Jury Service Information forTuesday, April 11, 2023. Additional legal information and forms are available at www.alacourt.gov. Not necessarily. No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. 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. We value your feedback! Thus, a juror must not conduct investigations or experiment by himself/herself. 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. [Acts 1978, No. Smoking is permitted outside the building, however, because of time limitations there will not always be opportunities to go outside. 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 of Alabama has concluded that the phrase "full-time employee" includes an employee who is paid hourly wages as well as a salaried employee. The St. Clair County Courthouse is located at 100 6th Avenue North, Ashville, AL 35953. However, after the trial has concluded, a juror may discuss the case with anyone, but the juror is not obligated to do so. to occupy you while you wait. The "defendant" is the party being sued. Etowah County - Sixteenth Circuit Court of Alabama After reaching a verdict, the foreman records the verdict and calls for the bailiff to escort the jury to the courtroom. 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. All requests to be excused from serving must be made in writing. 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. Upon completion of cross-examination, the plaintiffs attorney or district attorney may, on redirect examination, clarify statements previously made by the witness. 15 0 obj Request for Contempt Hearing. 2023 Be sure to include your name as it appears on your summons and provide us with your current phone number. Appellee's Designation of Clerks Record. 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. Please pay attention to your Panel Number, Time, and the Comments down below. Circuit Clerk / Absentee Election Manager. 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 . ARAP-04. Box 6137 Talladega, AL 35160 Phone: (256) 761-2103 Fax: (256) 480-5291 Email: brian.york@alacourt.gov 2 0 obj The verdict is read by the judge, circuit clerk, or foreperson. Direct examination discloses points important to the case. The Clerk does not have anything to do with the selection process. Who can be excused from jury service?Very few people are excused from jury duty. For any additional questions or concerns please call 334-832-2531. 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. 1 0 obj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 13 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> How is a civil case different from a criminal case? If it has been less than 2 years, you will be excused from that term. 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. Employers are prohibited by law 12-16-8.1) from firing an employee for serving as a juror. However, if allowed, juror may not use his/her own notes to sway other jurors. We try to keep these to a minimum; however, these are often circumstances beyond the Court's control. 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. Can I be excused from or postpone service? Badges should be worn in plain view at all times (including lunch) during jury service. This law required a single location in each state to which employers could send wage withheld child support payments to be processed. Being struck does not reflect on a jurors honesty or intelligence. 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. 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. 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. Employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee and revoking acquired leave timefor serving as a juror. A jury trial involves many people, directly or indirectly. Yes. 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. 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. endobj The grand jury may be summoned to serve one term or several short terms. Every person that serves will be issued a check for each day of service and be given a certificate of service for your employer. In most employment situations, "full time" means 40 hours a week. No. The following items are not allowed in the Baldwin County Courthouses. How often am I required to serve as a juror? Do you have a comment or correction concerning this page? A trial cannot begin or continue unless all jurors are present. A felony is a crime punishable by at least one year and one day in the penitentiary and may also include a fine. The verdict is read by the judge, circuit clerk, or foreman. To register for E-notices as a Pro Se go to https://alafile.alacourt.gov and click on Register. Most trial court information may be obtained through www.alacourt.gov using the link "Just One Look" for On-Demand access to Alabama State Trial Court Records. 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. no one is exempt from jury duty, but if this week presents an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience you may callLisa Burdette(334) 864-4348for a postponement to a later date. 9[> The judges charge to the jury follows closing arguments. Cell Phones are allowed but on vibrate at alltimes. Please select a department or category from the menu to the left to find the information you need. <> The defendants case is presented after the plaintiffs or states case. 10 0 obj A felony is a crime punishable by at least one year and one day in the penitentiary and may also include a fine of $5,000 or more. A jury of 12 people will be selected in the courtroom. Keep in mind that your initial jury duty summons is only for attending jury selection day, where it will be decided if you are to actually serve on a jury during the "Voir Dire" process. *Section 12-16-8(c) Code of Alabama: "Notwithstanding the excused absence provided in subsection (a), any full time employee shall be entitled to his or her usual compensation received from such employment.". No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. If you were selected to serve as a juror on a trial, please follow the instructions given to you by that presiding judge. Alabama law states that a full-time employee will receive his/her usual wages while serving as a juror. His fax number is located on the jury summons. A person who knows a fact which could materially affect the case should not serve as a juror. Being struck does not reflect on a juror's honesty or intelligence. % You can also be excused if you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL. The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. The sheriff, as an elected official, is the countys chief law enforcement officer. Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. Your employer is required by law (*Per Section 12-16-8(c) Code of Alabama) to pay you your normal salary if you are a full-time employee or work a full-time schedule on a regular basis. The Alabama Central Disbursement Division (ACDD) is a newly created division that was established as a result of federal and state law, known as the Welfare Reform Act of 1996. xXMo6Q{EwggnuwecP)y38~rIaN$'W\(_++gL`4Ls\eiqkbVb/ot.M7xynjo{|nYbw 'J=q:s&!RTs.|KW. There are many reasons why an attorney may prefer some jurors to others for a particular trial. Your employer cannot make you work and is required to pay you first shift wages if you are full-time. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. 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. PS-01. The grand jury is randomly selected by the computer from the qualified juror venire. Jury deliberations generally conclude when a unanimous verdict has been reached. 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. If you are selected to serve on a jury, adequate time for lunch will be allowed. Thank you for serving! A juror may not listen to radio or television accounts concerning the trial, or read articles about the trial. The Jury Line will instruct jurors about where to report. As a citizen of St. Clair County, you have been chosen to serve in the role of juror. stream The following is a description of their roles: Usually, others indirectly involved provide essential services but are not active trial participants: The opening statements are made at the beginning of the trial and outline the facts expected to be presented to the jury. When to ReportThe Jury Line will instruct jurors as to what time to report. 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. Wear comfortable clothing that reflects the seriousness of jury service. 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. Attorneys represent and advise the parties on the law and all aspects of the trial. endstream Legal Help for Low Income Clients- Provided by the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, Legal Services Alabama and the Lawyer Referral Service. E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts - alacourt.gov 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. 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. There are two types of challenges: a challenge for cause and a peremptory challenge. Copyright 2019 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Frequently Asked Questions about Jury Duty. <> No knives, or anything that is sharp, pointed or edged including knitting needles. St. Clair County - Thirtieth Circuit Court of Alabama 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. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. Selection of a foreman is the jurys first duty. You can briefly tell us in your letter, the reason that you need to be excused and mail it to the Clerk's Office. St. Clair County Court Records Search (Alabama) - County Office In the state of Alabama, physicians, dentists, and nurses are exempt from jury duty. 594, p. 712 8.]) After check in, the judge will ask general questions to determine whether you are qualified to serve as a juror. In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. When the case is over, you follow the instructions for your panel number that you will receive from the recorded message. as we will not be responsible for their loss. <> 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. 7 0 obj Wear comfortable clothing, which reflects the seriousness of jury service. No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. Closing arguments follow evidence presentation, at which time both sides summarize the case from their viewpoint. endobj Be able to communicate in the English language. 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. A "Certificate of Jury Service" may be obtained from the circuit clerk as proof of jury service for your employer. 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.". [Acts 1978, No. Sometimes, a jury will be demanded by a defendant in a misdemeanor case. 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. Remember - A Jury Selection Summons Doesn't Mean You'll Be On A Jury. Can my employer require me to use annual, vacation or sick leave for jury service? PDF JUDICIAL CIRCUITS OF ALABAMA - alacourt.gov Witnesses present testimony under oath regarding what they have seen or know about the facts in the case. 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 Thirteenth Judicial Circuit for the State of Alabama consists of Mobile County's state courts. Please be assured that without your service the judicial system could not operate efficiently. Jury Information. These are called "punitive damages." The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. The courts business manager is the circuit clerk. This is called "challenging a juror". A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to one year in the county jail or a fine of $2,000 or both. 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 you have not been previously rescheduled your turn of service can be deferred to a more convenient time. The judge will ask general questions to determine whether you are qualified to serve as a juror. Employers are not required to pay part-time employees their normal salary by law. The court may postpone jury service to a later date rather than grant an excuse. 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? Your name was randomly selected by computer from a list of Chambers County citizens who are registered to vote in Chambers County. ARAP-03. 165 Fifth Avenue, Suite 100 Ashville, AL 35953 1815 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125. 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. The jurys verdict can only be based upon evidence presented in court. If you are in the Montgomery County Area: Note: Jurors are encouraged to take public transportation to the court building. 