On occasion there will be times you will be required to wait while the Judge takes up an issue which must be heard outside of the jury's presence. Montgomery, Al. Certificat d'achvement du Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du J'affirme avoir achev le Programme de sensibilisation l'gard du plaideur l'chelon de l'tat en ligne tel que propos par le Comit de la Cour suprme sur l'accs aux tribunaux de la famille. The Alabama Central Disbursement Division (ACDD) is a newly created division that was established as a result of federal and state law, known as the Welfare Reform Act of 1996. Not have been convicted of a crime involving "moral turpitude" (a crime which violates accepted standards of the community, including crimes involving dishonesty) which resulted in the suspension of a person's right to vote. <> All rights reserved. xXMo6Q{EwggnuwecP)y38~rIaN$'W\(_++gL`4Ls\eiqkbVb/ot.M7xynjo{|nYbw 'J=q:s&!RTs.|KW. The grand jury does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. Parking is limited around the courthouse. Answer to Landlords Claim. Once selection of a jury begins, a potential juror should not discuss the case with anyone. Your check and certificate will be mailed to you the end of next week. After reaching a verdict, the foreperson records the verdict and calls for the court attendant (or bailiff) to escort the jury to the courtroom. A juror should listen carefully to all questions by both parties on direct or cross examination of the witness, the testimony given in response to the questions, and the judges instructions to the jury. You must apply the law given by the judge to the facts given during the trial to make a decision in a case. If you were selected to serve as a juror on a trial, please follow the instructions given to you by that presiding judge. What time do I have to arrive at the Courthouse on Monday? Please allow extra time for parking and going through the metal detector. After the defendants case, the plaintiff or state may present rebuttal witnesses or evidence designed to disprove the testimony and evidence presented by the defendant. To request a deferral from jury duty, you must submit a completed copy of your "Jury Information Form", with the request written out. Juror note-taking or the use of any notes will be determined by the judge. How was I selected for jury duty?You were selected at random from lists of voter registrations of Montgomery County. The Thirteenth Judicial Circuit for the State of Alabama consists of Mobile County's state courts. [Acts 1978, No. 8/15/2011. The Clerk does not have anything to do with the selection process. Thank you for serving! The Jury Line will instruct jurors about where to report. You should arrive in time to be checked in. Lawrence County - Thirty-Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama In a civil trial, the jury decides all questions of fact and determines whether the plaintiff has a valid complaint and should be awarded the relief requested. After the jury is selected, the trial will generally follow this order of events: Opening Statements: The lawyers for each side may explain the case, the evidence they will present, and the issues for the jury to decide. If the jury cannot reach a verdict, referred to as "deadlock," a mistrial must be declared and a new jury empaneled to try the case over. Keep in mind that your initial jury duty summons is only for attending jury selection day, where it will be decided if you are to actually serve on a jury during the "Voir Dire" process. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". In the United States our constitution guarantees each individual the right to trial by "a jury of their peers". read more. No qualified prospective juror is exempt from jury service. If you receive a jury summons and it has been less than 2 years since you last served, give us a call and we will check our records to verify your previous date. Talladega County - Twenty-Ninth Circuit Court of Alabama Can jury duty be rescheduled?Yes. If I am unable to serve on jury duty, whom do I call? While jury duty is a civic requirement for all eligible citizens in Alabama, there are a number of excuses that can be used to legally get out of being required to report for jury selection or jury duty, or receive a deferral. 14 0 obj You will be located and your message relayed. Are jurors paid for jury service?Jurors are paid $10 each day they report for service in addition to round-trip mileage ($.05 for each mile traveled) from their residence to the courthouse. Employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee and revoking acquired leave timefor serving as a juror. The "plaintiff" sues and brings the case to court usually asking for money damages to compensate the plaintiff for certain losses. The courthouse is normally open at 8:00am to begin the check in process. endobj On behalf of Honorable J. Clark Stankoski, Presiding Circuit Judge, Honorable Jody W. Bishop, Honorable C. Joseph Norton . As a Juror, there are certain responsibilities you will be asked to fulfill. Should an illness of a family member or a personal emergency arise, immediately inform the judge or other court official and explain the situation. Exhibits admitted into evidence will be available to the jury for examination during deliberations. Juror Responsibilities Jury Duty FAQ Legal and Judicial Terms Sequence of Trial Events Trial Participants On behalf of the Honorable Greg Nicholas, Presiding Circuit Judge, Honorable Martha E. Williams, Circuit Judge and Lisa McSwain, Circuit Clerk, thank you for your willingness to serve as a juror! The questioning of a prospective juror is called a "voir dire examination" and may be conducted by the judge and attorneys. Pay traffic tickets or district criminal case fines online. Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. Identity thieves in other parts of the country have called residents and threatened them for failing to report for jury service. After you complete this process, email trish.campbell@alacourt.gov to notify the court you are seeding a medical excuse from jury duty. The questions are not intended to embarrass anyone but are used to make sure that members of the jury do not have opinions or past experiences which might prevent reaching an impartial decision. (Please Note: This will not excuse you permanently from jury duty. These are called "punitive damages." If I work 2nd or 3rd shift, do I still have to go work? PS-03. 9[> If you do not qualify for any of the Alabama statutory exemptions listed above but seriously think that attending jury selection would cause you undue hardship, you can always submit a jury duty excuse letter with your response to the summons, and ask to be excused. ARAP-03. E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts - alacourt.gov Rulings by the Judge: The judge may be asked to decide questions of law during the trial. St. Clair County - Thirtieth Circuit Court of Alabama However, some courts may excuse you if serving on a jury and missing work would cause undue hardship to either yourself or your employer. <> A witness may testify as an expert based on professional experience. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. PS-02. Opening statements are not evidence but are only explanations of what each side expects the evidence to prove. Mobile County - Thirteenth Circuit Court of Alabama You can renew vehicle license tabs, pay property taxes or utility bills (or ask questions about property taxes or utility bills), apply for a marriage license or a passport, submit building permit plans, or sit in on a County Commissioners meeting, all within a few blocks of the Court. A bailiff or deputy sheriff will be in charge of the jurors who are sequestered to ensure that no one contacts them and to protect them. Remember - A Jury Selection Summons Doesn't Mean You'll Be On A Jury. Letter of Transmittal of Notice of Appeal to Appellate Clerk by Trial Clerk. endobj basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in AL, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty, will be an actively engaged full time teacher at the time of jury service, have active care of an infirm or aged individual whose safety or health would be jeopardized by your absence. <> When you call that number (943-7935 in Gulf Area and 937-0363 in all other areas), there will be a recorded message by the Circuit Clerk telling you whether or not your panel number needs to come to jury duty the next day, and if your panel number is to come, when you are to report. In the state of Alabama, physicians, dentists, and nurses are exempt from jury duty. In a criminal trial, the jury must determine whether the state has presented proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty. Sometimes the plaintiff may ask for damages in addition to the compensatory damages, in order to punish the defendant and to prevent the defendant from doing the same act again. The thieves then asked for confidential information. Your employer cannot make you work and is required to pay you first shift wages if you are full-time. Should you be released earlier than expected, you should return to your job. MealsDowntown Montgomery has a number of fine restaurants, within a short walk from the courthouse. Occasionally, the judge may ask jurors to leave the courtroom while the lawyers make their legal arguments. Montgomery County Court is located downtown Montgomery, in the Montgomery County Courthouse, at 251 South Lawrence Street. Upon completion of a voir dire examination, each attorney may strike the names of jurors from the list of prospective jurors until only 12 names remain. Your Jury service has been completed. When to ReportThe Jury Line will instruct jurors as to what time to report. State law prohibits an employer from dismissing an employee because (s)he is summoned for jury service. In courts holding sessions longer than 30 days, the order shall be made returnable 20 days after it issues, and the person in default shall have 10 days after service in which to appear and render his excuse. Alabama Judicial System A person who knows a fact which could materially affect the case should not serve as a juror. Alabama law does not govern employers of other states. To do so would subject the employer to civil liability. Baldwin County - Twenty-Eighth Circuit Court of Alabama What is the difference between a petit and a grand jury? endobj as we will not be responsible for their loss. The Lawrence County Courthouse is located at 14451 