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.

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.