Jury Service

Jury Service

How did I get summoned for jury service in the Tyler Municipal Court?
Any person holding a valid Texas Driver's License is subject to being called for jury service.

Since I've been summoned, will I definitely serve on a jury?
No. The process of jury selection involves both the state and defendant asking you questions concerning your qualifications, background and experiences. Each side then gets to strike up to three (3) potential jurors for any reason other than race or gender. Next, the strike lists from each side are placed side by side and the first six (6) potential jurors that neither side has struck make up the jury panel.

What kind of cases are tried in the Municipal Court?
The Municipal Court jurisdiction applies to cases that can only be punished by a "fine only." This means that punishment through jail time is not an option. Consequently, this applies to Class "C" misdemeanor offenses such as public intoxication, and shoplifting. It also applies to traffic offenses (such as speeding, seatbelt and no insurance citations), and enforcement of city ordinances such as noise violations and leash law tickets. All offenses must have occurred within the city limits (including the extra-territorial jurisdiction limits) of the City of Tyler.

How long will my jury service last?
Jury service typically lasts only one (1) day.

Where should I appear?
Check your jury summons. You should either appear at the Tyler Municipal Court, 813 N. Broadway or The Harvey Convention Center located on Front Street. If you cannot determine where to appear, please call the court at (903) 531-1266.

I just completed jury service within the last six (6) months. Can I be excused?
Submission of proof of actual service on a jury (not just being called on a panel) will excuse you from jury service if you have completed that service in the past six (6) months.

Do I get paid for my jury service?
Yes. The Municipal Court pays $6.00 per day for jury service. You must, however, be chosen for a voir dire panel. If you claim an exemption or are disqualified, you are not paid.

What are the qualifications to serve on a Municipal Court jury?

You must be of sound mind and good moral character;
You must be able to read and write the English language;
You must have not served as a juror for six consecutive days during the preceding six months;
You must not have any felony convictions or a conviction for any theft;
You must not be under indictment, legal accusation, probation or deferred adjudication for any theft or felony charges;
You must be a resident of the City of Tyler and reside within the Tyler city limits.

What are the exemptions from jury service?

If you are 70 years of age or older;
If you have legal custody of a child/children younger than 10 years of age and serving on the Jury required leaving the child/children without adequate supervision;
If you are the primary caretaker of a person who is an invalid, unable to care for him/herself;
If you are a student of a public or private secondary school;
If you are a person who is enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education;
If you are an officer and employee of the Texas Senate, House of Representatives, or any department, commission , board office or other agency in the legislative branch of state government.

NOTE: You do not have to claim an exemption if you do not want to. You may voluntarily waive your exemption and choose to serve, and we would be pleased to have you serve. However, the decision is yours.

What about "business excuses"?
Missing jury service for a business reason is not a lawful excuse from jury service.

What about "travel/vacation excuses"?
These excuses may be granted or denied at the discretion of the court. To request a travel/vacation excuse you must provide airline or other method of travel tickets in your name; hotel reservation confirmation information; seminar confirmation information; and/or an itinerary for your travel. To make a request to be excused from jury service for this reason, please complete the back page of your jury summons. You should then either mail it back to the court, drop it by the court in person, or fax it to the court at (903)531-1369 and include the any of the other information showing proof of your travel/vacation plans.

How can I prove my "disqualification", "exemption" or offer any other excuse to the court prior to my jury service date?
To make a request to be excused from jury service, please complete the back page of your jury summons. You should then either mail it back to the court, drop it by the court in person, or fax it to the court at (903)531-1369.

What if I decide to ignore my jury summons?
You will have to appear in court to answer to a contempt of court citation which carries a fine of up to $100.00.