In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". The defendants case presentation follows the same format as the plaintiffs or States case. If you are selected to serve on a jury the first day, then you will follow the judges instructions until that case is over. 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. Please note the required fees for this service. The Lawrence County Courthouse is located at 14451 Market St, Moulton, Al. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. Jurors are NOT allowed to bring their cell phones into the court house. The St. Clair County Courthouse is located at 100 6th Avenue North, Ashville, AL 35953. 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.". Alabama Administrative Office of Courts - alacourt.gov 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. A Juror must give his/her undivided attention to the trial. 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 8/15/2011. Jury Duty 101 is a free public resource site, and is not affiliated with the United States government or any Government agency. If you are generally cold-natured, be sure to bring a jacket. No. 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. No fingernail files that are 3 inches in length or longer; no scissors of any type or length. We now have some general jury information available online about parking, juror pay, work related questions, and more. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. ", Jurors are randomly selected by computer and the summonses are mailed from Montgomery. The notices are mailed from Montgomery and the Clerk receives a list from the Administrative Office of Courts in Montgomery. <> If you believe you have a good reason to be excused from jury service, notify the court in advance. Letter of Transmittal of Notice of Appeal to Appellate Clerk by Trial Clerk. 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. Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 15 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> Being struck does not reflect on a juror's honesty or intelligence. The Clerk does not have anything to do with the selection process. Next, the defendants attorney may cross-examine the witness to disclose facts favoring the defendant; the defendants attorney may demonstrate there is reason to doubt the testimony given by the witness on direct examination. Occasionally, the judge may ask jurors to leave the courtroom while the lawyers make their legal arguments. 13 0 obj Have several alternate dates selected when you make your request. It must be received in our office prior to your reporting date. Cullman County - Thirty-Second Circuit Court of Alabama If you are selected to serve on a jury, adequate time for lunch will be allowed. Report to the Main Courtroom. endobj The jurys verdict can only be based upon evidence presented in court. PDF JUDICIAL CIRCUITS OF ALABAMA - alacourt.gov The grand jury may be summoned to serve one term or several short terms. You have completed your jury duty service. @"D5;>mgI, wgf4=3b0C[Yc$nIJENUh yhi"V) K`FB76?(r[`dEAtITJe2 You should arrive in time to be checked in. Peremptory challenges are intended to allow lawyers, both prosecution and defense, to do their best to assure that the trial is fair. Thank you for serving! 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 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. Selection of a foreman is the jurys first duty. JURORS: Please review the Juror FAQ to find answers to questions about how the Mobile County courts intend to handle jury assembly and trials during the Covid-19 pandemic. Parking is available around the courthouse. Report to the Main Courtroom. The jury panel is sent to the courtroom in which the case will be heard. 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. Your service as a juror is as important as those of the judge. Opening statements are not evidence but are only explanations of what each side expects the evidence to prove. Do not give out such information over the phone to anyone who calls you claiming to be with the judicial system. [Acts 1978, No. To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. 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. Deliberation: After closing arguments, the jury is isolated to decide the verdict in the case. Cell Phones are allowed but on vibrate at all times. <> as we will not be responsible for their loss. Montgomery County - Fifteenth Circuit Court of Alabama 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. endobj ARAP-02. 8/15/2011. PS-02. His fax number is located on the jury summons. Attorneys represent and advise the parties on the law and all aspects of the trial. These are called "punitive damages." In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. Lynette Spaller is the Juror Manager and can be reached at(251) 937-0356 or (251) 580-1855 or by emailinglynette.spaller@alacourt.gov. Cell Phones are allowed but on vibrate at alltimes. Identification BadgesJurors will be issued Juror badges if selected for the trial. Usually, others indirectly involved provide essential services but are not active trial participants. 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. y &=84Fpl7ZhslggEyg';v.m ;s vScHMQ ^E/[\1Fk$Bi^WX8&!1/pP-C_M).y()Yya&MIbU 4tQZd( R3(e What is the difference between a petit and a grand jury? Mobile County - Thirteenth Circuit Court of Alabama E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts - alacourt.gov A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to one year in the county jail or a fine up to $2,000 or both. The sheriff, as an elected official, is the countys chief law enforcement officer. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. Mobile County - Thirteenth Circuit Court of Alabama Parking is limited around the courthouse. Direct examination discloses points important to the case. Can I be excused from or postpone service? Who would be considered a "Full Time Employee" in terms of being able to receive their salary or wages during jury service? Montgomery, Al. All requests for jury duty deferral must be made in writing or online. These are called "compensatory damages." Jury Information. If you need legal assistance, you should see an attorney. 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. All those that have been summoned for jury service should report on the day required, to the large courtroom, at the Bay Minette courthouse. We recommend that you bring reading materials, knitting, crossword puzzles, etc. 