Municipal Court - Jury Summons

The following information has been provided to assist those persons subject to court proceedings.

General Qualifications for Jury Service

To serve as a juror you must meet certain qualifications.  You must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age,

2. Be a citizen of this state and a resident of the county in which you serve as a juror,

3. 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),

4. Be of sound mind and good moral character,

5. Be able to read and write,

6. 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,

7. Not have been convicted of theft or any felony,

8. Not be under indictment or other legal accusation of a misdemeanor theft, felony theft, or any other felony charge.

(Texas Government Code, Section 62.102)

Exemptions from Jury Service

You may by excused from jury service if:

1. You are over 70 years of age,

2. You have legal custody of a child or children younger than 10 years of age and service on the jury would require leaving the child or children without adequate supervision,

3. You are a student at a public or private high school,

4. You are enrolled and attend college,

5. 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,

6. 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 are not required to claim an exemption.  It is your choice.

(Texas Government Code, Section 62.106)

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 if the employee, as soon as practical after release from jury service, gives the employer actual notice that the employee intends to return.

(Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 122.001)

Proper Clothing Required

All persons entering the courtroom should be dressed in clothing reasonable befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings.

Exempt or 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 contact the court immediately.  Click here for contact options.

Failure to Answer Summons and Penalties

A person who fails to comply with a summons for jury duty is subject to a contempt action punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 (Texas Government Code, Section 62.0141).

Additionally, a person shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $100 if the person:

• Fails to attend court in obedience to the notice without reasonable excuse, or

• Files a false claim of exemption from jury service.

(Texas Government Code, Section 62.111)

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