Western District of Texas

INFORMATION ABOUT FEDERAL JURY SERVICE

Welcome to jury duty for the U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas. This pamphlet will assist you in answering initial questions you may have about jury duty. When you report for jury duty you will receive instructions that explain your duties and obligations as a juror.

PLEASE HAVE A PICTURE IDENTIFICATION CARD AVAILABLE TO PRESENT WHEN ENTERING THE COURTHOUSE.

SELECTION AS A JUROR: Jurors serving in the United States District Court at Pecos are selected at random from the voter registration lists of the following West Texas counties: Brewster, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Loving, Pecos, Presidio, Reeves, Ward and Winkler. Your services will be the first date you report in and run for the following three months. You will be summoned to appear approximately once per month.

FEES: A $40.00 daily attendance fee is paid for each day you report for jury duty (with the exception of Federal Government employees). Mileage is paid for the distance traveled to and from a juror's residence by the shortest, practical route going to, and returning from, the place of service. The allowance shall be at the maximum rate established. Jurors who travel 70 miles or more, one way, from Pecos are eligible to receive a subsistence allowance for lodging if they choose to stay overnight. The subsistence allowance shall be at the maximum rate established. You will need to provide the jury clerk with your hotel receipts.

CONDUCT OF JURORS: Local Court Rule AT-5 provides a guideline for Courtroom decorum which jurors are asked to observe:

1. It is the policy of the court that male jurors wear coat and tie, and female jurors wear dresses or pantsuits when reporting for jury service,
2. Rise when addressing, or being addressed by the Judge,
3. No tobacco in any form at any time,
4. No propping of feet on tables and/or chairs,
5. No bottles, beverage containers, paper cups or food shall be brought into the Courtroom,
6. No gum chewing, reading of newspapers and magazines (except as part of evidence in a case).

TEMPORARY OR HARDSHIP EXCUSES: All requests to be excused must be submitted in writing, addressed to U. S. District Court, 410 S. Cedar Street, Pecos, TX 79772 or faxed to (432)445-9859. All excuses based on medical conditions must be accompanied by a letter from your physician stating why you are unable to attend. An un-excused absence may result in a charge of contempt of Court and a subsequent fine.

CODE-PHONE: Oftentimes jury selection/service is cancelled or postponed at the last minute. Therefore, always call the code-a-phone the day before you are to report for jury selection/service for confirmation of each setting. Call locally at 445-4038 and long distance 1-800-733-7782.

Should there be a situation where a juror needs to be excused from service, the request must be in writing and sent to the following address as soon as possible after receipt of the summons to appear:

Clerk, United States District Court
Attention: Jury Clerk
410 S. Cedar Street
Pecos, Texas 79772

We hope you will find your term of jury service an interesting and satisfying experience. When you report for jury duty, you will receive additional instructions about your duties and obligations as a juror.

WILLIAM G. PUTNICKI
Clerk of Court