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Chambers County Jury Services

 Use this link to complete the online questionnaire required by your postcard summons.

 

The post card is your official summons. 

Summons by post card - the post card you received in the mail is your official jury summons which includes the date, time, and location for you to appear.  It also requires you to complete your questionnaire and includes three methods to access it:

  • QR code that is a link to eResponse. 
  • Website address that brings you to this page.
  • If you do not have access to a computer, smart phone, or iPad, call 409-267-2432 to have a questionnaire mailed to you.  Note: Any delays in receiving or returning the questionnaire is not a valid reason to miss your summons date.

Please realize that if you have not already completed the questionnaire online or brought it with you in the case of us mailing it, you will be required to do so at check in where jury staff will be there to assist you.

The question asking "if you are the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for themselves" does not include after school childcare.

Welcome to Chambers County's New Jury Service Department

 

 

 

 

Administered by the Chambers County District Clerk's Office, our new Jury Services Department is your one-stop shop for correspondence, notices, and jury questions in Chambers District, County Court at Law, County and Justice of the Peace courts. This new system was approved by the Chambers County Commissioners Court to make the jury process more efficient and effective.

The new system is designed to be easy and quick to use. It will allow a jury to register and complete an online questionnaire. Once registered, jurors will receive notifications and updates to their jury service via email, phone, or text message. Our jury services coordinator is available to serve Chambers County courts and citizens.  

Jury Service

Jury service is one of the most important responsibilities we as citizens have, second only to the right to vote and is a vital component of the American Justice System.  As intended by the United State Constitution, the impartial and random selection of jurors is performed without regard to race, sex, occupation, education, or economic level, and is done so to assemble a representative cross-section of the county’s population.  The Chambers County Justice of the Peace courts elected to also choose from a cross-section of the entire county, regardless of what precinct a juror resides in.

The conclusions made by a jury are critically important.  The case being heard may be as complex as a contract suit involving millions of dollars, or as simple as one involving a traffic violation.  To insure that the decision of the court is a fair and just one, each juror must take his or her duty seriously.  It is the responsibility of each resident of Chambers County to answer the call when summoned for jury duty.

eResponse

The Chambers County Jury Services department is excited to introduce our new eResponse system. This web-based system gives you the opportunity to respond to your jury service notices online.

Summons by post card - the post card you received in the mail is your official jury summons and includes a QR code that is a link to eResponse.  The county website is also listed that will bring you to this page.  Or, if you have no means of completing the questionnaire by phone, iPad, or computer, call our office to have a questionnaire mailed to you.

This system will allow you to provide an e-mail and phone number that will be used to send you notifications and reminders regarding your jury service.

On eResponse you can:

  • Notify us of a disqualification from jury service.
    (see Qualification for Jury Service below for more info.)
  • Claim an exemption (link to list) for this jury service or all jury service.
    (see Exemption From Jury Service below for more info.)
  • Choose to donate your first days service.
  • Check the status of your jury service.
  • Find your reporting location.

If you have questions or wish to defer your jury service date, contact the jury service coordinator 409-267-2432.

If you do not have access to a computer, iPad or smart phone to access eResponse you can call the Interactive Voice Response system at 409-207-8759 to check your status.  If you need further assistance or wish to submit your paper questionnaire please contact the jury services coordinator at juryservice@chamberstx.gov or call 409-267-2432.

To access eResponse you will need your juror candidate number and your date of birth.  The juror candidate number can be located on your postcard or reminder letter located below your name.

Please click the button below to access eResponse .

  • 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.

     

    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.

     

    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.

     

    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.

     

    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.

    1. A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because an employee serves as a juror.
    2. 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.

     

    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.

     

    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.

     

    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 my 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  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 juryservice@chamberstx.gov, or fax 409-267-8209.

    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.

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

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

WARNING: BEWARE OF TELEPHONE SCAMS.

 

No one from Chambers County will ever call or text you requesting you pay a fine for failing to appear for jury service.  If you receive this type of communication, please notify the Chamber County Sheriff’s Office 409-267-3220 and report it.

  • If you do not meet each of the below qualifications you cannot serve as a juror in Chambers County.  If any of these apply to you mark it accordingly in eResponse and the system will remove you from jury service.

