San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Bexar County called me for jury duty. What do I do?
The letter arrived. You opened it. The red bar across the top says, JURY SUMMONS. You’ve been selected at random, from voter registration or driver’s license records.
It’s a civic duty — or a privilege, some officials say — but it’s not optional.
It’s a court order. In theory at least. you could be fined up to $1,000 for contempt if you don’t respond to it.
Why is jury duty important?
Jury trials are a right guaranteed in the U.S. and Texas constitutions. Six or 12 people from the community hear testimony and evidence and decide criminal guilt or lawsuit outcomes.
What do I do?
Fill out the enclosed form and show up downtown. Check the letter for the date you are expected to appear. Times vary, but Bexar County wants most prospective jurors there by 8 a.m. Fill out the form with a black or blue pen, put a stamp on it and mail it with enough time to get it there by your date. Better yet, fill it out online.
Where online?
Dude, it’s on your letter. At bexar.org/jury. The letter also has a QR code so you can use your phone or tablet.
Can I do it when I get there?
Sure, if you want things to take longer. Bring a pen
with you.
What should I wear?
Don’t force a bailiff to ask you to leave for inappropriate attire. No shorts, skorts, tank tops or hats. Dress is business casual, so leave the club clothes at home. Bring a jacket, though — it gets cold in the courthouse.
Is parking a hassle?
In a word, yes. It’s discounted for jurors, but must be validated. The South Flores Street Garage offers parking to potential jurors for $3, but fills up fast. Paying by credit card is easiest. Elsewhere, expect to pay $10-$15 to park on a surface lot, also with either exact cash or card. No change is given. The county recommends the VIA park-and-ride service. Check it out at viainfo.net.
I have a ride.
Good. The county has upgraded courthouse accessibility. Drop-off and pickup locations are available at the the back part of the Bexar County Courthouse at Nueva and Main Plaza.
Will I go through security?
Yes, there’s a line to get into any of the three buildings that will get you to the Central Jury Room. (That’s the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, Paul Elizondo Tower and the historic Bexar County Courthouse.) Don’t carry everything and the kitchen sink — these
lines are long enough already. They won’t allow pocket knives, no matter how small.
I made it. Hey, there’s a lot of people here.
Bexar County Central Jury Bailiff Julieta Schulze says she routinely sends out 1,500 jury summons Mondays through Thursdays, expecting at least 550 to 600 will appear each day, once the exemptions and excuses are hashed out. “We have a good turnout,” she has said.
Now what?
A judge will explain the importance of serving on a jury. Then, you wait. It might take most of the afternoon. Bring a magazine or a charger for your digital device. There’s free WiFi, and some devices available for checkout to access BiblioTech, the county’s alldigital library. If chosen, you will be ushered to a courtroom to begin your service. Sometimes they park a group of you in the
hall and the accused will see you as they arrive and decide to plead guilty at the last minute. Whatever happens, you’ll get a Jury Service Certification to show your employer.
Can I avoid all this?
There are several exemptions that can keep you out of jury duty — if you are active-duty military, for example, or older than 70, care for a child younger than 12 or are a caregiver to someone who needs constant care. Check the website.
Will I be called again?
If you appeared when you were supposed to, you should be OK for the next three years.
There are a few weeks without jury trials — Fiesta, Thanksgiving week and the last two weeks of December — so don’t worry, they won’t call you during those holidays.