Dear Juror:

On behalf of the judges, circuit court clerk, Lisa McSwain, and all of our court staffs, I’d like to thank you for your willingness to serve as a juror.  Jury service is one of the most important duties of citizenship that we have in our country, and you should be justifiably proud of your role.  Jury service is not only an important obligation, it is also provides you with an opportunity to participate in YOUR judicial system.  You’ll be taking part in a rich tradition that dates back hundreds of years and stands as the cornerstone of our criminal and civil justice system. An overwhelming majority of jurors who have previously served report that they thoroughly enjoyed their experience, and we hope you will too. 

This letter has been prepared to familiarize you with jury reporting procedures to answer some of your questions about what you can expect from your jury service.

What should I do after getting my jury summons?

As soon as possible after receiving your summons to report for jury service, you should go online (using either a computer, smartphone or tablet that is connected to the internet) and register. Registration instructions have been provided in your juror summons but if you have any difficulties with registration, you may call the Circuit Court Clerk for assistance.  By registering and providing your contact information it will be possible to notify you of any changes in the normal juror reporting schedule and it will also expedite your check-in process on the date you appear in court.

What time should I report to the Courthouse to begin jury service?

Those individuals receiving a jury summons for will report to Circuit Courtroom No. 1, located on the third floor of the courthouse, at 8:00 a.m.

Please feel free to park anywhere you are able to find available parking around the courthouse. The number of jurors called has been drastically reduced, so hopefully you’ll have no difficulty finding a parking place. Jurors will enter the courthouse through the Main entrance located in the back of the courthouse, adjacent to First Avenue SW.

  After I arrive at the courthouse, where should I report?

Jury check-in and orientation will take place in circuit courtroom number one located on the third floor, near the north end of the courthouse. After entering the courthouse and walking through a metal detector, you’ll either take the stairs or ride the elevators to a third-floor courtroom to be checked in. 

 What happens after I arrive at circuit courtroom number one?

Upon your arrival, Circuit Court Clerk Lisa McSwain will be waiting in the third-floor courtroom to greet you as you arrive to begin your jury service. After being checked in, you will be directed to your seat.  Once all jurors have been checked in, a judge will begin jury orientation and qualification of the jury.

Is my jury service over if I’m not selected for a jury the first day?

Those individuals who have not been chosen as jurors for the first case will be dismissed for the day, with instructions to check back after five o’clock each afternoon for further reporting instructions.  Normally, your jury service will not last longer than five days and may be fewer than five days depending on the case being tried.

Thanks again for your willingness to serve as a juror. We look forward to seeing you in court!

Very Truly Yours,

Gregory A. Nicholas
Presiding Circuit Judge, 32nd Judicial Circuit