A felony is a crime punishable by at least one year and one day in the penitentiary and may also include a fine of $5,000 or more. After listening to the judges oral charge, the jury retires to begin jury deliberations. [Acts 1978, No. You will be in processed and given a brief orientation. Not have been convicted of a crime involving "moral turpitude" (a crime which violates accepted standards of the community, including crimes involving dishonesty) which resulted in the suspension of a person's right to vote. Sometimes the plaintiff may ask for damages in addition to the compensatory damages, in order to punish the defendant and to prevent the defendant from doing the same act again. There is no limit to the number of jurors who may be excused for challenge for cause. Please allow extra time for parking and going through the metal detector. Do not give out such information over the phone to anyone who calls you claiming to be with the judicial system. In most criminal cases on which you may be asked to serve, the crime with which the defendant is charged will be a "felony." The judge will ask general questions to determine whether you are qualified to serve as a juror. The sheriff, as an elected official, is the countys chief law enforcement officer. Our Justices, Judges and staff share the sentiments of former United States Chief Justice Earl Warren when he stated that, "The success of any legal system is measured by its fidelity to the universal ideal of justice." The court attendant (also known as a "bailiff") maintains courtroom order and assists jurors. If you need legal assistance, you should see an attorney. 10 0 obj A Juror must give his/her undivided attention to the trial. (Please Note: Until your name is taken off of the Chambers County voter's registration list your name is subject to be selected again in the future.). The courts have defined "full time" as the amount of time considered as the normal or standard amount of work time for a given period, such as a day, week, or month. Note: The Attorney General in Georgia has concluded that it is unlawful for an employee in Georgia to fire an employee working in Georgia because the employee was absent from his/her employment for the purpose of serving as a juror in Alabama. The "defendant" is the party being sued. The grand jury does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. When you call that number (943-7935 in Gulf Area and 937-0363 in all other areas), there will be a recorded message by the Circuit Clerk telling you whether or not your panel number needs to come to jury duty the next day, and if your panel number is to come, when you are to report. 4 0 obj stream ARAP-03. The jurys verdict can only be based upon evidence presented in court. 205 Government Street, Suite 913 | Mobile, AL 36644-2913 Phone: (251) 574-8511 | Fax: (251) 574-8796 | Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, M - F . The jury will be asked to make decisions regarding disputed facts; therefore, jurors attention at all times is critically important. A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. no one is exempt from jury duty, but if this week presents an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience you may call Lisa Burdette (334) 864-4348 for a postponement to a later date. For any additional questions or concerns please call 334-832-2531. Not necessarily. No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. xXKoH'4-IEY4:nU/IYqt#D1dD)q|;zKsjo69}Nu"pO$.4)IOq = /=P@f&+)#\nDmOWu:II^Y:~M9q,)d~A8Oh_1Hf!B[(qYXi}yEZN!D>)Fd5lpD)BU#Bb#YF_h=_Pn&d\Pe(TW!]1##cx\WdPM.iP4*j$;0!v>Jmg%\| 3C1= Q +D1'j/KX@qkW!jWhq$rBU{LA%7TK5u"n@n=ePu The charge instructs the jury on the issues to be decided and the rules of law that apply to the case. Sometimes the plaintiff may ask for damages in addition to the compensatory damages, in order to punish the defendant and to prevent the defendant from doing the same act again. Montgomery, Al. Once selection of a jury begins, a potential juror should not discuss the case with anyone. For each required service day, you are entitled to be paid by the circuit clerk or court administrator an expense allowance of $10.00 plus a mileage allowance of $.05 for each mile traveled in going to and returning from court to your residence. Identity thieves in other parts of the country have called residents and threatened them for failing to report for jury service. E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Welcome to E-Forms The following forms are available in portable document format (PDF) for the public and other users of the AOC website. Jury Service Information forTuesday, April 11, 2023. 