Jury FAQ

1. Am I required to attend jury service?

Yes, attendance is required by law. If you fail to appear for jury duty, you may be held in contempt of court, which could lead to legal consequences.

2. How long am I expected to serve as a juror?

Jury service typically lasts for one week or until the trial concludes. The exact duration may vary depending on the case.

3. How do I request an excusal or deferment?

You can request an excusal or deferment by mail, fax, or email. However, you will only be considered excused if you receive official notification from the court.

4. Can my employer fire me for not being at work due to jury duty?

No, your employer cannot fire you for attending jury duty. Under OCGA 34-1-3, employers are prohibited from penalizing employees for jury service. If an employer takes any retaliatory action, they may be liable for actual damages and reasonable attorney’s fees.

5. Does my employer have to pay me my normal wages if I’m serving on a jury?

No, there is no law requiring employers to pay employees their normal wages while they are serving jury duty.

6. How much are jurors paid for their service?

Jurors are compensated $50.00 per day for their service.

7. How was I chosen for jury service?

Jurors are randomly selected from a master jury list overseen by the Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia. This list is compiled from records of driver’s licenses, state-issued identification cards, and registered voters. Your name is then randomly drawn by computerized software.

8. What happens if my juror number is not called to report?

If your juror number is not called, you are not required to report for jury duty. You will receive further instructions via recorded message, text message, or email.

9. What happens if I fail to report for jury duty?

Failure to report for jury duty may result in contempt of court. Penalties may include imprisonment for up to 20 days or a fine of up to $1,000 for willfully disobeying a court order or obstructing court proceedings.

10. What if English is not my primary language?

You are still required to attend jury service; however, if necessary, a court interpreter will assist in determining whether you should be excused from jury duty due to language barriers.

If you have any additional questions, please contact the Jury Division at JuryDivision@HallCounty.org or 770-531-7048.