Jury Service FAQs

Information for Jurors OR Questions About Jury Service

Jury

How do I respond to the Juror Information Form and Supplemental Questionnaire I just received?

You may respond to the Juror Information Form and Supplemental Questionnaire you just received. This questionnaire is intended to determine if you are qualified for jury service (it is not a summons). Once you complete this questionnaire online, you do not have to mail in the hard copy that was mailed to you.

How do I respond to the Summons I just received?

You may respond to the jury summons you just received. This will enable you to complete your juror information form and supplemental questionnaire. Once you complete both online, you do not have to mail in the hard copies that were included in your summons.

How do I check my Reporting Instructions?

You may access your reporting instructions. These same reporting instructions can be accessed by calling: 1-888-587-9329 or 1-210-472-4912. Check your summons handout to reference when you are instructed to check your reporting instructions.

How do I submit an Excuse Request?

You may submit an excuse request or postponement. Please note that only summoned jurors can submit an excuse request. Also, you must complete your juror information form and the supplemental questionnaire before an excuse request can be submitted.

Jury Service

How was I selected?

A random selection of names of prospective jurors to serve on grand and petit juries is drawn from the General Election Voter Registration Lists (“voter registration lists”) of the counties comprising each division. These randomly drawn names make up the Master Jury Wheel. Another randomized selection is performed for purposes of determining qualification for jury service. These prospective jurors are sent qualification questionnaire forms in order to determine their qualification for jury service. Individuals that are deemed qualified for jury service make up the Qualified Jury Wheel. A random selection of names is drawn from this Qualified Jury Wheel in order to summon individuals for jury service.

What fees are paid to jurors for service?

Jurors are paid $50.00 per day attendance fee (with the exception of Federal Government employees). You will also be paid a round trip mileage fee from your residence. Payment of parking fees varies by division office. See the local jury instructions for specifics for the courthouse you will be serving jury duty in. If a juror travels more than 70 miles, one-way, that person has the option to stay at a hotel/motel with reimbursement according to the fee schedule for the division they will be serving jury duty in. Jurors can call for the information. Hotel receipts will be required.

How long does jury service last?

Jury panels serve the courts on an “on call” basis. The length of service for each jury panel differs by division. Upon receipt of the jury information packet, you will be advised of your term of service.

Jurors are given a telephone number to be used during their term of service as prospective jurors. Each juror is assigned a panel number and a unique juror number. Because the jury dockets are constantly changing, each person summoned for jury service is instructed to call the jury information line or access the jury instructions on this website for confirmation of attendance.

Can I be excused from jury service?

The only person authorized to excuse, exclude, exempt or disqualify a juror from jury service in federal court is the Judge. Federal law allowing the granting of excuses is very strict. All requests for excuses and postponements are submitted in writing to the Office of the Clerk, Attention: Jury Clerk. All excuses based on medical conditions must be accompanied by a letter from your physician stating why you are unable to attend. Upon receipt of these requests, the jury clerk logs them in and routes them to the Judge for a ruling. This office will notify you either by telephone or letter immediately upon receipt of the Judge’s reply to your request. It is important to submit the written request for excuses and postponements as early as possible. A juror should not assume a request will be granted. An unexcused absence may result in a charge of contempt of Court and a subsequent fine and/or imprisonment.

Is there a dress code that must be followed while on jury service?

Yes, specific dress codes are set by each judge. See the local jury instructions for details.

What security issues do I have to be aware of?

Due to increased security at all Federal Courthouses and buildings, it will be necessary for you to pass through a metal detector as you enter the court facility. Your purses, bags, and briefcases will be x-rayed at the same time. To expedite your entrance, it is recommended that you wear as little jewelry as possible and leave any excess metal at home. The following list includes some items that are not allowed into the courthouse:

  1. Cameras
  2. Mace/Stun Guns
  3. Tape Recorders
  4. Aerosol Cans (e.g. Hair Spray)
  5. Knives (including pocket knives and metal nail files)
  6. All Firearms or dangerous weapons *
    * 18 USC. Sec. 930, “It is illegal to possess Firearms and Dangerous Weapons in Federal Facilities.”

The use of cell phones in the courthouse varies from division to division. See local jury instructions for further information.