8 0 obj A Juror must not discuss the case with anyone, including relatives, friends, or trial participants. A jury of 12 people will be selected in the courtroom. [Acts 1978, No. If I work outside the State of Alabama, and I am summoned as a juror in the county where I reside in the State of Alabama, am I entitled to my usual compensation from my employer? If you wish to waive this compensation, there are forms in the Clerks Office for you to request such. Jury Information Links Notice of Garnishments District Judges Honorable Alan Furr, District Judge County Courthouse, Suite 308 1815 Cogswell Ave Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-3869 Honorable Robert Minor, District Judge County Courthouse, Suite 208 1815 Cogswell Ave Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-1034 400 | Ashville, AL 35953 Phone: (205) 594-2184 , Pell City - (205) 338-2511 | Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, M-F Need Directions? endobj They are considered contraband and could lead to your arrest. endobj A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to one year in the county jail or a fine of $2,000 or both. <> Be prepared to wait before and during trials. To qualify for jury service, a person generally must have a reputation for being honest and intelligent, must possess good character and sound judgment, and also must: Most of our jury terms are scheduled for two consecutive weeks. This process is called "voir dire", a phrase meaning "to speak the truth". The defendants case is presented after the plaintiffs or states case. How is a civil case different from a criminal case? Pay traffic tickets or district criminal case fines online. Notes are for personal use only. If you are in the Montgomery County Area: Note: Jurors are encouraged to take public transportation to the court building. 8/7/2007. The "defendant" is the party being sued. Welcome to Jury Duty If you have received a jury summons, you should register online at https://juror.alacourt.gov immediately.. Lynette Spaller is the Juror Manager and can be reached at (251) 937-0356 or (251) 580-1855 or by emailing lynette.spaller@alacourt.gov. What can I expect when I report to the courthouse for jury service? Yes. To qualify for jury service, a person generally must have a reputation for being honest and intelligent, must possess good character and sound judgment, and also must: Service as a juror depends upon many factors, one of which is the type and complexity of the case. A Juror must not research the case through broadcast and newspaper accounts. Additional legal and court related information, forms, support, and services are available at www.alacourt.gov. Please select a department or category from the menu to the left to find the information you need. Jury Information. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. Our Justices, Judges and staff share the sentiments of former United States Chief Justice Earl Warren when he stated that, "The success of any legal system is measured by its fidelity to the universal ideal of justice." How is a civil case different from a criminal case? . Parking is limited around the courthouse. Per Section 12-16-75(b) Code of Alabama: "A juror who has served on a petit jury in this state shall not be summoned to serve again as a petit juror in any court of this state for 24 months following the last day of service.". It is very unlikely that you will have to spend every day at jury duty. Where to goThe Jury Assembly Room is to your left as your leave the elevator on the 3rd floor. How was I selected for jury duty?You were selected at random from lists of voter registrations of Montgomery County. The judges charge to the jury follows closing arguments. The Circuit Clerk will go over what you can expect to experience during your time of jury service. If you believe you have a good reason to be excused from jury service, notify the court in advance. Copyright 2019 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts, Frequently Asked Questions about Jury Duty. 35650. May I waive or forego my expense and mileage allowances if I choose to do so? PS-02. Appellee's Designation of Clerks Record. For your convenience, the forms may be saved to your computer and used without accessing the internet. However, you are not authorized to receive an expense and mileage allowance if you are notified in advance that your services are not needed for that day or if you report only to be excused. Your service as a juror is as important as those of the judge. What type of cases are heard by jurors?Jurors may be selected for criminal cases ranging from traffic offenses to murder as well as civil cases. All other panels, your Jury service has been completed. Should you receive another summons in the future and you are still having medical problems, you would need to submit another request to be excused.) The court schedules seventeen weeks of jury trials each year. A misdemeanor is a crime punishable by up to one year in the county jail or a fine up to $2,000 or both. After check in, the judge will ask general questions to determine whether you are qualified to serve as a juror. You should register online prior to reporting. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. We recommend that you bring reading materials, knitting, crossword puzzles, etc. You will need toupdate your voter registration. 