Hall County Texas

Jury Service in Hall County

Your participation is important to Texas!

Both the Constitution of the United States and the Texas Constitution guarantee the right to a trial by jury. That right has long been considered a fundamental safeguard of each American's civil liberties. With your participation as a Texas juror, our constitutional right to an impartial jury is protected. As noted by the Honorable Tom C. Clark, Texan and former justice of the United States Supreme Court, "The jury system improves the quality of justice and is the sole means of keeping its administration attuned to community standards."

Jury service is a privilege that offers the average citizen an unequaled opportunity to influence and deliberate over fundamental matters of justice. As a juror, you are in a position of responsibility. You will need to be fair, impartial, and be willing to make decisions that are not based on your personal feelings and biases.

"The men and women who are called upon to serve on juries in both our federal and state courts have maintained a standard of fairness and excellence throughout the history of our country. They have demonstrated a vision and a will toward the administration of justice that is a wellspring of inspiration."

-U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren (1962)

Jury Service Schedule

This information is subject to change as the Trial Date nears. You may continue to check this website, as we will update it when we have new information. 

Jury Service Reporting Instructions

If you have received a summons, please report to the District Courtroom - 3rd floor of the Courthouse. A handicap accessible ramp is located on the south side of the Courthouse and an elevator on the first floor. 

Please dress appropriately for court. No shorts, cutoffs, and hats! You might also bring a light sweater or jacket in case the temperature in the courtroom is somewhat cold. 

Before entering the courtroom, silence all cellphones and pagers. 

Please bring with you the completed juror questionnaire that was mailed to you. 

Qualifications for Jury Service

1. be at least 18 years of age;
2. be a citizen of the United States;
3. be a resident of this state and of the county in which you are to serve as a juror;
4. be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in the county in which you are to serve as a juror (Note: You do not have to be registered to vote to be qualified to vote);
5. be of sound mind and good moral character;
6. be able to read and write;
7. not have served as a juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court; and
8. not have been convicted of, or be under indictment or other legal accusation for, misdemeanor theft or a felony.

*Note that the completion of deferred adjudication is not a disqualifying "conviction".

(Texas Government Code § 62.102. General Qualifications for Jury Service. Code of Criminal Procedure, Articles 35.16 et. seq.)

If you have any doubts as to your eligibility to serve on a jury, contact the judge or court as indicated on your jury summons.

Exemptions from Jury Service 

• Are over 70 years of age (You may also request a permanent age 70 exemption.);
• Have legal custody of a child younger than 12 years of age and your service on the jury requires leaving the child without adequate supervision;
• Are a student of a public or private secondary school;
• Are a person enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education;
• Are an officer or an employee of the senate, house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of government;
• Are the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for himself or herself (This exemption does not apply to health care workers.);
• You are a member of the United States Military Forces serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from your home station and out of your county of residence.

(Texas Government Code § 62.106. Exemption from Jury Service)

If any of the exemptions apply, and you wish to claim the exemption, you must complete the form, check off the applicable exemption listed on the back of the summons and return the summons to the Hall County & District Clerk's Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did I receive a jury summons? 

  You were selected at random from a list provided to us by the Texas Secretary of State composed of individuals in the county that are registered to vote, hold a Texas driver's license, or hold a Texas identification card.

2. How long does jury service last? 

  Not all those who receive a summons, will be selected as a juror. If not selected, you can expect to be released on the same day. If you are selected, the judge and attorneys may be able to estimate how long the trial will last. Unfortunately, we are unable to pin down an exact length of duty. 

3. Is there a penalty for not responding to a jury summons?

A person who receives a summons for jury service and fails to answer the summons as directed by the summons, is subject to a contempt action that is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000. (Texas Gov't Code § 62.0141. Failure to Answer Jury Summons.)

4. Will I get paid for my jury service?

  Prospective jurors receive $6.00 for the first day that they appear. If you are selected as a Juror, you will receive $12.00 for the first day of service and $40.00 for each additional day of service. For more information about payment, contact the Hall County Treasurer's Office, (806) 259-2421.

Helpful Links

Texas Uniform Jury Handbook

Texas Judicial Branch - Jury Service in Texas