Your participation is important to Texas! As a juror you must appear on time. The courthouse hours of operation is from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and you will be permitted to enter the building during this time only, unless otherwise directed by court officials.
The United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution guarantee all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury.
Each court randomly selects citizens' names from a list of voter registrations and a list of driver registrations from the county in which they live. Those qualified are randomly chosen to be summoned to appear for jury duty. This selection process helps to make sure that jurors represent a cross section of the community, without regard to race, gender, national origin, age, or political affiliation.
As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.
You do not need any special skills or legal knowledge to be a juror!
Jurors Must:
- Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City of Arlington in order to serve as a juror for Municipal Court;
- Be at least 18 years of age;
- Reside in the county of jury service;
- Be able to read and write; and
- Be of sound mind and good moral character.
You Cannot Serve On A Jury If:
- You have been convicted of a felony or of any type of theft (unless rights have been restored);
- You are now on probation or deferred adjudication for a felony or for any type of theft; or
- You are now under indictment for a felony or are now under criminal charges for any type of theft. If you are in doubt, or think you may not be qualified to serve on a jury for one of the above or any other reasons, please notify the Judge.
Types of Cases Heard by Juries
There are two basic types of cases, criminal and civil (including family cases).
- Criminal Cases: A criminal case results when a person is accused of committing a crime. You, as a Juror, must decide whether the person charged is guilty or not guilty. The accused person is presumed innocent, and the State, represented by the District or County Attorney, must prove guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt."
- Civil Cases: A civil case results from a disagreement or dispute between two or more parties. In a civil case, you, as a juror, must answer questions of disputed facts based upon the testimony and evidence admitted by the Judge. The answers to these questions are called the verdict.
Note: Municipal Court does not hear civil cases.
Jury Selection
Being summoned for jury service does not guarantee that a person will actually serve on a jury. Cases in municipal court will be heard by a panel of six jurors. A larger group, called the panel, will be sent to a courtroom where the jurors will be questioned under the supervision of the Judge. A juror may be excused from the panel if it is shown that the juror cannot act impartially concerning the case to be heard. In addition, each side, Defense and Prosecution, is allowed to remove three jurors from the panel without having to show any reason. The trial jury will be the first six of the remaining jurors on the panel.
Voir Dire or Questioning of the Jury Panel
It is a way for the parties to select a fair and impartial jury. Under the justice system, you may be questioned by each of the parties before they decide to remove a certain number of jurors from the jury panel. The state is represented by the city attorney, and the defendant is represented by an attorney or represents him or herself. For example, a party may ask you questions to see if you are connected to the trial or if you have any prejudice or bias toward anyone in the trial. These questions are not intended to embarrass you, but rather to help the parties in the jury selection process. You may ask the Judge to allow you to answer some questions away from the other jurors.
Working Together: Judge and Jury
The judge determines the appropriate law that should be applied to the case and the jury finds the facts in the case based on what is presented to them during the proceedings.
At the close of all the evidence, the Judge may submit to the jury the Charge of the Court. This will include legal instructions on this particular case and the questions that the jury is to answer from the evidence admitted.
Courthouse Security
To ensure the safety of everyone at the courthouse, expect to be screened through a metal detector. Firearms (even if you have a permit), pocket knives, "leatherman" type multi-use tools, scissors, knitting needles and other pointed or sharp items are not allowed in the courthouse. Anything considered to be a weapon or that is deemed unacceptable by the security staff will be confiscated.
Why is Jury Service important?
The United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution guarantee all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury.
What is my duty as a Juror?
As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.
How was I selected?
You were selected at random from a list of voter registrations and a list of driver registrations from the county in which you live.
Who can be excused from Jury Service?
You are entitled to be excused as a juror if you:
- Are over 75 years of age;
- Have legal custody of a child under 12 years of age and jury service would leave the child unsupervised;
- Are a student at a public, private high school or enrolled and attend college.
- Are the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for themselves (an invalid). (This exemption does not apply to health care workers); or
- Can show a physical or mental impairment or an inability to comprehend or to communicate in English.
See the back of your jury summons for other exemptions
What if I have a disability?
If you have a special need or disability you are encouraged to notify the court immediately concerning requests for reasonable accommodation.
How can I reschedule my Jury Services?
To request a reschedule, click here.
How do I dress for Jury Services?
All persons entering the courtroom should be dress in clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings. Tank-tops, shorts, muscle shirts, hats, and bare feet are NOT permitted.
What are the basic Courtroom Etiquette rules?
- Arrive on time for Jury Service
- Proper clothing required
- No food and/or drinks in the courtroom
- Turn off electronic devices and cell phones before entering the courtroom
- Maintain common courtesy and politeness in the courtroom
Will I be subject to search when entering the court facility?
To ensure the safety of everyone at the courthouse, expect to be screened through a metal detector. Firearms (even if you have a permit), pocket knives, "leatherman" type multi-use tools, scissors, knitting needles and other pointed or sharp items are not allowed in the courthouse. Anything considered to be a weapon or that is deemed unacceptable by the security staff will be confiscated.
