Frequently Asked Questions About Jury Duty
Who has to appear for jury
duty?
Georgia Law requires all persons
summoned for jury duty to appear for service provided they are 18
years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident of
Clayton County.
Any person who has committed a
felony can serve provided their rights have been restored. If you
are in doubt as to whether your rights have been restored, you
should contact the Pardons and Parole office in the state in which
you were convicted.
How can I get exempted from jury duty?
Exemptions are: (1) Any person who is 70 years of age or older
and has requested a permanent exemption by filling out an affidavit (pdf) (2) Any person who has an affidavit (pdf) from their doctor that states
the person is permanently mentally or physically disabled and (3)
Any person who is a legislator who is summoned to serve during a
session of the Georgia General Assembly may be excused to another
date when the Georgia General Assembly is not in session. You may
obtain an age affidavit (pdf), medical affidavit (pdf), military exemption (pdf) or non-resident affidavit (pdf) by clicking on the
highlighted links or by contacting our office at (770)
477-3400.
What if
....?
(1) I have my vacation planned for
the week I am summoned, (2) My business has me scheduled for
training, (3) I have a doctor's appointment, (4) I have surgery
scheduled, (5) I am pregnant, (6) I am the sole proprietor of my
business, (7) My job does not compensate me for jury service, (8) I
am a care giver or (9) I don't have transportation?
A one time deferral can be given
under these circumstances, in order for you to make some
arrangements, although some documentation may be required. Our
office will attempt to schedule a more convenient date for you to
the best of our ability, however, none of the above situations are
grounds for jury exemption under Georgia Law. Requests may be
submitted in writing to Clerk Superior Court - Jury Division, 9151
Tara Boulevard, Room 1JA09, Jonesboro, Georgia, 30236-4912 or by
fax to (770) 477-4519. Please be sure to include phone numbers
where you can be reached during office hours. You may also contact
our office for a deferment at (770) 477-3400 on Tuesday through
Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The request must be received no
less than seven (7) days prior to the starting date of your
service.
If you have a medical problem, you
must submit an affidavit (pdf) from your doctor. (Click on
highlighted area to download the form now.)
What if I don't have child care for my
children?
If you are the sole caregiver of your own child(ren) and
he/she/they are under 6 years of age, you may submit a one-time affidavit (pdf) and you will be deferred to a
later date. (Click on the highlighted area to download the form
now.)
What if I home
school my children?
If you are the primary teacher for
a home study program, you may request that your jury service be
deferred until the next school break. Please complete the affidavit (pdf) in its entirety including the
dates of your next week long breaks (i.e., Summer, Spring,
Christmas break, etc.) and your jury service will be re-scheduled.
This is a one time deferment.
What if
I am the primary caregiver for someone over the age of
six?
If you are the primary, unpaid
caregiver for someone over the age of six, you may request a one
year deferment. You must submit an affidavit that includes a medical affidavit
which must be completed by the patient's physician.
I am a full-time
college student. Do I still need to serve?
You may request a
student affidavit (pdf) from our office or
click on the highlighted area to download the form now. Please
complete the form in its entirety including the dates of your next
week long breaks. (i.e. Summer, Spring, Christmas break) and you
will be deferred until one of those weeks.
Except in extreme emergencies, no
deferments are permitted on the morning you are to report for jury
service.
I have moved from Clayton County, what do I
do?
If you are not a resident of
Clayton County, proof of your permanent resident address must be
submitted. A voter's registration card, driver's license or some
other official document will suffice. This proof may be submitted
with either the questionnaire that was mailed with your summons or
a non-resident affidavit (pdf) .
How long is Jury
Service?
Your length of service is normally one (1) week. However, if you
are participating in a trial and the trial is not completed by the
end of the week, you will be required to report the following week
until the trial is completed. You should plan to attend every week
day Monday through Friday. You will be given specific instructions
on a daily basis.
What is the proper
attire?
Please use good judgment and report for jury duty properly
dressed. Shorts, mini-skirts, sweat pants, tank tops are
inappropriate attire. Please do not wear uniforms, especially those
with badges and name plates.
How much am I paid?
You will receive an expense allowance of $25.00 each day that
you report to the courthouse. The County Finance Department will
mail the checks out within two weeks upon completion of your jury
service. The County Finance Department can be reached at (770)
477-3221.
What if I don't understand or speak
English?
You will have to appear. This is
not an exemption provided by Georgia Law.
What if I am not a citizen of the United
States?