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. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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 qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. 594, p. 712 8.]) The courthouse is normally open at 8:00am to begin the check in process. A civil case is an action between parties seeking an impartial settlement of a dispute. 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. 9 0 obj We try to keep these to a minimum; however, these are often circumstances beyond the Court's control. Certificat d'achvement du Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du plaideur l'chelon de l'tat. 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. The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. Rulings by the Judge: The judge may be asked to decide questions of law during the trial. to occupy you while you wait. If it has been less than 2 years, you will be excused from that term. 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. The court will pay for your meals and lodging during the stay. Also, the temperature fluctuates greatly in our old courthouse, so you may want to bring a jacket. The court may postpone jury service to a later date rather than grant an excuse. Your Jury service has been completed. Thank you for serving! After qualification, you will be sworn in with the following juror's oath. The Jury Line will instruct jurors about where to report. <> Lawrence County - Thirty-Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama A Juror must not discuss the case with anyone, including relatives, friends, or trial participants. There is no charge for parking. No. Chambers County - Fifth Circuit Court of Alabama Yes. Jury service is scheduled to be for a two week period. *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.". 11 0 obj ARAP-03. endobj endobj The judge will ask general questions to determine whether you are qualified to serve as a juror. May I waive or forego my expense and mileage allowances if I choose to do so? The district attorney is an elected official who is the prosecutor for the state in criminal cases and represents a victim of crime. 8 0 obj 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. <> <> 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. These are called "compensatory damages." Pay traffic tickets or district criminal case fines online. The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. Jury Information Links Notice of Garnishments District Judges Honorable Alan Furr, District Judge County Courthouse, Suite 308 1815 Cogswell Ave Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-3869 Honorable Robert Minor, District Judge County Courthouse, Suite 208 1815 Cogswell Ave Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-1034 Should you be released earlier than expected, you should return to your job. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. State law prohibits an employer from dismissing an employee because (s)he is summoned for jury service. stream endobj 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. For your convenience, the forms may be saved to your computer and used without accessing the internet. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. How often am I required to serve as a juror? 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. They are employed by the parties or, if a defendant is indigent and unable to pay for an attorney in his/her criminal case, an attorney will be appointed by the court at state expense. A criminal case is an action brought by the state against a person or corporation charged with violating the law. Contact your doctor/medical care provider and request a medical excuse stating you are not physically and/or mentally able to serve as a A Juror must not research the case through broadcast and newspaper accounts. 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. 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? In most criminal cases on which you may be asked to serve, the crime with which the defendant is charged will be a "felony." 9[> The judges charge to the jury follows closing arguments. A juror may not listen to radio or television accounts concerning the trial, or read articles about the trial. Jury deliberations generally conclude when a unanimous verdict has been reached. Let us know in a single click. Please pay attention to your Panel Number, Time, and the Comments down below. What if I have an illness or an emergency during service? 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. Witnesses present testimony under oath regarding what they have seen or know about the facts 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." The courthouse will open at 8:00 a.m. to begin the check in process. The judge conducts the trial, rules on questions of law raised by the attorneys, and, at the close of the trial, instructs the jury on the law that applies to the case. The court, however, can require the defendant to reimburse the state for these costs, if s(he) is able. After reaching a verdict, the foreperson records the verdict and calls for the court attendant (or bailiff) to escort the jury to the courtroom. 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. endobj 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. The courts business manager is the circuit clerk. No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. Jurors may give the evidence whatever weight they consider appropriate. After the opening statements from both sides, the plaintiffs or states case is presented in the form of evidence. Butler County - Second Circuit Court of Alabama read more. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. An Alabama jury may be excused from jury service due to advanced age, at their request, if they are over age 70. endobj 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. Notes are for personal use only. If you can't get out of attending jury selection, there are many ways to raise the odds that you will be excused after jury selection without being selected to serve on a jury. By law ( 12-16-62. 