Juror Information |
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If you have been called for jury duty in DeKalb County, the DeKalb County Courts and Circuit Court Clerk's office would like to thank you for your involvement in the judicial process. You will serve a vital role in our Judicial System, and your service is an important responsibility of citizenship. The United States Constitution guarantees everyone the right to trial by an impartial jury. Without willing jurors, the fairness and integrity of our Judicial System could not be maintained.
Selection Process
A listing from the Tennessee Department of Safety is obtained of licensed drivers from which jurors are selected at a random drawing by a computerized jury pool.
Basic Qualifications (T.C.A. 22-1-101, 22-1-102, 22-1-104)
• Must Be 18 Years of Age
• No Felony Convictions
• No Pending State Case or Be a Party to a Pending Case
• Persons Convicted of Perjury or Subornation of Perjury
• Resident of DeKalb County for 12 Months Preceding the Date of the Summons
Absence From Employment and Compensation (T.C.A. 22-4-106)
It is your obligation to inform your employer immediately when you receive a summons.
You are entitled to your usual compensation received from your employer, less the amount of the fee or compensation received for serving as a juror.
This does not apply to any employer who employees on a regular basis less than five (5) people or to any employee who has been employed on a temporary basis for less than six (6) months.
An excuse form is available for juror's employers from the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Excusable Jury Absences and Postponements
Obviously conflicts will arise from time to time as to pre-scheduled activities scheduled prior to jury duty. All individuals claiming a legal exemption or disqualification must submit appropriate documentation prior to the Jury Qualification date listed on the summons. After submitting your documentation, if you do not receive a response by mail, phone or email confirming dismissal, it is your responsibility to contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office for confirmation or for further instructions. If you do not submit documentation or have not been excused, you must appear before a judge at Jury Qualification.
The Deputy Jury Coordinator has the authority to excuse a person from jury service prior to their reporting for orientation based on the following reasons: those who are convicted felons, those who no longer reside in DeKalb County, those who have a medical condition that prevents them from serving, those who are self-employed or paid commission only, or those who have served on a jury in the last two years are exempt with the receipt of the appropriate paperwork. The Judge of the Court may also excuse a juror from jury service on the day of orientation.
Jurors may postpone their jury service one time, however. If postponement is granted, the juror will be required to serve the next time a summons is received. To request a postponement, a juror may call the Deputy Jury Coordinator at (615) 597-5711. Requests for exemption for other issues such as medical excuses, financial hardship information or other documents concerning jury service can be faxed to (615) 597-9919. If you wish to email the Deputy Jury Coordinator, please send your information to [email protected] . If you do not receive a response by mail, phone or email confirming postponement, it is your responsibility to contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office for confirmation or for further instructions.
Failure to respond to a jury summons could result in contempt of court and a penalty up to $500 plus court costs.
Jurors Compensation
Jurors are paid $10.00 and ten cents per mile each day that they report. You will not be paid for jury duty until the end of the term.
Planning Ahead
Come prepared to spend a full day in court. Make sure you have appropriate arrangements for family obligations such as picking up children from school, babysitting or other needs. If seated on a jury panel, you will not be able to leave until the judge releases you at the conclusion of the case or recesses to the following day.
Inclement Weather Instructions
Phone messages will be recorded with information concerning weather updates. Please call 615-464-6590 to receive weather updates via phone message.
A listing from the Tennessee Department of Safety is obtained of licensed drivers from which jurors are selected at a random drawing by a computerized jury pool.
Basic Qualifications (T.C.A. 22-1-101, 22-1-102, 22-1-104)
• Must Be 18 Years of Age
• No Felony Convictions
• No Pending State Case or Be a Party to a Pending Case
• Persons Convicted of Perjury or Subornation of Perjury
• Resident of DeKalb County for 12 Months Preceding the Date of the Summons
Absence From Employment and Compensation (T.C.A. 22-4-106)
It is your obligation to inform your employer immediately when you receive a summons.
You are entitled to your usual compensation received from your employer, less the amount of the fee or compensation received for serving as a juror.
This does not apply to any employer who employees on a regular basis less than five (5) people or to any employee who has been employed on a temporary basis for less than six (6) months.
