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1. Is jury service mandatory?

Yes.  The United States Constitution and the Texas State Constitution guarantee the right to trial by jury.  State law obligates all qualified residents to serve as a juror. 

In addition, Texas Government Code, Section 62.0141, Section 62.111, and Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 19A.054 all state that a person shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 if the person fails to attend court in obedience to a summons without reasonable excuse or files a false claim of exemption from jury service.

2. How was I selected?

You were selected at random through the electronic jury system used by the Chambers County Jury Services department from a list provided to us by the Texas Secretary of State.  This list is composed of those holding a valid driver’s license, personal ID card/certificate, and or voter registration in Chambers County Texas.

3. How can I claim an exemption or disqualification from jury service?

If you qualify to claim an exemption or disqualification from jury service then you will be excused and will not have to appear on your summons date.  In order to claim either, log onto eResponse and complete the questions.  Based on your answers the system will determine if you qualify for either and will inform you that the exemption/disqualification has been approved.  No further action will be necessary from you.

4. How can I postpone (defer) my jury service?

Once you have completed the questionnaire in eResponse you may log back into the system and request a deferral.  The jury service coordinator will assist you from that point on.

5. Can my employer prevent me from serving as a juror?

No.  State law prohibits an employer from discriminating against an employee for taking time off to serve as a juror. 

Note to employers.  Pursuant to Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 122.001 Juror’s Right to Reemployment; Notice of Intent to Return.

• A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because an employee serves as a juror.
• An employee whose employment is terminated in violation of this section is entitled to return to the same employment that the employee held when summoned for jury service if the employee, as soon as practical after release from jury service, gives the employer actual notice that the employee intends to return.

6. Does my employer have to pay me while I serve on jury duty?

No.  State law does not require employers to compensate their employees while on jury service.  Many employers, however, do support the jury system.  Please check with your employer regarding your company’s policy.

7. What is acceptable attire for jury service?

“Business casual” is considered the appropriate way to dress for jury service.  Nice jeans are also allowed.  Shorts, uniforms, tank tops, flip flops, holes in any clothing is not allowed.  Hats can be worn but will be required to be removed in the courtroom.

8. What if I have a disability, medical/mental health issue that prevents me from attending?

Chambers County will try to accommodate anyone with a disability or medical/mental health issue, however, a juror may also choose to be excused because of a disability or medical/mental health issue.  If this is the case, a juror must present a Juror Disability & Medical/Mental Certification Form (PDF) to their physician to be completed and returned to the jury service coordinator within 15 days of their notification for service.  Otherwise, the juror’s name will be placed back in the jury pool for summons.

Please complete the eResponse questionnaire and indicate you will be completing this form so we can place your status in “documentation pending”.  You can deliver this form by mail, email Jury Service, or fax at 409-267-8209.

9. Can I be excused due to work related reasons?

No.  You cannot be excused for work related or economic reasons.  However, once you are in the voire dire process within a judge’s courtroom you can make your request known to the attorneys and they will make a final decision.

10. What if I have a planned vacation on the date I am to appear for jury duty?

Just call the office ahead of time, any one of my trained deputies can discuss the possibility of postponing your jury service for up to 60 days to accommodate your schedule.

11. When will I receive payment for my jury service?

Payment for jury service is processed in approximately 4 to 6 weeks. All payments are mailed by the Chambers County Treasurer's Office.

12. I intended to donate my jury pay but received a check. How can I donate?

Contact the Jury Services department:

P.O. Drawer NN
Anahuac, Texas 77514
Email Jury Service
Phone: 409-267-2432

13. I received my check, but the amount is incorrect. Who do I contact?

Contact the Jury Services department:

P.O. Drawer NN
Anahuac, Texas 77514
Email Jury Service
Phone: 409-267-2432

14. I never received my jury check. How do I get a replacement?

Contact the Jury Services department:

P.O. Drawer NN
Anahuac, Texas 77514
Email Jury Service
Phone: 409-267-2432