You can also be excused if you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. A challenge for cause means the lawyer has a specific reason for thinking that a juror would not be able to be impartial. The notices are mailed from Montgomery and the Clerk receives a list from the Administrative Office of Courts in Montgomery. Chambers County - Fifth Circuit Court of Alabama <> Questions asked during voir dire may seem personal but should be answered completely and honestly. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit for the State of Alabama consists of Mobile County's state courts. 8/7/2007. 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. In most criminal cases on which you may be asked to serve, the crime with which the defendant is charged will be a "felony." ALABAMA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF COURTS Home Family Court Interpreters Municipal Courts Specialty Courts Guardianship/Conservatorship Commission Alabama Judicial Circuits Map Quick Links Alabama's Judicial Circuits Click on a county on the map to view county-specific information. Cell Phones are allowed but on vibrate at alltimes. PS-01. 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. Circuit Clerk / Absentee Election Manager. <> PDF JUDICIAL CIRCUITS OF ALABAMA - alacourt.gov To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. A "Certificate of Jury Service" may be obtained from the circuit clerk as proof of jury service for your employer. MealsDowntown Montgomery has a number of fine restaurants, within a short walk from the courthouse. On occasion, it is necessary to sequester or isolate a jury from contact with the public during the course of the trial. These are issued at the end of the term, unless there is a special circumstance that warrants earlier issuance. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. We read every comment! Can I Get Excused From Jury Duty Because I Work? This person presides over the discussion of the case, acting as chairperson and spokesperson for the jury. The court will not reimburse you for parking citations. Your check and certificate will be mailed to you the end of next week. However, after the trial has concluded, a juror may discuss the case with anyone, but the juror is not obligated to do so. A civil case is an action between parties seeking an impartial settlement of a dispute. This saves jurors an unnecessary trip to the courthouse. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. 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. 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. A person who knows a fact which could materially affect the case should not serve as a juror. Courts in St. Clair County maintain records on everything that occurs during the legal process for future reference, including appeals. endobj Please be assured that without your service the judicial system could not operate efficiently. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. Simply stated, our mission is to be the most successful judicial system in the nation. After you complete this process, email trish.campbell@alacourt.gov to notify the court you are seeding a medical excuse from jury duty. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. 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? xXKoH'4-IEY4:nU/IYqt#D1dD)q|;zKsjo69}Nu"pO$.4)IOq = /=P@f&+)#\nDmOWu:II^Y:~M9q,)d~A8Oh_1Hf!B[(qYXi}yEZN!D>)Fd5lpD)BU#Bb#YF_h=_Pn&d\Pe(TW!]1##cx\WdPM.iP4*j$;0!v>Jmg%\| 3C1= Q +D1'j/KX@qkW!jWhq$rBU{LA%7TK5u"n@n=ePu When to ReportThe Jury Line will instruct jurors as to what time to report. The court reporter records a word-for-word account of all court testimony and proceedings, and, in the event of an appeal and upon request of one or both of the parties, will transcribe the record into a written transcript. Thank you for serving! The jury panel is sent to the courtroom in which the case will be heard. It is one of the highest duties of citizenship. The Human Resources Division of the Administrative Office of Courts in Alabama provides a full range of human resources services to the judicial branch of government. The defendants case is presented after the plaintiffs or states case. Request for Contempt Hearing. @"D5;>mgI, wgf4=3b0C[Yc$nIJENUh yhi"V) K`FB76?(r[`dEAtITJe2 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. You may call the Circuit Judge listed on your jury summons card or 256-549-2174 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least one week prior to the date you are to report. The St. Clair County Courthouse is located at 100 6th Avenue North, Ashville, AL 35953. 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. Appellee's Designation of Clerks Record. A felony is a crime punishable by at least one year and one day in the penitentiary and may also include a fine. 15 0 obj Exhibits admitted into evidence will be available to the jury for examination during deliberations. as we will not be responsible for their loss. The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. The jurys verdict can only be based upon evidence presented in court. <> The law requires that a juror be excused until the next day so the juror may be fully attentive to his/her duties as a juror. endobj 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. There are many reasons why an attorney might prefer some jurors to others for a particular trial. The district attorney is an elected official who is the prosecutor for the state in criminal cases and represents a victim of crime. A Juror must not conduct independent investigations or experiments to verify