Hall County Juror Information Guide

Welcome to your Jury Duty! Your service as a juror is a vital part of the justice system, and we thank you for your willingness to participate. This guide will help you understand the qualifications, process, and expectations associated with serving as a juror in Hall County.

Jury Eligibility

To be eligible for jury duty in Hall County, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Residency: You must be a legal resident of Hall County, having lived here for at least six months.
  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.

Certain individuals are ineligible for jury service, including those:

  • Convicted of a felony (or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude) who have not had their civil rights restored.
  • Who have been permanently excused due to mental or physical disabilities, age (70+), or mental incompetency.

Grand Juror Eligibility

In addition to the above requirements, individuals may be disqualified from serving as a grand juror if:

  • They have been convicted of a felony and have not had their civil rights restored.
  • They are in certain pretrial or diversion programs.
  • They are serving a sentence for a felony offense.

Permanent Inactivation of Jurors

You may be permanently inactivated from jury service if:

  • A doctor declares you permanently mentally and/or physically disabled.
  • You are 70 years of age or older.
  • You are deceased.
  • You have been declared mentally incompetent by a court order.

Exemptions and Deferrals

Certain individuals may request to be excused or deferred from jury duty:

  • Full-time students currently enrolled in college or vocational school.
  • Primary caregivers of children 6 years or younger or individuals with disabilities.
  • Active military personnel or their spouses.
  • Persons 70 years of age or older may request to be excused from service.

Requests for deferral or excusal must be made in writing to JuryDivision@HallCounty.org and may require an affidavit. If granted a deferral, you will be resummoned for service at a later time.

Jury Service Process

  • Selection and Summons
    • Your name is randomly selected from the statewide jury pool.
    • Upon selection, you will receive a jury summons containing:
      • The date, time, and location for jury selection.
      • Instructions for deferral or excusal.
      • Contact information for the Clerk of Court.
  • Reporting for Service
    • You must report to the Hall County Courthouse as instructed in your summons.
    • Upon arrival, you will go through security screening and be directed to the Jury Assembly Room.
  • Jury Selection (Voir Dire)
    • Once in the assembly room, you may be called for a jury panel.
    • Voir dire is the process where attorneys will ask potential jurors questions to ensure impartiality.
    • If you are selected, you will take an oath to fairly evaluate the case based on evidence.
  • Trial Process
    • If selected to serve as a trial juror, your duty is to listen to the evidence, deliberate with fellow jurors, and return a verdict.
    • You must not discuss the case with anyone outside the jury until a verdict is reached.

Length of Service

The typical duration of jury service is one week. Jury selection typically occurs within the first few days, and trials may extend over several weeks. Jurors are required to be available for the full week.

Reimbursement

Jurors receive a check for $50 per day for serving.

Employer-Employee Information

Under Georgia law, employers are required to allow employees time off to serve on jury duty. O.C.G.A. § 34-1-3 protects employees from discrimination for attending jury duty.

Important Conduct Guidelines

While serving on a jury:

  • Be on time: Delays can disrupt the court proceedings.
  • Do not discuss the case with anyone until the completion of the trial.
  • Stay focused: Listen attentively to all testimonies and evidence.
  • Report any issues immediately: If you cannot hear or understand any part of the trial, notify the judge.
  • Respect the process: Jurors are expected to follow all courtroom etiquette, including rising when the judge enters.

Questions?

If you have any questions about your jury service, please reach out to the Hall County Clerk of Court Jury Division:

Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to your civic duty as a juror! Your service supports the efficient administration of justice in Hall County.

Jury Information