What You Should Know About Jury Duty in Texas: Your Legal Responsibilities

Jury duty is a fundamental civic responsibility in Texas, essential to upholding the constitutional right to a fair and impartial trial. Understanding your legal responsibilities and what to expect can help you navigate the process with confidence.

Who Is Eligible for Jury Duty in Texas?

To serve as a juror in Texas, you must meet several requirements:

Be at least 18 years old
Be a citizen of the United States and Texas
Reside in the county where you are summoned
Be able to read and write
Be of sound mind and good moral character
Not have been convicted of a felony or, in some counties, certain misdemeanors
Not be under indictment or legal accusation for a felony or certain misdemeanors

Jurors are typically selected at random from voter registration lists and driver’s license or state identification records.

What Are Your Duties as a Juror?

As a juror, your primary responsibilities include:

Being fair and impartial: You must set aside personal biases and make decisions based solely on the evidence presented in court.
Listening to testimony and evidence: Carefully consider all information presented during the trial.
Following the judge’s instructions: Pay close attention to the judge’s guidance on the law and the issues you must decide.
Deliberating with fellow jurors: Discuss the case with other jurors and work toward a verdict based on the evidence and the law.
Maintaining confidentiality: Do not discuss the case with anyone outside the jury until deliberations are complete.

How Long Does Jury Duty Last?

Jury duty in Texas usually lasts about one week, though many people complete their service in just a day or a fraction of a day, depending on whether they are selected for a trial.

Who Can Be Excused or Exempt from Jury Duty?

Texas law provides several exemptions and excuses, including:

Being over 75 years old (you may request a permanent exemption)
Having legal custody of a child under 12 years old and no adequate supervision
Being a student at a public or private secondary school or enrolled in higher education
Being the primary caretaker of someone unable to care for themselves
Having served as a juror in the county within the past 24 to 36 months (depending on county size)
Being an active-duty military member deployed away from your home county

To claim an exemption, you must complete the appropriate paperwork included with your jury summons.

What Happens If You Ignore a Jury Summons?

Failing to respond to a jury summons or not showing up for jury duty without a valid reason can have serious legal consequences:

Fines: You may be fined between $100 and $1,000 for failing to respond or appear.
Contempt of Court: The court may hold you in contempt, which can result in additional fines or even jail time.
Warrant for Arrest: Repeatedly ignoring summonses could lead to a warrant for your arrest.

Your Rights as a Juror

Texas law protects your employment while you serve jury duty. Employers are prohibited from firing or penalizing employees for fulfilling their jury service. If your employer violates this law, you may be entitled to reinstatement and compensation.

Compensation for Jury Service

Jurors in Texas are compensated for their time and travel. Rates vary by court, but generally, you can expect at least $20 for the first day and up to $58 per day for subsequent days, depending on the court.

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