Jury Duty Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I expect to serve on jury duty?
ury duty will last anywhere from 1-4 days unless you are selected to sit on an actual trial. If you are not struck from the jury and are chosen to hear the case, the judge will inform you of the approximate time it will take to try the case.
How am I selected for jury duty?
Our list of prospective jurors comes from the voter registration list for the County of Madison. Names for service are randomly selected from this list by a computer. Subsequently, you are mailed a summons that includes a list of juror qualifications.
What should I bring with me when I report?
You should bring your juror summons, with all appropriate fields filled out. Since there are extended periods of time when you will not be needed in a courtroom, you will also want to bring a book, magazine, needlework, a laptop, etc. The court house has a snack bar, but you are welcome to bring your own snacks or lunch, specifically if you have special dietary needs. Cell phones are permitted if they are in silent or vibrate mode, however be sure not to bring any weapons, as you will be subject to search and metal detector upon entering the courthouse.
What should I wear for jury duty?
All jurors must wear appropriate attire for jury duty. We suggest you dress in a business casual manner. You might also want to bring a sweater or jacket since the courtroom can be cool.
Will I serve on civil or criminal trials?
The 23rd Judicial Circuit tries both civil and criminal cases and it is possible that you may be selected for either or both.
What are the hours I can expect to be in the courthouse?
ou are required to check in at 8:00 a.m. on the first day of your service, as indicated on your summons. The courthouse hours are generally 8:30 to 5:00 thereafter, though we are often able to allow jurors to leave early, if we know we will not be starting anymore trials for the day. Lunch is usually around noon and will last for an hour or more. There are several places to eat near the courthouse and menus are available in the jury venire room for your convenience.
Where should I park?
Juror Parking is provided in the parking garage that is located at 320 Fountain Circle Huntsville, AL 35801.
How often will I be allowed a break?
During the time you spend in the jury venire room awaiting appointment to a trial, we try to give you a break every hour. Once you are in a courtroom, trying a case, the presiding judge will decide when to recess, allowing you a break.
How much will I get paid?
Jury payment is $10.00 per day that you serve and $0.05 per mile to help with travel expenses to and from the courthouse. If you are a full time employee, your employer is required to pay your full wages during the days that you serve in the courthouse.
What happens if I don’t report for jury duty?
Pursuant to section 12-16-82 of the Code of Alabama, if you do not appear for jury duty, you are subject to a fine of up to $100.00 and imprisonment for up to 10 days. If you have a conflict with the days you are summoned, please contact the Court Administrator’s office at 256-532-3641 as soon as possible.
What if I have already served in the past year?
You are not required to serve jury duty more than once in a twelve month period. If you are summoned for a date within a year of the last time you served, please call our office at 256-532-3641 to be excused
What should I do if I need special accommodations?
If you are handicapped or disabled and need special parking arrangements, please call the Court Administrator’s Office at 256-532-3641.
How do I postpone jury duty?
If you serving on a jury on the dates you were summoned would be an extreme inconvenience because of a work or personal situation, please call the Court Administrator’s Office and ask to speak to a jury clerk to have your service postponed to a later date.
For questions concerning jury duty contact Kim McKoy at 256-532-3641.