What should I do if I lose my Jury Duty Summons?
If you have lost or misplaced your jury summons, you must contact the court through one of the following methods:
Phone: 817-459-6777
Email: Jury@arlingtontx.gov, or
In person, during regular business hours: 101 S. Mesquite St., Arlington, TX 76010.
A staff member will provide you with the juror information available.
What happens if I don't show up?
Any person summoned who fails to attend or who fails to remain in attendance until discharged by the court may be fined an amount not to exceed $100 for contempt (Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 45.027). Additionally, a person shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $100 if the person: (1) fails to attend court in obedience to the notice without reasonable excuse; or (2) files a false claim of exemption from jury service (Government Code, Section 62.111).
I was out of town or received my Jury Notice late, what can I do?
You are allowed to reschedule your jury service two times in a 12 month period, for any reason. Click here to reschedule.
What should I do if I receive a Summons for a deceased family member?
We apologize if you have received a jury summons addressed to family member who has passed away. If you have received a juror summons for a deceased relative from the City of Arlington Municipal Court, you may email the Court at Jury@arlingtontx.gov and we will update our records. Please provide the individual’s Full Name, Juror Number, and Date of Jury Service, and indicate that the individual is deceased in your email. This information is located on the summons. You may also write “Deceased” on the summons and return it to the Court via U.S. Mail.
Will I be paid for being a Juror?
Yes, if you are selected to the jury panel, you will be paid $10.00 for each day you actually serve.
Can I donate my Jury Duty pay?
Yes, there are several organizations that you can donate your jury duty pay to. Please ask the court clerk for a donation form when you arrive for your jury service.
Must my employer pay me while I am on Jury Duty?
Your employer is not required to pay you while on jury duty; however, employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee for serving as a Juror.
Are there rules about Jury conduct?
Yes. The Texas Supreme Court has rules to assist you in your conduct as a Juror which will be given to you by the Judge.
What if I have previously served on a jury panel in Tarrant County?
Defendant may request an exemption if defendant have served on a jury in the county (i.e. Tarrant County) during a 24-month period prior to the date defendant are required to appear for this summons.
(Phone representatives are available Mon - Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
CITY OF ARLINGTON DOWNTOWN PARKING LOCATIONS
Most parking spaces are free. If you park on the meter, you must pay the meter. If you park in an area where prohibited, you will be subject to towing. Please read available signs before parking.
Jury Qualifications: (Texas Government Code, Section 62.102 except where noted)
In order to serve as a juror, you must meet certain requirements by law. Those requirements are the qualifications to serve. You may find these qualifications on the back of your jury summons and below. If you do not meet those requirements, you cannot serve at the Arlington Municipal Court.
Jury Exemptions: (Texas Government Code, Section 62.106)
Exemptions are legal reasons to be excused from Jury Duty without having to report to the Court. Exemptions are optional. If you agree to serve report for jury service, it is not necessary to claim an exemption.
If you are qualified to serve and do not claim a statutory exemption, you must report for jury service as ordered. To claim an exemption or report your disqualification online, you may click here to submit your request online.
You may fill out the Jury Qualification and Exemption form on the back of your summons and mail or fax to the following:
Arlington Municipal Court - Dockets
Mailing Address: PO Box 90403
Arlington, TX 76004-3403
The Municipal Court will ONLY contact you after you have submitted your form by your preferred method if additional information is required. You do not need to appear in person if you've submitted your form and are exempt or not qualified for jury service.
Jury Qualifications
To serve as a juror you must meet the following qualifications:
- be at least 18 years of age;
- be a citizen of this state and a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror;
- be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in the county in which you are to serve as a juror (Note: you DO NOT have to be registered to vote to be qualified to vote);
- be of sound mind and good moral character;
- be able to read and write English;
- not have served as a juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court;
- not have been convicted of theft or any felony; and not be under indictment or other legal accusation of a Misdemeanor theft, or a Felony;
- be a resident of the City of Arlington. (Government Code, Section 62.501; specific to municipal courts).
Jury Exemptions
You may be excused from jury service if:
- you are over 75 years of age;
- you have legal custody of a child or children younger than 12 years of age and service on the jury would require leaving the child or children without adequate supervision;
- you are a student at a public or private high school;
- you are enrolled and attend college;
- you are an officer or an employee of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government.
- you are the primary caretaker of a person who is an invalid unable to care for himself or herself. (This exemption does not apply to health care workers.)
- you have served as a juror in the county during the 24- month period prior to the date you are required to appear for this summons. (Applies only to counties with populations of at least 200,000 unless the county uses a jury plan under 62.011, Government Code, and the period authorized under Section 62.001 (b)(6) exceeds two years.)
- you have been summoned for service in a county with a population of 250,000 and you have served as a petit juror in the county during the three-year period preceding the date you are to appear for jury service