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Galveston Division Juror Information

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS

GALVESTON DIVISION
Reporting Instructions Qualification Questionnaire Postponement or Excuse Request
Juror Information Form Location Certificate of Attendance
     
How do I complete the Juror Form online?

To complete the Juror Form online, select Juror Information Form link, otherwise mail the completed form in the postage-paid envelope we sent you.

How long do I serve?

Jurors are "on-call" for a period of fifteen (15) consecutive days, beginning with the appearance date stated on your Jury Summons. If you are selected to serve on a jury, your jury service will end when the trial is finished. You may not have to come to court each day while on call, but you will be asked to check, either by phone or web, for future reporting instructions.

How do I know when to come to court?

Although you are scheduled to report on the appearance date stated on the Jury Summons form, the Court's schedule may change, therefore causing your appearance date to change.  Specific reporting instructions will be provided to you throughout the month.  There are two (2) ways to receive reporting instructions.  Choose the way that works best for you.

  • Call the Jury Information Line 1-800-582-9109, after 6:00 p.m. on the evening before your appearance date.  Enter your nine (9) digit Participant Number when prompted by the Call Attendant.
  • Select the Reporting Instructions link at the top of this page and enter your nine (9) digit Participant Number.

Your Participant Number is on your Jury Summons form.

How do I know if I am no longer "on-call" for jury service?

Call the Jury Information Line 1-800-582-9109, or select the Reporting Instructions link at the top of this page after 6:00 p.m. on the evening before your appearance date.  Be sure to have your nine (9) digit Participant Number available.

What if I can't be there?

You may request to be exempted or excused from service or to have your service postponed. You can either select the Postponement or Excuse Request link above or put your request in writing. You must appear unless you are notified that the Court has granted your request.

Mail requests to: United States District Court, Attn: Jury Section, 601 Rosenberg Street, Room 411 Galveston, Texas 77550
 

Exemptions

The Court may exempt you from service if you are:

  • In active service of the armed forces of the United States.
  • A member of a fire or police department.
  • An elected official actively engaged in official duties.

Excuses

The Court may excuse you from jury service if you are:

  • Not employed outside the home, having active care and custody of a child under the age of ten whose health or safety would be jeopardized by their absence for jury service; or a person who is essential to the care of the aged or infirm persons and who is not employed outside the home.
  • Have served as a grand or petit juror in federal court within the past two years.
  • Over seventy years of age.
  • A federal law enforcement agent (like agents for Postal, FBI, Customs).
  • A member of a volunteer safety organization and who works in an official capacity without compensation (fire fighters, rescue squads or ambulance crews).
  • Someone for whom the jury service would cause undue hardship or extreme inconvenience.  Medical excuses require a precise doctor's statement.

Postponements

The Court may postpone your jury service. A request for postponement must show specifically why the delay is unavoidable.

Where do I report?

Report to the Clerk's Office, room number 411, on the 4th floor of the United States Post Office and Courthouse, 601 Rosenberg (25th Street). See link to location at top of page.

Do I reside in the Galveston Division?

The Galveston Division includes these counties:

Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, and Matagorda

Will I be paid?

Under Federal law you may be paid:

  • $50.00 each day you come to the courthouse.
  • $0.67 for each mile driven on the shortest practical route to and from the court.
  • Subsistence for hotel lodging may be allowed if you live over fifty (50) miles from the courthouse, and you must stay overnight to attend court. Rates are $107 August through May, and $142 June and July. You must attach the lodging hotel receipt to the form.
  • Other expenses including road tolls, parking, and public transportation.