Prospective Juror Information

Jury Trial

The right to a trial by jury is one of the fundamental rights afforded to those charged with a criminal offense in the United States, as outlined in the 6th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Serving as a juror is a crucial way to safeguard individual liberties and contribute to a just society. Your service as a juror ensures those charged with a criminal offense have their constitutional right to a trial by jury preserved. Additionally, juror service safeguards the making of an impartial and fair decision, based on evidence presented in court.

Things to know to assist you with frequently asked questions:

How was I selected?

The juror pool for municipal courts is drawn from voter registration lists, Department of Public Safety (DPS) lists, and utility bills.


The Secretary of State provides a list of registered voters in each county. The Secretary of State also provides a list of individuals with a Texas driver's license or Texas identification card. Additionally, the municipal court uses utility bills to select potential jurors from a random list. 


The selection process for jurors is designed to ensure that the jury represents a cross-section of the community. Citizens are randomly selected from the list and mailed a summons to report for jury duty.


What is a qualifying exemption?

  1. You are over 75 years of age. 
  2. You have legal custody of a child or children younger than 12 years of age and service on the jury would require leaving the child or children without adequate supervision. 
  3. You are a student at a public or private high school. 
  4. You are enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education. 
  5. You are an officer or an employee of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government. 
  6. You are the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for himself or herself. (This exemption does not apply to you if you are a primary caretaker only in your capacity as a health care worker.) 
  7. You are a member of the United States military forces serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from your home station and out of your county of residence. 
  8. You have served as a juror in this county during the 24-month period prior to the date you are required to appear by this summons. 
  9. You have been summoned for jury service in this county and have served as a petit juror in this county during the three-year period prior to the date you are required to appear  by this summons.

What should I expect on the day of a jury trial?

Municipal court cases typically involve minor offenses like traffic violations, so the trials are usually shorter than in higher courts.

On the day of a municipal court jury trial, expect to arrive at the courthouse on time and check in with the court clerk, turn in or fill out a questionnaire. Be prepared to answer preliminary questions about your ability to serve as a juror.

If selected to serve as a juror, you will:

  • Hear opening statements from both sides, outlining the case, 
  • Hear witness testimonies, called by both the prosecution and the defense, with opportunities for cross-examination, 
  • Both the prosecutor and the defendant will submit evidence they intend to present, 
  • Listen to closing arguments summarizing their case and highlighting key points,
  • You along with the other selected jurors will deliberate to reach a verdict based on the evidence presented in court.

The judge will provide instructions on the law that applies to the case and what you need to consider when making your decision.

How will I know if the case has been canceled or rescheduled?

Please call the court the day before the scheduled court date to confirm.

Additionally, the court will place a notice on the Municipal Court page if any changes occur.