testimony given in the case. Our Justices, Judges and staff share the sentiments of former United States Chief Justice Earl Warren when he stated that, "The success of any legal system is measured by its fidelity to the universal ideal of justice." endobj Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. Talladega County - Twenty-Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama Yes. <> Will I have to come to the Courthouse every day during the 2 week jury term? The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. Jury Duty Juror FAQ Juror Responsibilities Trial Participants Sequence of Events Prohibited Items Thank You for Your Jury Service If you have any difficulty with your employer as a result of your Jury Service, you can call us at 256-761-2103. endstream If you are selected to serve on a jury, adequate time for lunch will be allowed. 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.) 2 0 obj Please pay attention to your Panel Number, Time, and the Comments down below For any additional questions or concerns please call 334-832-2531. A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. We have two - 2 week terms each of Civil, Criminal and Grand Jury. For your convenience, the forms may be saved to your computer and used without accessing the internet. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. Your summons will indicate which courtroom you are assigned to. Presentation of Evidence: The evidence consists of the testimony of witnesses and the exhibits allowed by the judge. A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. Identification BadgesJurors will be issued Juror badges if selected for the trial. 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. 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. Thank you for serving! Identity thieves in other parts of the country have called residents and threatened them for failing to report for jury service. If it has been less than 2 years, you will be excused from that term. Additional legal and court related information, forms, support, and services are available at www.alacourt.gov. Should an illness of a family member or a personal emergency arise, immediately inform the judge or other court official and explain the situation. How often am I required to serve as a juror? (Please Note: This will not excuse you permanently from jury duty. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? Court Administrator - LaShandra Warren-BarnesExecutive Assistant - Charletta SmithClerk Assistant - Nury Quintero. Your service as a juror is as important as those of the judge. Please pay attention to your Panel Number, Time, and the Comments down below. 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. Can I be excused from or postpone service? This process is called "voir dire", a phrase meaning "to speak the truth". How is a civil case different from a criminal case? endobj 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. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 13 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> 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. Your name was randomly selected by computer from a list of Chambers County citizens who are registered to vote in Chambers County. A Juror must give his/her undivided attention to the 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. Alabama Administrative Office of Courts These are called "compensatory damages." The grand jury may be summoned to serve one term or several short terms. 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. Talladega County Circuit Clerk's Office 148 East St. N P.O. Can my employer deduct my juror pay from my pay check? 7 0 obj You have completed your jury service. This law required a single location in each state to which employers could send wage withheld child support payments to be processed. Jury service is scheduled to be for a two week period. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. It is very unlikely that you will have to spend every day at jury duty. St. Clair County - Thirtieth Circuit Court of Alabama The Lawrence County Courthouse is located at 14451 Market St, Moulton, Al. Witnesses present testimony under oath regarding what they have seen or know about the facts in the case. 35650. For example, the case may involve driving under the influence of alcohol. In the state of Alabama, physicians, dentists, and nurses are exempt from jury duty. PDF JURY DUTY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What Should I Do If - alacourt.gov 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? Jurors are NOT allowed to bring their cell phones into the court house. Doctor's excuses can be faxed to the Circuit Judge's office. An Alabama jury may be excused from jury service due to advanced age, at their request, if they are over age 70. Per Section 12-16-75(b) Code of Alabama: "A juror who has served on a petit jury in this state shall not be summoned to serve again as a petit juror in any court of this state for 24 months following the last day of service.". <> A witness may testify as an expert based on professional experience. St. Clair County Court Records Search (Alabama) - County Office Voir DireAfter you have reported for jury duty, you will be selected for a jury panel along with other jurors. <> We value your feedback! Also, the temperature fluctuates greatly in our old courthouse, so you may want to bring a jacket. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. Jury Service Information forTuesday, April 11, 2023. Your check and certificate will be mailed to you the end of next week. 