An excuse form is available for juror's employers from the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
Excusable Jury Absences and Postponements
Obviously conflicts will arise from time to time as to pre-scheduled activities scheduled prior to jury duty. All individuals claiming a legal exemption or disqualification must submit appropriate documentation prior to the Jury Qualification date listed on the summons. After submitting your documentation, if you do not receive a response by mail, phone or email confirming dismissal, it is your responsibility to contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office for confirmation or for further instructions. If you do not submit documentation or have not been excused, you must appear before a judge at Jury Qualification.
The Deputy Jury Coordinator has the authority to excuse a person from jury service prior to their reporting for orientation based on the following reasons: those who are convicted felons, those who no longer reside in DeKalb County, those who have a medical condition that prevents them from serving, those who are self-employed or paid commission only, or those who have served on a jury in the last two years are exempt with the receipt of the appropriate paperwork. The Judge of the Court may also excuse a juror from jury service on the day of orientation.
Jurors may postpone their jury service one time, however. If postponement is granted, the juror will be required to serve the next time a summons is received. To request a postponement, a juror may call the Deputy Jury Coordinator at (615) 597-5711. Requests for exemption for other issues such as medical excuses, financial hardship information or other documents concerning jury service can be faxed to (615) 597-9919. If you wish to email the Deputy Jury Coordinator, please send your information to [email protected] . If you do not receive a response by mail, phone or email confirming postponement, it is your responsibility to contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office for confirmation or for further instructions.
Failure to respond to a jury summons could result in contempt of court and a penalty up to $500 plus court costs.
Jurors Compensation
Jurors are paid $10.00 and ten cents per mile each day that they report. You will not be paid for jury duty until the end of the term.
Planning Ahead
Come prepared to spend a full day in court. Make sure you have appropriate arrangements for family obligations such as picking up children from school, babysitting or other needs. If seated on a jury panel, you will not be able to leave until the judge releases you at the conclusion of the case or recesses to the following day.
Inclement Weather Instructions
Phone messages will be recorded with information concerning weather updates. Please call 615-464-6590 to receive weather updates via phone message.
Reporting For Jury Duty
Report time is typically at 8:30 a.m.
Security screening is conducted on all persons entering the DeKalb County Courthouse.
Jury selection usually lasts the entire day. Typically there is a one hour lunch break around noon and a brief restroom break mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Jurors are allowed to make and/or receive calls as well as use electronic devices during breaks.
During the selection process you will be told how long the particular case you are being considered for is expected to last.
Appropriate dress is required. Jeans are allowed but shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts are not considered appropriate. Hats are not allowed in the courtroom. Temperatures in the building vary, and it is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket with you.
The Court does not provide childcare services. Please do not bring your child / children when reporting for jury service. Arrangements for the care of your child / children should be made prior to reporting for jury service.
After the trial’s completion, you are not obligated to answer questions from any attorney or the press. If unwanted questions persist, contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
Report time is typically at 8:30 a.m.
Security screening is conducted on all persons entering the DeKalb County Courthouse.
Jury selection usually lasts the entire day. Typically there is a one hour lunch break around noon and a brief restroom break mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Jurors are allowed to make and/or receive calls as well as use electronic devices during breaks.
During the selection process you will be told how long the particular case you are being considered for is expected to last.
Appropriate dress is required. Jeans are allowed but shorts, tank tops, and t-shirts are not considered appropriate. Hats are not allowed in the courtroom. Temperatures in the building vary, and it is recommended that you bring a sweater or jacket with you.
The Court does not provide childcare services. Please do not bring your child / children when reporting for jury service. Arrangements for the care of your child / children should be made prior to reporting for jury service.
After the trial’s completion, you are not obligated to answer questions from any attorney or the press. If unwanted questions persist, contact the Circuit Court Clerk’s office.
DeKalb County Circuit Court | 1 Public Square - Room 201 | Smithville, Tennessee 37166
615-597-5711 | Fax: 615-597-9919 | Jury Information: 615-464-6590
Office Hours: Monday - Friday -- 8:00am - 4:30pm
615-597-5711 | Fax: 615-597-9919 | Jury Information: 615-464-6590
Office Hours: Monday - Friday -- 8:00am - 4:30pm