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. Be able to communicate in the English language. The grand jury does not determine the accuseds guilt or innocence. <> 594, p. 712 8.]) An Alabama jury may be excused from jury service due to advanced age, at their request, if they are over age 70. After reaching a verdict, the foreman records the verdict and calls for the bailiff to escort the jury to the courtroom. Employers are prohibited by law 12-16-8.1) from firing an employee for serving as a juror. Smoking is permitted outside the building, however, because of time limitations there will not always be opportunities to go outside. 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. (Please Note: This will not excuse you permanently from jury duty. Upon completion of cross-examination, the plaintiffs attorney or district attorney may, on redirect examination, clarify statements previously made by the witness. There are two types of challenges: a challenge for cause and a peremptory challenge. 10 0 obj You should register online prior to reporting. You can also be excused if you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL. 1 0 obj Rarely does service exceed five work days. 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? The grand jury is summoned to serve one term or until the next grand jury is empaneled. The judge, attorneys, parties, witnesses and jurors are all direct participants in the courtroom proceedings. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to require an employer to provide annual, vacation, or sick leave to employees who otherwise are not entitled to the benefits under policies of the employer. 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. 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. 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. Therefore, simply having a job isn't in itself enough to be excused from jury duty. For information on the Mobile County Family Court, see their website at http://www.stricklandyouthcenter.org/. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. All rights reserved. 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? The judge, attorneys, parties, witnesses, and jurors are all direct participants in the courtroom proceedings. (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.). 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. ARAP-04. 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. Can I Get Excused From Jury Duty Because I Work? 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. 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. 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. 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. You may telephone a relative or friend to bring personal necessities. 2 0 obj In the state of Alabama, physicians, dentists, and nurses are exempt from jury duty. . A trial cannot begin or continue unless all jurors are present. Where to goThe Jury Assembly Room is to your left as your leave the elevator on the 3rd floor. Alabama Jury Duty Excuse List - Getting Excused From Jury Duty In most criminal cases on which you may be asked to serve, the crime with which the defendant is charged will be a "felony." 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. Please be assured that without your service the judicial system could not operate efficiently. endobj After the trials completion, you are not obligated to answer questions presented by attorneys or the press. A Juror must not conduct independent investigations or experiments to verify testimony given in the case. If a juror had been in an accident with a drunk driver and was still upset about it, the defense attorney could ask that the juror be excused for that reason. The jury will be asked to make decisions regarding disputed facts; therefore, jurors attention at all times is critically important. This saves jurors an unnecessary trip to the courthouse. <> View Sitemap. endobj A jurors verdict can only be based upon the evidence presented. The Chambers County Courthouse is located at 2 Lafayette St. South, Lafayette, AL 36862. Jury Information | St. Clair County, AL A prospective juror is asked questions to determine whether he/she has knowledge of or has an interest in the case to be tried. Click the above map. You can also submit your requests in writing to: Mail: Court AdministratorMontgomery County CourthousePO Box 1667Montgomery, AL 36102-1667. You are obligated to perform this service honestly and conscientiously, without fear or favor. The grand jury does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. These are called "punitive damages." What if I have a medical condition which would prevent me from serving? Will my expense allowance be deducted from my salary? Elmore County - Nineteenth Circuit Court of Alabama If you have received a jury summons, you should register online at https://juror.alacourt.gov immediately. ", Per Section 12-16-8(b) Code of Alabama: "An employee may not be required or requested to use annual, vacation, unpaid leave, or sick leave for time spent responding to a summons for jury duty, time spent participating in the jury selection process, or for time spent actually serving on a jury. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. The judge in the courtroom will explain the case and introduce the lawyers and other participants. It will be at the discretion of the court that summoned you whether to accept or deny your excuse. Courts in St. Clair County maintain records on everything that occurs during the legal process for future reference, including appeals. Legal Help for Low Income Clients- Provided by the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program, Legal Services Alabama and the Lawyer Referral Service. All requests to be excused from serving must be made in writing. This presentation is intended to prove the claims made. One late juror can waste the time of the many persons involved in a trial. Yes. Not necessarily. The court schedules seventeen weeks of jury trials each year. If you are not selected for the first trial, the Judge will tell you when you need to return. 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. 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.". 14 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. On the first day that you appear, a jury will be selected for the first case to be tried for that term of court. However, some courts may excuse you if serving on a jury and missing work would cause undue hardship to either yourself or your employer. Jury Duty Juror FAQ Juror Responsibilities Trial Participants Sequence of Events Prohibited Items Thank You for Your Jury Service
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