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 A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to one year in the county jail or a fine up to $2,000 or both. It will be at the discretion of the court that summoned you whether to accept or deny your excuse. A jury of 12 people will be selected in the courtroom. 2023 Jury Duty 101. Box 6137 Talladega, AL 35160 Phone: (256) 761-2103 Fax: (256) 480-5291 Email: brian.york@alacourt.gov All other panels, your Jury service has been completed. In the state of Alabama, volunteer firefighters are exempt from jury duty. 36104, Copyright 205 Government Street, Suite 913 | Mobile, AL 36644-2913 Phone: (251) 574-8511 | Fax: (251) 574-8796 | Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, M - F . <> If you are not selected for the first trial, the Judge will tell you when you need to return. The Jury Line will instruct jurors about where to report. The grand jury is summoned to serve one term or until the next grand jury is empaneled. endobj Wear comfortable clothing that reflects the seriousness of jury service. Contact the Court Administrator's office by telephone or email. Wear comfortable clothing, which reflects the seriousness of jury service. You will be located and your message relayed. 10 0 obj <> Alabama Judicial System Smoking is permitted outside the building, however, because of time limitations there will not always be opportunities to go outside. A Juror must not research the case through broadcast and newspaper accounts. y &=84Fpl7ZhslggEyg';v.m ;s vScHMQ ^E/[\1Fk$Bi^WX8&!1/pP-C_M).y()Yya&MIbU 4tQZd( R3(e 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. Evidence can be testimony given by a witness at trial or a physical exhibit such as a gun or a photograph. Cullman County - Thirty-Second Circuit Court of Alabama Alabama law states that a full-time employee will receive his/her usual wages while serving as a juror. Information on cases in Alabama Circuit and District courts is now available on demand, without a subscription, through Just One Look. In Alabama, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty. After the trials completion, you are not obligated to answer questions presented by attorneys or the press. xXMo6Q{EwggnuwecP)y38~rIaN$'W\(_++gL`4Ls\eiqkbVb/ot.M7xynjo{|nYbw 'J=q:s&!RTs.|KW. 2023 All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. 6 0 obj After the first day, you will be given a pink juror card with a telephone number to call every night after 5:00 pm. Employers are prohibited by law 12-16-8.1) from firing an employee for serving as a juror. The sheriff, as an elected official, is the countys chief law enforcement officer. On behalf of HonorableJ. Clark Stankoski, Presiding Circuit Judge, Honorable Jody W. Bishop, Honorable C. Joseph Norton, Honorable Carmen Bosch, and Honorable Scott P. Taylor,Circuit Judges and Brenda Ganey,Circuit Clerk, we welcome everyone that has been chosen for jury service. Jury deliberations generally conclude when a unanimous verdict has been reached. Mobile County - Thirteenth Circuit Court of Alabama As a Juror, there are certain responsibilities you will be asked to fulfill. 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. If you wish to waive this compensation, there are forms in the Clerks Office for you to request such. SmokingState law prohibits smoking in all parts of the Courthouse. Parking is limited around the courthouse. Copyright 2017 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. Certificat d'achvement du Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du If you are generally cold-natured, be sure to bring a jacket. Lynette Spaller is the Juror Manager and can be reached at(251) 937-0356 or (251) 580-1855 or by emailinglynette.spaller@alacourt.gov. 14 0 obj Montgomery, Al. After the opening statements from both sides, the plaintiffs or states case is presented in the form of evidence. In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. 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. Does my employer have to pay me while I serve on jury duty? Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. 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! The court will pay for your meals and lodging during the stay. A jury trial involves many people, directly or indirectly. We recommend that you bring reading materials, knitting, crossword puzzles, etc. 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. <> You will need toupdate your voter registration. No knives, or anything that is sharp, pointed or edged including knitting needles. Once selection of a jury begins, a potential juror should not discuss the case with anyone. No exemptions from jury service. Mobile County - Thirteenth Circuit Court of Alabama E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts - alacourt.gov It must be received in our office prior to your reporting date. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts endobj The Clerk does not have anything to do with the selection process. 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. Jurors may give the evidence whatever weight they consider appropriate. ChallengesDuring voir dire the lawyers may ask the judge to excuse a juror from sitting on the case. endobj The jury will be asked to make decisions regarding disputed facts; therefore, jurors attention at all times is critically important. We try to keep these to a minimum; however, these are often circumstances beyond the Court's control. 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. 