    • Be at least 18 years of age.
    • Be a citizen of the United States.
    • Be a resident of Chambers County, Texas.
    • Be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in Chambers County.
    • Be of sound mind and good moral character.
    • Be able to read and write.
    • Have not served as a petit juror for six days during the preceding six months in a district court or during the preceding three months in a county court.
    • Have never been convicted of a misdemeanor theft or any felony.
    • Not be under indictment or other legal accusation for misdemeanor theft, felony theft, or any other felony charge. 
  • You are not required to claim an exemption from jury service; however, you may choose to be excused from this particular jury service if you are:

    • Over 70 years of age. 

    If you wish to claim a permanent exemption from all jury service, complete the Over 70 Permanent Exemption form and return it to the jury service coordinator.

    • The legal custodian of a child younger than 12 years of age (or 18 years of age for grand jury) and service on the jury would require leaving the child without adequate supervision.
    • A student at a public or private high school or in actual attendance at an institution of higher education.
    • An officer or employee of the Senate, the House of Representatives, or any department commission, board, office, or any agency in the legislative branch of state government.
    • The primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for him/herself.
    • In active service of any branch of the U.S. military and deployed outside of Parker County.
  • Do I get paid for my jury services?

    Yes.  Jurors who appear for jury selection will be paid $10.00 for their attendance (if it is determined that you do not live in Chambers County you will not be paid).  You have the option to donate this $10.00 when you register through eResponse.

    Jurors chosen to serve on a jury will be paid $40.00 per day or part of a day until their service is complete.  A check will be mailed to the same address your summons was mailed to unless you supply us with a different address.  You will have the opportunity to donate part or all of your payment.

    Jury Reimbursement Donation

    Pursuant to Section 61.003 of the Texas Government Code, a juror has the option of donating their juror pay to the programs listed below:

    Chambers County Child Welfare Board (foster children care): To provide coordinated state and local public welfare services for children and their families and for the coordinated use of federal, state, and local funds for these services under the direction of a child welfare board created by commissioner's court.

    Chambers County Fallen Officers Memorial Fund: To provide financial assistance to families of fallen law enforcement officers of Chambers County.

    Texas State Crime Victims Compensation Fund: To fund and encourage greater victim participation in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals and reimbursing innocent victims for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of violent crime.

    Bay Area Turning Point:  To fund a local shelter for battered, abused and displaced women and their children. and support services for the homeless.  This shelter serves the Greater Bay Area (Chambers County) and is funded by endorsement, grants, and fund-raising efforts of its communities.

     

    When will I receive payment?

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

  • District Clerk Mailing Address:
    PO Box NN
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
     Physical Address:
    2128 SH 61,
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
    253 District Court
    Mailing Address:
    1923 Sam Houston, Room 223
    Liberty, Texas 77575
     Physical Address:
    407 South Street
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
    344th District Court Mailing Address:
    PO Box 490
    Anahuac, Texas 77514

    Physical Address:
    404 Washington Ave. 3rd Floor
    Anahuac, Texas 77514

    County Clerk Mailing Address:
    PO Box 728
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
     Physical Address:
    404 Washington Ave. 1st Floor
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
    County Court
    Mailing Address:
    PO Box 939
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
     Physical Address:
    404 Washington Avenue, 2nd Floor
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
    County Court at Law Mailing and Physical Address:
    312 Washington Ave.,
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
    Justice of the Peace Precinct 1
    Mailing Address:
    PO Box 332
    Winnie, Texas 77665
     Physical Address:
    211 Broadway Avenue 
    Winnie, Texas 77665
    Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Mailing Address:
    PO Box 971
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
     Physical Address:
    300 Cummings Street
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
    Justice of the Peace Precinct 3

    Mailing Address:
    PO Box 971
    Anahuac, Texas 77514

     Physical Address:
    9310 FM 562
    Anahuac, Texas 77514
    Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Mailing Address:
    PO Box 827
    Mont Belvieu, Texas 77580
     Physical Address:
    10616 Eagle Drive
    Mont Belvieu, Texas 77523
    Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 Mailing Address:
    PO Box 2
    Wallisville, Texas 77597
     Physical Address:
    524 No. 9 Road
    Wallisville, Texas 77597
    Justice of the Peace Precinct 6 Mailing and Physical Address:
    7711 Highway 146
    Baytown, Texas 77523

  •      

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

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

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

For all three answers, contact us:
Chambers County Jury Services
P.O. Drawer NN
Anahuac, Texas 77514
juryservice@chamberstx.gov  or call 409-267-2432

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