Market St, Moulton, Al. Park in the deck at Scott and Lawrence Streets. In most criminal cases on which you may be asked to serve, the crime with which the defendant is charged will be a "felony." <> There are many reasons why an attorney may prefer some jurors to others for a particular trial. Certificate of Completion of Clerk's Record. endobj 400 | Ashville, AL 35953 Phone: (205) 594-2184 , Pell City - (205) 338-2511 | Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, M-F Need Directions? If you are in the Montgomery County Area: Note: Jurors are encouraged to take public transportation to the court building. If you wish to waive this compensation, there are forms in the Clerks Office for you to request such. To qualify for jury service, a person generally must have a reputation for being honest and intelligent, must possess good character and sound judgment, and also must: Most of our jury terms are scheduled for two consecutive weeks. There is no limit to the number of jurors who may be excused for challenge for cause. These are issued at the end of the term, unless there is a special circumstance that warrants earlier issuance. The courthouse will open at 8:00 a.m. to begin the check in process. Our Justices, Judges and staff share the sentiments of former United States Chief Justice Earl Warren when he stated that, "The success of any legal system is measured by its fidelity to the universal ideal of justice." Welcome to the State of Alabama's Juror Qualification System Verify Juror Enter the following information EXACTLY like it is printed on your summons form. Box 6137 Talladega, AL 35160 Phone: (256) 761-2103 Fax: (256) 480-5291 Email: brian.york@alacourt.gov If you are not selected for the first trial, the Judge will tell you when you need to return. By law ( 12-16-62. Yes. If unwanted questions persist, contact the court immediately. Peremptory challenges do not require the lawyers to state any reason for excusing a juror. Usage is subject to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Request for Contempt Hearing. A Juror must not discuss the case with anyone, including relatives, friends, or trial participants. Copyright 2020 Alabama Administrative Office of Courts. What if I have a medical condition which would prevent me from serving? Being struck does not reflect on a juror's honesty or intelligence. For example, if a person is a resident of Alabama and works in Georgia and that person is summoned for jury duty in Alabama, the persons employer in Georgia cannot fire the person for being absent for serving as a juror. ARAP-02. In Alabama, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty. In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. Alabama has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. What if I have an illness or an emergency during service? By obtaining from the circuit clerk or court administrator and filling out the form, "Affidavit - Waiver of Payment for Services as a Juror," you may forego all the expense and mileage allowances due to you. endobj No. At I-65 Exit 172B, Turn LEFT (East) onto SR-108 (Bell St), Bear RIGHT (South-East) onto SR-108 (Molton St), Turn LEFT (North-East) onto SR-108 (Bibb St), End: Arrive 251 S Lawrence St, Montgomery AL, 36104. Additional legal information and forms are available at www.alacourt.gov. Section 12-16-8(c), Code of Alabama 1975, specifically provides that a "full time employee" is entitled to their usual wages during jury service. Employers are prohibited by law 12-16-8.1) from firing an employee for serving as a juror. E-Forms - Alabama Administrative Office of Courts Welcome to E-Forms The following forms are available in portable document format (PDF) for the public and other users of the AOC website. Should the judge order sequestration, you have to spend the night away from your family. You are obligated to perform this service honestly and conscientiously, without fear or favor. Please be on time as court starts promptly at the designated time. Jury service is scheduled to be for a two week period. Note: The Attorney General in Georgia has concluded that it is unlawful for an employer in Georgia to fire an employee working in Georgia because the employee was absent from his/her employment for the purpose of serving as a juror in Alabama. The presentation of the case begins with the plaintiffs or the district attorneys direct examination of a witness. These are called "punitive damages." Request to Change Child Support. The court schedules seventeen weeks of jury trials each year. United States Constitution:Amendment VIIn all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense. A jury of 12 people will be selected in the courtroom. *Section 12-16-8(c) Code of Alabama: "Notwithstanding the excused absence provided in subsection (a), any full time employee shall be entitled to his or her usual compensation received from such employment.". Being struck does not reflect on a jurors honesty or intelligence. The judge, attorneys, parties, witnesses and jurors are all direct participants in the courtroom proceedings. Closing arguments are not evidence but are the attorneys summaries of the evidence presented during the trial. 