Contacting the Fayette County Jury Personnel:

How can I reach the Fayette County Jury Coordinator?

The Jury Coordinator is responsible for preparation of all jury lists, conducting jury check-in and orientation, and providing juror information to the Court. The Jury Coordinator is available Monday through Friday 8:30 A.M until 4:30 P.M. and can be reached at (618) 283-5009. The Jury office is closed on all legal holidays.

Jury Selection:

How does the Jury Management obtain names of prospective jurors?

All jurors are selected for service by a computer system that randomly selects individuals from a list of county residents who hold a drivers license, a voters registration card, a state identification card, a disabled persons identification card, or who are receiving unemployment compensation.

I can no longer fulfill my duties as a juror. I would like your office to remove my name from your records.

Under no circumstances is the Jury Coordinator allowed to remove an individual's name without judicial approval.

I am not a resident of Fayette County or a citizen of the United States, may I serve?

No. You must be an Fayette County resident to serve as a juror in Fayette County. The law automatically disqualifies residents that are non-citizens.

Jury Service:

Why is jury service important?

The United States Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin or economic status the right to trial by an impartial jury of one's peers. In order to uphold this guarantee, we need those summoned to participate in the jury process to ensure every citizen's right to have their case decided by an impartial jury selected from a representative pool of their peers.

Who is entitled to a jury trial?

Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party in a civil case has the right to a trial by jury. All parties are equal before the law and each is given the same fair and impartial treatment.

What are my duties as a juror?

Your duty as a juror is to weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented to you and to decide the outcome of the case based upon the law and the evidence. Your decision must be fair, impartial and free of any bias or prejudice. Jury service is the basis of our judicial system and is essential to the administration of justice.

How are jurors selected for a trial?

After your panel is selected and reports to a courtroom, a process known as voir dire begins. During voir dire, the Judge and possibly the Attorneys will ask you questions to see if you can keep an open mind and be fair. After you have been questioned, you will either be selected or excused from that particular case. If you are selected, you and the other selected jurors will receive instructions from the Judge. If you are not selected, you will receive instructions as to whether you are to return to the jury room or released and asked to check on your status later in the day.

How long does jury service usually last?

The jury term in Fayette County is a one (1) month term during which both civil and criminal trials are conducted. Court holidays will normally be observed during the jury term. However, please be aware that it may be necessary to continue hearing a case on a holiday. When this occurs, you will need to follow instructions provided by the Judge presiding over the trial. Court hours vary depending upon the trial. Most trials will not start before 9:00 AM or go longer than 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Please bring materials to occupy your time during the selection process. Although very rare, there could be unusual situations where your jury service could extend longer than one (1) month.

What type of trials may I be selected to serve on as a juror?

There are basically two types of jury trials, criminal and civil. In a criminal trial, the jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil trial, the jury decides whether any monetary damages should be awarded.

Is jury service mandatory?

The United States Constitution and the Illinois State Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury. Failure to respond to a jury summons may subject you to penalties provided by law. All Fayette County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they are:

• Not a United States citizen

• Not a resident of Fayette County, Illinois

• Not 18 years of age or older

What is the proper dress attire for jury service?

Jurors should dress appropriately for the Courtroom. It is sometimes difficult to regulate the temperature to accommodate everyone, so you may want to bring a sweater in the event it is too cool. The following is NOT appropriate dress: Shorts, cut-offs, tank tops, halter tops, mesh shirts, shirts with inappropriate or offensive logos, pictures or writing.

What am I allowed to bring to jury service?

Jury service can require a potential juror to wait a considerable length of time. For this reason, you may want to bring reading material or office work. NO ELECTRONICS ARE ALLOWED IN THE FAYETTE COUNTY JUDICIAL CENTER INCLUDING: cellular telephones, laptop computers, tablet computers, ipods/mp3 players, cameras (still or video), audio recording devices or any other form of electronics. In addition, jurors may not bring: weapons, knives, chemical agents, scissors, knitting needles or other contraband.

What happens if you fail to appear for jury service?

Failure to appear for jury service when summoned is a serious matter. You may be held in contempt of court and could be fined. It is in your best interest to appear if you are summoned to avoid any further court action.

Work Issues:

Are employers required to pay employees while on jury service?

No. An employer is NOT required by law to pay employees who are on jury service. However, many employers do. You need to check with your company's human resources department before serving to see if your company pays your salary for days you are a juror. If you DO receive your salary, your company may require a letter of attendance from the jury clerks.

How soon after jury service will I receive my juror pay?

You will be paid for your jury service. You will be paid $20 per day, if selected as a juror you will be paid $50 per day and a travel allowance. The checks will be in the mail within 10 days. If you have not received your check within a reasonable time frame, please contact the Jury Clerk at (618) 283-5009.

Does my employer have the right to terminate or penalize me for performing my American right as a juror?

No. Illinois law prohibits an employer from terminating or otherwise penalizing an employee because the employee serves as a juror.

Excuse from Service:

May I request an excuse from jury service?

It is expected that everyone will fulfill their civic duty to perform jury service. ALL who serve are sacrificing valuable time that could be spent working for income or doing activities of their own choice. In instances of exceptional hardship, a potential juror may be excused or deferred upon request. This would be based on the nature of the prospective juror's occupation, business affairs, physical health, family situation, active duty in the military, or other personal affairs. Requests to be excused or deferred to another term MUST be in writing and sent to the Circuit Clerk along with your Petit Juror Questionnaire. Specific reasons should be contained in any request. Physical health reasons must be documented with a physician's statement. The Clerk has no authority to excuse jurors. The Clerk will present your written request to the trial Judge for his consideration and will then notify you, prior to your first date of service, if you have been excused or deferred. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE BEFORE YOUR FIRST DATE OF SERVICE, YOU ARE TO ASSUME THAT YOUR REQUEST HAS BEEN DENIED.

ALL REQUESTS MUST BE IN WRITING - ORAL REQUESTS CANNOT BE CONSIDERED.

I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused?

Illinois law does not provide for an excuse from jury service for moral or religious beliefs. You are still required to appear for jury service. During the voir dire, the trial Judge will decide.

I know that I will not be selected to be on a jury because of my career, my relatives and or my friends. May I be excused?

You are still required to report for jury service. A trial Judge will decide if you should be excused.

Hopefully, we have been able to provide you with the information that you have needed. However, if you feel your individual question has not been addressed call the Fayette County Jury Coordinator at (618) 283-5009 for further advice and assistance.

Inclement Weather:

In case of inclement weather, please visit http://www.fayettecountyillinois.org/2205/Juror-Call-In or https://www.facebook.com/Kathy-Emerick-Fayette-County-Circuit-Clerk-1168938289790765/ to find out if you should report. If there is a sudden illness or emergency which will prevent you from appearing on your service date, please call (618) 283-5009 before 8:30 AM.