What might happen if I don’t show up for jury service?

Jurors who fail to report for jury duty and who have not been excused by the Court may be served a Show Cause Order by a Deputy United States Marshal. Those jurors will be ordered to appear before the Court to show cause why they should not be held in contempt of the Jury Service and Selection Act. Contempt penalties range from a $1,000.00 fine, imprisoned not more than three (3) days, ordered to perform community service, or any combination thereof.

Is my job protected if I serve as a juror?

You are protected by Federal Statute, 28 U.S.C. 1875. No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee’s jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States.

I live at a different address then the one listed on the questionnaire. What do I do?

Cross out the old address and print the current address next to it. If you will be moving, please complete the form and send it in. Once you move, notify us by letter and provide us with your new address. Your letter should be addressed to:

Jury Administrator
Executive Offices of the Clerk
Western District of Texas
262 W. Nueva St., Room 3-260
San Antonio, Texas 78207

When will I be called to serve?

If you are found qualified, your jury service could occur between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2023.

Do I have to complete the Juror Qualification Questionnaire form? Can you just exempt or disqualify me over the phone and update your system?

Unfortunately, we are unable to update your qualification status over the phone. The questionnaire serves as documentation for a person’s qualification status.

My son/daughter is overseas and serving in the military. They are unable to complete this survey.

An exemption is available for individuals who are in active service of the armed forces. The third item on question 9 addresses our active armed services members. Check the appropriate box that applies to your situation. A family member can sign and date the questionnaire on behalf of their family member. Please note your relationship to this family member (e.g. father, mother and etc.).

Jury Questionnaire

I live at a different address then the one listed on the questionnaire. What do I do?

Cross out the old address and print the current address next to it. If you will be moving, please complete the form and send it in. Once you move, notify us by letter and provide us with your new address. Your letter should be addressed to:

Jury Administrator
Executive Offices of the Clerk
Western District of Texas
262 W. Nueva St., Room 3-260
San Antonio, Texas 78207

When will I be called to serve?

If you are found qualified, your jury service could occur between October 1, 2021 and September 30, 2023.

My son/daughter is overseas and serving in the military. They are unable to complete this survey.

An exemption is available for individuals who are in active service of the armed forces. The third item on question 9 addresses our active armed services members. Check the appropriate box that applies to your situation. A family member can sign and date the questionnaire on behalf of their family member. Please note your relationship to this family member (e.g. father, mother and etc.).

What should I do, if the person is unavailable or unable to complete form?

A family member or guardian can complete the form. You can sign your name and identify the relationship to the person and why you are completing the form.

How was my name chosen?

In our district we utilize the voters registration list that is supplied to us by the State of Texas. Every two years we build a listing of qualified individuals that may be selected to serve as jurors. This questionnaire allows us to determine if someone is qualified to serve.

The letter states that I have 10 days to complete and return this form. It has been more then 10 days, what do I do?

That is fine, please return the questionnaire to us as soon as possible.

Do I have to complete this form? Can you just exempt or disqualify me over the phone and update your system?

Unfortunately, we are unable to update your qualifications status over the phone. The questionnaire serve as documentation to a person’s qualification status.

The questionnaire is addressed to a deceased family member. What do I do?

Please print deceased next to the name and address that is listed on the questionnaire. Sign and date the questionnaire and note your relationship to the deceased person.

Please note, any correspondence to us should include:

Full Name
Address
Juror Number (which is listed above address)
Date of Birth

Where will I serve as a juror?

Below is a listing of counties in the Western District of Texas. The county that you reside in will determine which courthouse location you will perform your jury service.

Austin
Bastrop, Blanco, Burleson, Burnet, Caldwell, Gillespie, Hays, Kimble, Lampasas, Lee, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, San Saba, Travis, Washington, and Williamson

Del Rio
Edwards, Kinney, Maverick, Terrell, Uvalde, Val Verde, Zavalla

El Paso
El Paso, Hudspeth

Midland-Odessa
Andrews, Crane, Ector, Martin, Midland, and Upton

Pecos
Brewster, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Loving, Pecos, Presidio, Reeves, Winkler, and Ward

San Antonio
Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Dimmit, Frio, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Medina, Real and Wilson

Waco
Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Robertson, and Somervell

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