2023 If you can't get out of attending jury selection, there are many ways to raise the odds that you will be excused after jury selection without being selected to serve on a jury. It will be at the discretion of the court that summoned you whether to accept or deny your excuse. The grand jury may be summoned to serve one term or several short terms. This person presides over the discussion of the case, acting as chairperson and spokesperson for the jury. St. Clair County Court Records Search (Alabama) - County Office How is a civil case different from a criminal case? For example, the case may involve driving under the influence of alcohol. Deliberation: After closing arguments, the jury is isolated to decide the verdict in the case. The court attendant (also known as a "bailiff") maintains courtroom order and assists jurors. Alabama has a list of specific excuses that can be used to be exempt from reporting for jury duty, including excuses for military, elected official, breastfeeding, age, police, firefighter and disability. You may call the Circuit Judge listed on your jury summons card or 256-549-2174 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at least one week prior to the date you are to report. Legal Disclaimer, Local Court Information Regarding COVID-19, Intergovernmental Child Support Enforcement Forms, Alabama Central Disbursement Division (ACDD), Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), Alabama Model Parenting Plan Court Forms and Time-Sharing Schedules, Registry of Foreign Language Interpreters, Overview of the Foreign Language Interpreter Program, Overview of the Sign Language Interpreter Program, AOC Foreign Language Interpreter Policies, Instructions for Payment of Alabama Court Interpreters, Payment Claim Form for Foreign Language Interpreters, Payment Claim Form for Interpreters for the Deaf, Fee Standards for Foreign Language Interpreters, Fee Standards for Sign Language Interpreters, Authorization to Conduct a Criminal Background Check, Overview of Foreign Language Interpreter Program, Overview of Sign Language Interpreter Program, Instructions for Payment of AL Court Interpreters, Authorization to Conduct Criminal Background Check. A prospective juror is asked questions to determine whether he or she has knowledge of or has an interest in the case to be tried. In criminal cases, the state is the prosecutor, while the defendant is the person charged with committing the crime. If I am summoned to court as a juror, but I was not chosen to serve, am I still entitled to an expense allowance and mileage? The following is a description of their roles: Usually, others indirectly involved provide essential services but are not active trial participants: The opening statements are made at the beginning of the trial and outline the facts expected to be presented to the jury. 35650. In Alabama, jurors are not "paid" for their service, however, jurors are given an expense allowance of $10.00 per day and $.05 per mile for each day's round trip mileage (Please Note: the state only allows for one trip to the courthouse and the trip home each day.) For information on the Mobile County Family Court, see their website at http://www.stricklandyouthcenter.org/. A prospective juror may be considered for exemption if they are: You may also show some other reason that serving as a juror will cause a deal of hardship or inconvenience. After the opening statements from both sides, the plaintiffs or states case is presented in the form of evidence. No knives, or anything that is sharp, pointed or edged including knitting needles. Talladega County Circuit Clerk's Office 148 East St. N P.O. endobj PDF JURY DUTY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What Should I Do If - alacourt.gov Who is eligible for jury duty?Jurors must: You cannot serve on a jury if you have been convicted of a felony and your civil rights have not been restored. 7 0 obj Montgomery County - Fifteenth Circuit Court of Alabama The court reporter records a word-for-word account of all court testimony and proceedings, and, in the event of an appeal and upon request of one or both of the parties, will transcribe the record into a written transcript. 9 0 obj We have two - 2 week terms each of Civil, Criminal and Grand Jury. If you are selected to serve on a jury the first day, then you will follow the judges instructions until that case is over. Who would be considered a "Full Time Employee" in terms of being able to receive their salary or wages during jury service? SmokingState law prohibits smoking in all parts of the Courthouse. I will on occasion call and let jurors know that court has been cancelled for the day. (This includes the evening after jury service is concluded.). Alabama's Unified Judicial System is one of the oldest in the nation. The verdict is read by the judge, circuit clerk, or foreman. Report to the Main Courtroom. Let us know in a single click. Closing arguments follow evidence presentation, at which time both sides summarize the case from their viewpoint. The defendants case presentation follows the same format as the plaintiffs or States case. The notices are mailed from Montgomery and the Clerk receives a list from the Administrative Office of Courts in Montgomery. Please select a department or category from the menu to the left to find the information you need.