9[> <> This elected official is responsible for court records, issuing summonses and subpoenas, collecting court-ordered monies, and conducting other business activities. After the defendant's case, the plaintiff or state may present, After listening to the judge's oral charge, the jury retires to begin, Jury deliberations generally conclude when a unanimous. <> Closing arguments are not evidence but are the attorneys summaries of the evidence presented during the trial. Who is eligible for jury duty?Jurors must: You cannot serve on a jury if you have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored. All rights reserved. After the opening statements from both sides, the plaintiffs or states case is presented in the form of evidence. It must be received in our office prior to your reporting date. The grand jury is summoned to serve one term or until the next grand jury is empaneled. Let us know in a single click. Elmore County - Nineteenth Circuit Court of Alabama If you have received a jury summons, you should register online at https://juror.alacourt.gov immediately. read more. After you complete this process, email trish.campbell@alacourt.gov to notify the court you are seeding a medical excuse from jury duty. A criminal case is an action brought by the state against a person or corporation charged with violating the law. In the state of Alabama, volunteer firefighters are exempt from jury duty. Government Plaza | 205 Government Street, Suite 913 | Mobile, AL 36644-2913, Phone: (251) 574-8511 | Fax: (251) 574-8796 | Hours: 8:00 am 5:00 pm, M - F, Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. The attorney general has ruled in Opinion 90-00190 that juror pay received while serving is an expense allowance and should not be deducted from your normal salary. After the jury is selected, the trial will generally follow this order of events: Opening Statements: The lawyers for each side may explain the case, the evidence they will present, and the issues for the jury to decide. On occasion, it is necessary to sequester or isolate a jury from contact with the public during the course of the trial. If I am summoned to court as a juror, but I was not chosen to serve, am I still entitled to an expense allowance and mileage? Deliberation: After closing arguments, the jury is isolated to decide the verdict in the case. After reaching a verdict, the foreman records the verdict and calls for the bailiff to escort the jury to the courtroom. A person who knows a fact which could materially affect the case should not serve as a juror. Talladega County Circuit Clerk's Office 148 East St. N P.O. As a summoned juror, you are entitled to an expense and mileage allowance regardless of whether you actually served on a jury that particular day. A trial cannot begin or continue unless all jurors are present. 7 0 obj Information on cases in Alabama Circuit and District courts is now available on demand, without a subscription, through Just One Look. Be careful what information you reveal over the phone. 11 0 obj The court will not reimburse you for parking citations. We have two - 2 week terms each of Civil, Criminal and Grand Jury. 13 0 obj Answer to Landlords Claim. Thus, a juror must not conduct investigations or experiment by himself/herself. Report to the Main Courtroom. 5 0 obj There is no way to permanently excuse anyone from jury duty. After the trials completion, you are not obligated to answer questions presented by attorneys or the press. to occupy you while you wait. 594, p. 712 8.]) A Civil case is an action between parties seeking an impartial settlement of a dispute. You must apply the law given by the judge to the facts given during the trial to make a decision in a case. The Alabama Central Disbursement Division (ACDD) is a newly created division that was established as a result of federal and state law, known as the Welfare Reform Act of 1996. 1 0 obj Should an illness of a family member or a personal emergency arise, immediately inform the judge or other court official and explain the situation. Employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee and revoking acquired leave timefor serving as a juror. In Baldwin County, we have two (2) week jury terms, but you most likely will not serve every day of the term. endobj In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. The court may require alternate jurors to serve who shall have the same qualifications, be subject to the same examination, take the same oath, and have the same functions and powers as regular jurors. as we will not be responsible for their loss. If the jury cannot reach a verdict, referred to as "deadlock," a mistrial must be declared and a new jury empaneled to try the case over. 8/15/2011. ", Jurors are randomly selected by computer and the summonses are mailed from Montgomery. The thieves then asked for confidential information. Courts in St. Clair County maintain records on everything that occurs during the legal process for future reference, including appeals. This presentation is intended to prove the claims made. You may call the Circuit Judge listed on your jury summons card or 256-549-2174 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least one week prior to the date you are to report. A "Certificate of Jury Service" may be obtained from the circuit clerk as proof of jury service for your employer. The judge, attorneys, parties, witnesses and jurors are all direct participants in the courtroom proceedings. no one is exempt from jury duty, but if this week presents an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience you may callLisa Burdette(334) 864-4348for a postponement to a later date. <> 15 0 obj In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". The defendants case presentation follows the same format as the plaintiffs or States case. Please pay attention to your Panel Number, Time, and the Comments down below. (Please Note: Your employer is only required to pay you a 40 hour work week's pay, no overtime pay even if you normally work overtime.) When the case is over, you follow the instructions for your panel number that you will receive from the recorded message. