Every person that serves will be issued a check for each day of service and be given a certificate of service for your employer. The judge, attorneys, parties, witnesses and jurors are all direct participants in the courtroom proceedings. You should arrive in time to be checked in. The judge, attorneys, parties, witnesses, and jurors are all direct participants in the courtroom proceedings. The jury panel is sent to the courtroom in which the case will be heard. A challenge for cause means the lawyer has a specific reason for thinking that a juror would not be able to be impartial. A prospective juror must present the summons for jury duty to his/her employer to be excused from work for the days (s)he is required to serve. 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. 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. 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. The Human Resources Division of the Administrative Office of Courts in Alabama provides a full range of human resources services to the judicial branch of government. endobj endobj After the trial's completion, you are not obligated to answer questions presented by attorneys or the press. 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? Yes. 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. The "defendant" is the party being sued. St. Clair County Courthouse | 100 6th Avenue North, Ste. 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 I am unable to serve on jury duty, whom do I call? The grand jury is summoned to serve one term or until the next grand jury is empaneled. 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. Do not give out such information over the phone to anyone who calls you claiming to be with the judicial system. The thieves then asked for confidential information. Thank you for serving! endobj *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.". For example, the case may involve driving under the influence of alcohol. 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. 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. After the defendant's case, the plaintiff or state may present, After listening to the judge's oral charge, the jury retires to begin, Jury deliberations generally conclude when a unanimous. Information on cases in Alabama Circuit and District courts is now available on demand, without a subscription, through Just One Look. Be careful what information you reveal over the phone. 6/6/2005. 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. A juror may not listen to radio or television accounts concerning the trial, or read articles about the trial. Please pay attention to your Panel Number, Time, and the Comments down below. If the jury is unable to agree upon a verdict after lengthy deliberations, the foreman must notify the judge. Yes. 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. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. What if I have a medical condition which would prevent me from serving? The defendants case is presented after the plaintiffs or states case. Thus, a juror must not conduct investigations or experiment by himself/herself. After listening to the judges oral charge, the jury retires to begin jury deliberations. 14 0 obj (This includes the evening after jury service is concluded.). An Alabama jury may be excused from jury service due to advanced age, at their request, if they are over age 70. After deliberations begin, a juror can discuss the case only with the other jurors. View Sitemap. 2023 Jury Duty 101. 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. PS-03. Request to Change Child Support. A criminal case is an action brought by the state against a person or corporation charged with violating the law. Jury service is scheduled to be for a two week period. Alabama law states that a full-time employee will receive his/her usual wages while serving as a juror. A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. For any additional questions or concerns please call 334-832-2531. In Baldwin County, we have two (2) week jury terms, but you most likely will not serve every day of the term. A Juror must not discuss the case with anyone, including relatives, friends, or trial participants. If you are generally cold-natured, be sure to bring a jacket. 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 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. Should an illness of a family member or a personal emergency arise, immediately inform the judge or other court official and explain the situation. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. What time do I have to arrive at the Courthouse on Monday? A Juror must not conduct independent investigations or experiments to verify testimony given in 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. Jurors will be excused only upon a demonstration of undue hardship or extreme inconvenience or for other reasons provided by law. You have completed your jury service. 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. After the first day, you will be given a pink juror card with a telephone number to call every night after 5:00 pm. 165 Fifth Avenue, Suite 100 Ashville, AL 35953 1815 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125. 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 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? 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.
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