Justice of the Peace #3 Juror Instructions

If you received a summons in the mail From JP#3:

1. Fill out the online questionnaire. If you have any questions regarding the questionnaire, call the JP3 office at 830-626-4888. Complete the online questionnaire within ten (10) days of receipt.

2. Report to JP#3 at the report time on your summons. You need to call 830-521-5880 or visit our website on the DAY before your scheduled service to determine if you need to appear.  When you call, you will need your Juror ID and Zip Code listed on the summons card.

 

Jury Service: Disqualifications And Exemptions

General Disqualifications for Jury Service (GOVT CODE §62.102):

  • You are not at least 18 years of age.
  • You do not reside within the County of Comal.
  • You are not a U.S. citizen (If you claim this exemption, you may no longer be eligible to vote in the county. These claims are reported to the Voter Registrar).
  • You are not of sound mind or of good moral character.
  • You cannot read or write.
  • You have served as a juror for six days during the preceding three months in a County court, or, during the preceding six months in the District court.
  • You have been convicted of misdemeanor theft or a felony;
  • You are under indictment or other legal accusation of misdemeanor theft or a felony.
  • Please contact the JP office at 830-626-4888 if you think you are disqualified from this jury summons.

IF PERSON SUMMONED IS DECEASED:

If the person summoned is deceased, and you are taking care of their personal business, please contact the JP office at 830-626-4888. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Exemptions from Jury Service (GOVT CODE §62.106):

  • You are over seventy five (75) years of age
  • Medical reasons - letter from your doctor is required.
  • You have legal custody of a child/ children younger than 12 years of age and your jury service requires leaving the child/children without adequate supervision
  • You are a student of a public or private secondary school
  • You are enrolled and attend an institution of higher education
  • You are an officer or 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 or unable to care for himself/herself
  • You have served as a petit juror in the Municipal courts, County courts or District courts in the preceding 24 months
  • You are a member of the United States military on active duty and deployed outside the County of Comal.
  • Please contact the JP office at 830-626-4888 if you think you are exempt from this jury summons.

**Business reasons are NOT a lawful excuse.

Should you qualify for any of exemptions or disqualifications listed above, please mail the completed form to the following address:

Penalties for Failure to Answer Summons

The Government Code states that a person who fails to comply with this summons is subject to a contempt action punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 (§62.0141). Additionally, a person shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 if he: (1) fails to attend court in obedience to the notice without reasonable excuse; or (2) files a false claim of exemption from jury service (§62.111).

Jury Summons Scams:

Please note- you will not be asked for your social security number when filling out your online jury summons card. This is also true if a court clerk contacts you about your jury duty.  You can always call 830-608-2025 and verify if you have been called for jury duty. See information about Jury Summons Scams

 

JUROR'S RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Right to Reemployment: A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because the employee serves as a juror.  An employee whose employment is terminated in violation of this section is entitled to return to the same employment that the employee held when summoned for jury service, as soon as practical after release from jury service, gives the employer actual notice that the employee intends to return. (Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 122.001)

Failure to Answer Summons and Penalties: A person who fails to comply with this summons is subject to contempt action punishable by a fine of not less than $100.00 nor more than $1,000 (Government code, Section 62.0141).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).

Proper Clothing Required: All persons entering the courtroom should be dressed in clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings.

Example of Disqualified:  You do not need to appear in person if you are exempt or not qualified for jury service.To claim an exemption or report your disqualification you must complete the form on the back, sign it and mail or personally bring it immediately to the address printed to the left of this summons.

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