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. These are issued at the end of the term, unless there is a special circumstance that warrants earlier issuance. Please pay attention to your Panel Number, Time, and the Comments down below For any additional questions or concerns please call 334-832-2531. Also, the temperature fluctuates greatly in our old courthouse, so you may want to bring a jacket. No. endobj 36104, Copyright The courthouse will open at 8:00 a.m. to begin the check in process. If you are selected to serve on a jury the first day, then you will follow the judges instructions until that case is over. In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". endobj 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 Certificate of Completion of Clerk's Record. Jurors may give the evidence whatever weight they consider appropriate. After the first day, you will be given a pink juror card with a telephone number to call every night after 5:00 pm. . (Please Note: This will not excuse you permanently from jury duty. The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. 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. Thank you for serving! Please mail your request to be excused to: You will need to submit a request to be excused in writing. We now have some general jury information available online about parking, juror pay, work related questions, and more. This saves jurors an unnecessary trip to the courthouse. The court schedules seventeen weeks of jury trials each year. Park in the deck at Scott and Lawrence Streets. <>/F 4/A<>>> 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. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. Jury service is scheduled to be for a one to week period depending on the number of cases at issue. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. 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. If someone attempts to talk to a juror, (s)he should report it to the judge. The jury panel is sent to the courtroom in which the case will be heard. Usage is subject to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Sometimes, a jury will be demanded by a defendant in a misdemeanor case. There are magazines in the jury lounge to read, or you may want to bring a book. MealsDowntown Montgomery has a number of fine restaurants, within a short walk from the courthouse. These are called "punitive damages." As a citizen of St. Clair County, you have been chosen to serve in the role of juror. The grand jury does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. It is very unlikely that you will have to spend every day at jury duty. Doctor's excuses can be faxed to the Circuit Judge's office. Contact the Court Administrator's office by telephone or email. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. endobj After the trials completion, you are not obligated to answer questions presented by attorneys or the press. Additional legal and court related information, forms, support, and services are available at www.alacourt.gov. 9/1/2021. Can I Get Excused From Jury Duty Because I Work? What time do I have to arrive at the Courthouse on Monday? 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. A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. 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. All other panels, your Jury service has been completed. The judge in the courtroom will explain the case and introduce the lawyers and other participants. 6 0 obj Alabama Judicial System PS-03. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 15 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> 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. @"D5;>mgI, wgf4=3b0C[Yc$nIJENUh yhi"V) K`FB76?(r[`dEAtITJe2 0EU'o)r2K$B`FFVa~CK&! [=|h*~f3 Bhj2T]bFd`{(r6vfN>F|TsN1]@!ioIb!091'@BM:rO8 H7,Ch3>Mi@v$U -ML^I9-!=jcmcho7 =)E,jG Ppnu6ehj@)-9f@K Y2,%a`9,5a'qS1x%vRT`R/YEWjP~cWN9N&:#XNL- ?hnLh}!DhA]MuI7[Sj? The Lawrence County Courthouse is located at 14451 Market St, Moulton, Al. All those that have been summoned for jury service should report on the day required, to the large courtroom, at the Bay Minette courthouse. These are called "compensatory damages." 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. endobj 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. <> It must be received in our office prior to your reporting date. endobj Chambers County - Fifth Circuit Court of Alabama A Juror must be impartial until (s)he hears all the evidence and law applicable to the case. The Chambers County Courthouse is located at 2 Lafayette St. South, Lafayette, AL 36862. The Supreme Court of Alabama launched a website for Alabama's Unified Judicial System. Presentation of Evidence: The evidence consists of the testimony of witnesses and the exhibits allowed by the judge. <> 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. The courthouse is normally open at 8:00am to begin the check in process. On the first day that you appear, a jury will be selected for the first case to be tried for that term of court. To do so would subject the employer to civil liability. This presentation is intended to prove the claims made. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. 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. I will NEVER call you and ask for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or other sensitive information. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. Please be prompt. Also, the phrase "full-time employee" may be defined by industry standards, in addition to the standards of that particular community. If I work 2nd or 3rd shift, do I still have to go work? Exhibits admitted into evidence will be available to the jury for examination during deliberations. A criminal case is an action brought by the state against a person or corporation charged with violating the law. 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. 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. Jury Duty 101 is a free public resource site, and is not affiliated with the United States government or any Government agency. The presentation of the case begins with the plaintiffs or the district attorneys direct examination of a witness. There is no limit to the number of jurors who may be excused for challenge for cause. Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. Voir DireAfter you have reported for jury duty, you will be selected for a jury panel along with other jurors. Closing arguments are not evidence but are the attorneys summaries of the evidence presented during the trial.