What To Expect When You Have Jury Duty

While it is not your ideal scenario to spend your day sitting in jury duty, it is smart to understand the concept to be prepared for when you are called to serve. It can be nerve-wracking to walk into your local courthouse and try to piece together how things work. To settle your nerves, here is a guide that will cover the expectations and explain the details of jury duty.

What Is a Jury?

A jury is a group of six to twelve individuals that act as the deciding factor in charging someone for a crime. Jurors must unanimously agree that the person on trial is guilty, meaning every member agrees on the verdict. A jury is only necessary if a case is not settled beforehand. You can expect there to be many lawyers, court reporters portland and security officers present during the hearings.

How Do You Know You've Been Selected?

You will be notified by mail, with plenty of notice, if you have been selected for jury duty. There are several qualifications you have to meet to serve as a juror. To mention a few, you must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the United States. You must also be able to read and write and have a felony and theft-free record. Just because you are sent a notice does not mean you will have to show up for the court date. There is a number you will have to call on a specific day (usually after 4 or 5 pm) to see if you have been selected. Sometimes a case will be settled, and there is no longer a need for a jury.

Are There Exemptions?

You are required to be present for jury duty unless you meet one of the following exemptions:

• You are 71 years or older.
• You have custody of a child over 12 or are a primary caretaker.
• You are a student (high school or college).
• You hold a position in the legislative branch of government.
• You are on active military duty.

These exemptions can vary by state, but there will be a contact listed on your summons which can answer any questions you may have and confirm your eligibility for an exemption. If you do not qualify for an exemption, you are required to serve. Otherwise, you can be fined by the court.

What About Work?

Your employer is legally required to pay you a full day's salary while you are away at jury duty, and your company is not permitted to terminate you because of it. Depending on your situation, you may also be reimbursed by the court for your service, including travel and meals. It is best to bring a copy of your summons to your boss to clear the air and avoid any issues.

What Is Next?

If the case at hand is not settled, you will have to appear in front of the court. Usually, your courthouse will have signs to help you navigate your way. You will then check-in and be seated with the other potential jurors. At this point, an officer of the court will explain exemptions and usually, a few people are sent home based on that conversation. From there, everyone that is still left will be asked many questions by lawyers from both sides to select the individuals best suited for the job. This is a rather lengthy process, so you can expect to be there for quite a while. If you are not chosen, you will be sent home. Only those who are hand-selected will have to stay for the hearings.

Jury duty is complicated, and it is near impossible to remember every little rule you have to follow. The good news is, you are in the same boat with every other juror. It is more than likely that you will not be selected for the jury, but it is best to be ready for the possibility.