Jury Commissioners - Instructions for Jurors

The following is a copy of the instructions listed on the back of your jury summons."

COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES

(Questionnaires can be obtained under "Downloads")

Within 7 days, complete, sign and return the two (2) questionnaires in the provided envelope including your phone number in question #22 (we must have completed forms before considering requests for excusals/postponements). Any false statement is subject to penalties of the law. Failure to return the forms may result in court action/fines. The questionnaires will be used in the courtroom to help select a jury. The confidential questionnaire is secured in a locked file and destroyed upon completion of your service. If you have a disability covered under the ADA and need special assistance to serve, fill out the green form and return it with your questionnaires.

WHEN AND WHERE TO REPORT

This is your official summons and only notice to report. YOU MUST REPORT promptly to the Washington County Courthouse Jury Lounge (lower level) on the date and time indicated on the front of this summons. Bring your summons with you. Allow sufficient time for parking.

PARKING

Do not use parking meters as you cannot leave to feed the meters. Recommended Crossroads Parking Garage is at 55 North Franklin Ave. with limited handicapped bagged meter parking also on West Cherry Ave. There is a fee for parking.

LENGTH OF JURY SERVICE

When you report the first day, an orientation to explain the jury process is provided. Jurors are selected for trial the first and/or second day to begin serving within the service period listed on the front of your summons. If not selected for a trial, your service is considered complete. After reporting and if selected for a trial, instructions are provided on calling 724-228-6972 or the toll-free number of 1-800-542-0387 the evening before the start of your trial for a recorded message specific to your trial.

IF EMPLOYED

Show your summons to your employer PRIOR to your service date to arrange for your absence. Verification for your employer concerning the days you serve will be available, upon request, when your service is complete. Your employment letter will be mailed to you at the home address you provided on your information/qualification form.

HARDSHIP POSTPONEMENTS/EXCUSALS

For hardships such as wages not reimbursed by employer, prescheduled vacation, no childcare, etc., immediately send a detailed request with your completed questionnaires to the JURY COMMISSIONERS. Do not write on the back of the questionnaires or add reasons to question #21. We cannot consider requests from employers or third parties--only jurors themselves. Particular day excusals cannot be granted. No excusals/postponements can be granted by phone, and no excusals will be granted once you report. Requests received one week prior to your beginning service date will be considered only due to an extreme emergency.

Excusal requests listed in question #21 on the qualification form don't need a separate request; completely fill out the form and check the appropriate box. Age 70 or older requests don't need a doctor's excuse. ALL nonresidents must fill out and return the forms to be disqualified from jury service.

Medical requests for excusal require a detailed doctor's excuse which your doctor may fax to us (a doctor's excuse is not an automatic excusal). Don't delay mailing your completed questionnaires.

If you're unable to include your request with your questionnaires, you may fax or mail it separately. Include your name, address, day-time phone number, juror number and reporting date. Mail to:

Jury Commission Office
Washington County Courthouse
1 South Main Street, Suite G005
Washington, PA 15301
Office Phone: 724-228-6974 (Read instructions before calling)
Office Fax: 724-250-4159
County Toll Free: 1-888-882-8385 ext. 6974

If your request is approved, you will be notified by mail. If you do not receive notification by mail, you must report. It is your responsibility to check the status of your request by contacting our office.

ATTIRE

Dress comfortably but appropriately with respect to the Court. Shorts, T-shirts, tank and halter tops are not appropriate. We cannot be responsible for personal belongings. Bring only what you need.