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. All those that have been summoned for jury service should report on the day required, to the large courtroom, at the Bay Minette courthouse. ARAP-04. A Juror must be prompt. Letter of Transmittal of Notice of Appeal to Appellate Clerk by Trial Clerk. Who would be considered a "Full Time Employee" in terms of being able to receive their salary or wages during jury service? On behalf of Honorable J. Clark Stankoski, Presiding Circuit Judge, Honorable Jody W. Bishop, Honorable C. Joseph Norton . stream Does my employer have to pay me while I serve on jury duty? in the past two years, has served on more than one grand jury, actually served as a grand juror and a petit juror, or if you have actually attended court for service or prospective service as a petit juror for a total of more than twelve days. If an employee is discharged solely because (s)he has been summoned for jury service, the employee may sue the employer in any state court and may be entitled to recover both actual and punitive damages. endobj <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/Annots[ 13 0 R] /MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> The jury panel is sent to the courtroom in which the case will be heard. Note: The Attorney General in Georgia has concluded that it is unlawful for an employer in Georgia to fire an employee working in Georgia because the employee was absent from his/her employment for the purpose of serving as a juror in Alabama. The questions are not intended to embarrass anyone but are used to make sure that members of the jury do not have opinions or past experiences which might prevent reaching an impartial decision. PS-01. 3 0 obj What time do I have to arrive at the Courthouse on Monday? Will I have to come to the Courthouse every day during the 2 week jury term? Read, speak, and understand the English language. A criminal case is an action brought by the state against a person or corporation charged with violating the law. Certificat d'achvement du Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du plaideur l'chelon de l'tat. The Lawrence County Courthouse is located at 14451 Market St, Moulton, Al. Witnesses present testimony under oath regarding what they have seen or know about the facts in the case. For example, if a person is a resident of Alabama and works in Georgia and that person is summoned for jury duty in Alabama, the persons employer in Georgia cannot fire the person for being absent for serving as a juror. SmokingState law prohibits smoking in all parts of the Courthouse. A jurors verdict can only be based upon the evidence presented. On the first day that you appear, a jury will be selected for the first case to be tried for that term of court. <>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 612 792] /Contents 15 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S>> Why is jury duty important?The United States Constitution and the Alabama State Constitution guarantees all people the right to trial by an impartial jury. Also, the temperature fluctuates greatly in our old courthouse, so you may want to bring a jacket. A juror should listen carefully to all questions by both parties on direct or cross examination of the witness, the testimony given in response to the questions, and the judges instructions to the jury. A jury trial involves many people, directly or indirectly. These are called "compensatory damages." Jurors will be excused only upon a demonstration of undue hardship or extreme inconvenience or for other reasons provided by law. Thank you for serving! <>/F 4/A<>>> Your check and certificate will be mailed to you the end of next week. The following is a description of their roles: Usually, others indirectly involved provide essential services but are not active trial participants: The opening statements are made at the beginning of the trial and outline the facts expected to be presented to the jury. If you wish to inquire as to whether you can be compensated for Alabama jury service, you must consult the law of the state in which you are employed. The verdict is read by the judge, circuit clerk, or foreman. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. Will my expense allowance be deducted from my salary? A petit jury is generally composed of 12 people impaneled to try a criminal or civil case. Also, the phrase "full-time employee" may be defined by industry standards, in addition to the standards of that particular community. We read every comment! By obtaining from the circuit clerk or court administrator and filling out the form, "Affidavit - Waiver of Payment for Services as a Juror," you may forego all the expense and mileage allowances due to you. Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. Do you have a comment or correction concerning this page? No smoking is allowed inside the building and no weapons of any kind will be allowed. Exhibits admitted into evidence will be available to the jury for examination during deliberations. % Badges should be worn in plain view at all times (including lunch) during jury service. endobj The parties in a civil trial are the plaintiff and the defendant; in a criminal trial, they are the state, represented by the district attorney or prosecutor, and the defendant. If you are selected to serve on a jury, adequate time for lunch will be allowed. 165 Fifth Avenue, Suite 100 Ashville, AL 35953 1815 Cogswell Avenue Pell City, AL 35125. Yes. The courthouse is normally open at 8:00am to begin the check in process. The courthouse will open at 8:00 a.m. to begin the check in process. We try to keep these to a minimum; however, these are often circumstances beyond the Court's control. St. Clair-Ashville: All Divisions St. Clair County Courthouse 100 6th Avenue, Courthouse Square, Suite 400 Ashville, AL 35953 (205) 594-2184 St. Clair-Pell City: All Divisions District Court of St. Clair 1815 Cogswell Ave., Suite 217 Pell City, AL 35125 (205) 338-2511 Sumter County: All Divisions 6 0 obj Jury service is scheduled to be for a two week period. 0EU'o)r2K$B`FFVa~CK&! [=|h*~f3 Bhj2T]bFd`{(r6vfN>F|TsN1]@!ioIb!091'@BM:rO8 H7,Ch3>Mi@v$U -ML^I9-!=jcmcho7 =)E,jG Ppnu6ehj@)-9f@K Y2,%a`9,5a'qS1x%vRT`R/YEWjP~cWN9N&:#XNL- ?hnLh}!DhA]MuI7[Sj? In Alabama, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty. Can I be excused from or postpone service? The Human Resources Division of the Administrative Office of Courts in Alabama provides a full range of human resources services to the judicial branch of government. The district attorney is an elected official who is the prosecutor for the state in criminal cases and represents a victim of crime. A civil case is an action between parties seeking an impartial settlement of a dispute. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. Justice ultimately depends in large measure on the jurors who serve in our courts. To register for E-notices as a Pro Se go to https://alafile.alacourt.gov and click on Register. A juror may not listen to radio or television accounts concerning the trial, or read articles about the trial. Court Administrator - LaShandra Warren-BarnesExecutive Assistant - Charletta SmithClerk Assistant - Nury Quintero. A witness may testify as an expert based on professional experience. endobj MealsDowntown Montgomery has a number of fine restaurants, within a short walk from the courthouse. Circuit Clerk / Absentee Election Manager. You have completed your jury duty service. No fingernail files that are 3 inches in length or longer; no scissors of any type or length. After the defendants case, the plaintiff or state may present rebuttal witnesses or evidence designed to disprove the testimony and evidence presented by the defendant. The grand jury may be summoned to serve one term or several short terms. endobj Per Section 12-16-82 Code of Alabama: "If any person summoned as a grand or petit juror shall fail to obey such summons without good excuse, to be determined by the court, he or she shall be deemed guilty of a contempt of court; and, if no sufficient excuse is rendered for him or her at the time of his or her default, an order shall be entered for him or her to show cause why he or she shall not be adjudged guilty of contempt and punished accordingly; and, if he shall fail at the next session after the service of such notice to render such excuse, he or she shall be fined by the court not more than three hundred dollars ($300) and may be imprisoned in the county jail for not more than 10 days. After the first day, you will be given a pink juror card with a telephone number to call every night after 5:00 pm. Your summons will indicate which courtroom you are assigned to. In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". Welcome to the State of Alabama's Juror Qualification System Verify Juror Enter the following information EXACTLY like it is printed on your summons form. Questions asked during voir dire may seem personal but should be answered completely and honestly. United States Constitution:Amendment VIIn all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. Instructions to the Jury: At the close of all the evidence, the judge will read the instructions to the the jury, explaining the law and other considerations in the case. The following is a description of their roles: If there are other terms or phrases which you hear while serving as a juror that you do not understand, ask the judge to explain the term or phrase to you. JURORS: Please review the Juror FAQ to find answers to questions about how the Mobile County courts intend to handle jury assembly and trials during the Covid-19 pandemic. Jury deliberations generally conclude when a unanimous verdict has been reached. Remember - A Jury Selection Summons Doesn't Mean You'll Be On A Jury. Smoking is permitted outside the building, however, because of time limitations there will not always be opportunities to go outside. Evidence can be testimony given by a witness at trial or a physical exhibit such as a gun or a photograph. Keep in mind that your initial jury duty summons is only for attending jury selection day, where it will be decided if you are to actually serve on a jury during the "Voir Dire" process.
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