You have been summoned for jury duty! This probably causes you to have a lot of questions about what will happen. The right to a trial by jury is the cornerstone of our country’s justice system. As a juror, you have a vital role to play in this state’s court system! Trial by jury is a cherished constitutional right. This important civic service is appreciated by all.
Here are some helpful Q & A’s to help answer many of your questions.
1) How did I get chosen?
Jurors are randomly selected each year from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles driver’s license and identification lists. Qualification requirements are: A United States citizen, Door County resident, at least 18 years old, able to understand the English Language, have not served jury duty in the last 4 years, and if convicted of a felony, your civil rights have been restored.
2) Do I have to serve?
Yes - in most instances. The law requires all qualified individuals be available to serve as jurors. No person who is qualified and able to serve may be excluded on the basis of age, disability, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, income, ancestry or physical condition. The court may excuse or defer a person from jury service if the court determines the person cannot fulfill the responsibilities of a juror at this time or would entail undue hardship, serious obstruction or delay of justice. An inconvenience to your every day schedule is not an undue hardship. No profession is exempt. Your profession regardless of what it is, is not a valid reason to be excused from jury duty.
3) What if I can’t serve because I have to work?
Jury duty is a civic duty. Employers must grant employees a leave of absence for jury service per Wisconsin Statute 756.255. Please be courteous and contact your employer as soon as you receive your summons. Employers in Wisconsin are also forbidden from penalizing employees who miss work for jury duty.
4) What if I can’t serve when requested?
Contact the jury clerk listed on your summons as soon as possible. The jury clerk will work with you as to a better time you can serve during that calendar year.
5) What if I can’t serve because of a medical condition/undue hardship?
If you cannot serve whether it be for medical reasons or some other undue hardship, you will be required to write a letter to the Judge with your reason for requesting a deferment or excusal. If the request is because of medical please submit a medical statement from your provider along with the letter to the Judge.
6) What if I have a disability?
If you have a disability which will require accommodations please contact the Jury Clerk jury clerk listed on your summons as soon as possible so arrangements can be made for you.
7) How long do I have to serve?
Per state statue a juror is only allowed to serve 5 days in a 4 year period, unless the one trial they are called to serve on lasts more than 5 days then they are to serve for as long as the trial lasts. If you have made yourself available for the requested time you were asked and no trials proceed you will still be marked as complete and you will not be able to serve again for at least four (4) years.
8) What will happen if I don’t show up for jury duty?
While there are a number of ways to be legally excused from jury duty in Wisconsin, failing to appear when summoned for jury selection or jury duty without an excuse is illegal, and can result in legal repercussions.
A prospective juror who has failed to appear without showing good cause may be found guilty of contempt of court and the court may impose a penalty of up to $500.
We thank and praise every person who serves on a jury in our great state. Without people like you the criminal justice system would not function. If you are someone you know has additional questions or is need of any legal help contact us today to set up a free consultation. Please contact us by text or phone at (414) 775-7445 or email at laura@jlfwisconsin.com anytime.
*Any articles in the Libra or posted by Jones Law Firm LLC are not legal advice for a particular client or situation. Further no attorney-client relationship is intended or created with this post.*
