Be a citizen of Texas and a residence of Smith County;
Be qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in Smith County;
Be at least 18 years of age;
Be able to read and write;
Be of sound mind and good moral character.
You cannot serve on a jury if:
You have served on a petit jury for 6 days or more during the preceding 3 months in a County Court or 6 months in a District Court;
You have been convicted of a theft or any felony;
You are under indictment or other legal accusation of a misdemeanor theft, felony theft, or any other felony charge.
(If you claim disqualification under number 2 or 3 claiming lack of citizenship or lack of residence in the county you may lose your eligibility to vote.)
Business reasons are NOT lawful excuses.
If you have any questions or concerns about being qualified to serve on a jury for one of the above or any other reason, please notify the judge when you appear for jury service.
How do I claim a Medical Exemption?
Medical reasons MUST be accompanied by an AFFIDAVIT FOR EXEMPTION FROM JURY DUTY FOR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL IMPAIRMENT and a PHYSICIANS STATEMENT FOR MEDICAL EXEMPTION FROM JURY DUTY
How do I find out if Jury Duty has been cancelled?
If Jury Duty has been Cancelled for any reason we will post the information on the county website : Click here
It will be posted after 5:00 pm. the day before you are scheduled to appear.
If there is no message you are to report as requested.
How many times can I be called for jury duty?
The Smith County Electronic Jury Selection Plan was amended in 2000 to allow for the random selection of jurors from the same record of names until that record is exhausted. In other words, each January we begin with a new record of names as provided by the Secretary of State. Once an individual has been selected from that record of names, their name is flagged so the system will not select them again during the January-December time period. The flags are only removed if the list has been exhausted and the need arises for additional jurors.
How many times may I reset my jury service?
If you have an emergency you may reset your service up to 6 weeks. You are only allowed one reset. Resets are not allowed on a special venire.
How was my name selected for jury duty?
You were selected at random from a record of names compiled by the Secretary of State and provided to Smith County. That record consists of Smith County registered voters and names provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Is it possible for me to be in the system more than once?
Yes. If your name and address are not exactly the same on your Voter Registration record and Driver's License, you may be in the system more than once. This may be remedied by changing your Voter Registration record to agree with your Driver's License. You must contact the Smith County Clerk - Voter Registration office in order to change your record.
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.
What days are jurors called for jury service?
Central jury panels are summoned each Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, except on county holidays. A Special Venire is usually summoned on Thursday.
What is a "special venire"?
A panel that has been selected for a specific court for a specific case.
What is the proper attire for jury service?
All persons entering the court room should be dressed in clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings. No shorts, tank tops or halter tops. Professional business attire is recommended.
Where do I park for jury duty?
Smith County Jury Parking to Move During Construction
August 14, 2023: People summoned to appear for Smith County Jury Duty are being asked to change where they park during construction of the County’s parking garage. For many years, jurors have parked in the large lot on East Ferguson Street but now, those reporting for duty are being asked to park in the Fair Plaza Parking Garage, located at 208. S. College Avenue.
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 of a public or private secondary school;
Are enrolled and attending an institution of higher education (College);
Are the caretaker of a person who is unable to care for themselves (an invalid);
is 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 a member of the U. S. Military Forces serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from the person's home station and out of the person's county of residence.
UPDATE:
Jury summons for Smith County have been sent out for January 2021. Smith County courts are conducting jury selection in a safe manner to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
