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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. How was I selected?

You were selected at random from a list of voter registrations and/or utility billing list from the City of Anna.

4. 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.

5. Who Can Have A Jury Trial?

Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party to a civil case has a right to a jury trial. All parties are equal before the law and each is entitled to the same fair treatment.

6. Are There Rules about Jury Conduct?

Yes. The Texas Supreme Court has rules to assist you in your conduct as a Juror that will be given to you by the Judge.

7. What do I do if I am no longer a resident of Anna?

Simply fill out the bottom of the summons, circle the disqualification on the back, sign it, and mail it back to the Court.

8. What Happens if a Prospective Juror Fails to Comply with the Jury Summons?

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 (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).

9. Am I eligible to be a Juror?

Statutory Qualifications
To serve as a Juror you must meet certain qualifications. You must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a resident of this state and of the city in which one is to serve as a juror
• Be qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in the city in which one is to serve as a juror
• Be of sound mind and good moral character
• Be able to read, write and speak English
• Not have been convicted of theft or any felony
• Not be under indictment or other legal accusation of a misdemeanor theft, felony theft or any other felony charge
• Not have served as a petit juror for six days during the preceding three months in a county court or during the preceding six months in a district court

10. Who can be excused for jury service?

Statutory Exemptions
You may choose to request to be excused from Jury service if:

• You are 70 years of age or older
• 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 in and attend college
• You are an officer or an employee of the senate, the house of representative, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch government
• You are the primary caretaker of a person is an invalid unable to care for himself or herself (This exemption does not apply to health care workers.); and
• 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. You are not required to claim an exemption. It is your choice.
• Business reasons are NOT lawful excuses.

If you fall into one of the above categories and you wish to be excused from jury service, you will need to complete and sign the bottom portion of your Jury Summons and mail or fax it promptly to the Court. If you qualify for an exemption and want to serve as a juror, you may appear for jury duty and not claim an exemption.

11. Can Jury Service Be Rescheduled?

Jury service is very important, but the Court understands that it may cause a scheduling conflict for you. You may reschedule your jury service only one time. 

In order to reschedule, please do not call the court but rather, fill out the bottom of the jury summons and return it to the Court by mail P.O. Box 776, Anna, TX 75409 or email or submit in person at 120 W 7th St., Anna, Tx  75409. 

Please note that the Court must receive the request for reschedule FIVE (5) days before the jury trial date in writing.  Jurors who postpone their jury service will be recalled to our next jury trial, and no further resets will be granted. 

A phone call or phone message does not suffice for a reschedule. 

12. Who do I need to contact if I have other questions?

You may contact the Court Clerk at 972-924-3325.