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. No. 12 0 obj No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. The court may postpone jury service to a later date rather than grant an excuse. endobj The judges charge to the jury follows closing arguments. This website provides information on the judges, courts, filing fees, juror information and other pertinent information about the Mobile County courts. Copyright 2019 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Notice of Appeal-Cross Appeal to the Supreme Court of Alabama or Alabama Court of Civil Appeals, Transcript Purchase Order of Appellant-Civil, Transcript Purchase Order of Appellee-Civil, Notice of Insufficient Financial Arrangement-Criminal, Letter of Transmittal of Notice of Appeal to Appellate Clerk by Trial Clerk, Certificate of Completion of Clerk's Record, Certificate of Completion of Reporters Transcript Civil, Certificate of Completion of Record on Appeal by Trial Clerk, Certificate of Service (Appellant's Brief), Certificate of Service (Appellant's Brief ARAP-08), Letter of Transmittal of Record on Appeal to Appellate Court by Trial Clerk, Certificate of Completion of Reporters Transcript Criminal, Certificate of Completion and Transmittal of Record on Appeal by Trial Clerk, Motion and Affidavit in Support of Motion for Leave to Appeal in Forma Pauperis, Certificate of Trial Judge of Appealability of Order Not otherwise Appealable, Docketing Statement (Appeal to the Supreme Court of Alabama), Docketing Statement (Appeal to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals), Docketing Statement (Court of Criminal Appeals), Cover Sheet Circuit Court - Civil Cases (Not for Domestic Relations Cases), Transmittal of Appeal to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals by the Trial Court Clerk. You have completed your jury duty service. Certificat d'achvement du Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du plaideur l'chelon de l'tat. 9 0 obj 165 Fifth Avenue, Suite 100 Ashville, AL 35953 1815 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125. stream A trial cannot begin or continue unless all jurors are present. 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. If an employee is discharged solely because (s)he has been summoned for jury service, the employee may sue the employer in any state court and may be entitled to recover both actual and punitive damages. Employers are not required to pay part-time employees their normal salary by law. A criminal case is an action brought by the state against a person or corporation charged with violating the law. 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. There is no limit to the number of jurors who may be excused for challenge for cause. Deliberation: After closing arguments, the jury is isolated to decide the verdict in the case. E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts 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. 8 0 obj If you wish to find out whether you can be compensated for Alabama jury service, you must consult the law of the state in which you are employed. <> 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. Let us know in a single click. The charge instructs the jury on the issues to be decided and the rules of law that apply to the case. Lawrence County - Thirty-Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama An Alabama jury may be excused from jury service due to advanced age, at their request, if they are over age 70. Closing arguments follow evidence presentation, at which time both sides summarize the case from their viewpoint. Juror note-taking or the use of any notes will be determined by the judge. No fingernail files that are 3 inches in length or longer; no scissors of any type or length. Jury Information. Answer to Landlords Claim. 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. 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. Thus, a juror must not conduct investigations or experiment by himself/herself. If you are selected to serve on a jury the first day, then you will follow the judges instructions until that case is over. ARAP-03. 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. Being struck does not reflect on a jurors honesty or intelligence. Delays result for many reasons: settlement or plea negotiations, record checking, points of law, etc. Peremptory challenges do not require the lawyers to state any reason for excusing a juror. Who is eligible for jury duty?Jurors must: You cannot serve on a jury if you have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored. The "plaintiff" sues and brings the case to court usually asking for money damages to compensate the plaintiff for certain losses. After check in, the judge will ask general questions to determine whether you are qualified to serve as a juror. In a civil trial, the jury decides all questions of fact and determines whether the plaintiff has a valid complaint and should be awarded the relief requested. 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. In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. The judge is an elected or appointed official who administers proceedings between the parties. Jury service is scheduled to be for a one to week period depending on the number of cases at issue. This elected official is responsible for court records, issuing summonses and subpoenas, collecting court-ordered monies, and conducting other business activities. Are jurors paid for jury service?Jurors are paid $10 each day they report for service in addition to round-trip mileage ($.05 for each mile traveled) from their residence to the courthouse. endobj