Juror Information

Rights and Responsibilities

• Right to Reemployment: A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because the employee serves as a juror. An employee whose employment is terminated in violation of this section is entitled to return to the same employment that the employee held when summoned for jury service if the employee, as soon as practical after release from jury service, gives the employer actual notice that the employee intends to return. (Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 122.001). Terminating an employee who performs jury duty is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2000 (Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 122.002).
• Failure to Answer Summons and Penalties: Any person summoned who fails to attend or who fails to remain in attendance until discharged by the court may be fined an amount not to exceed $100 for contempt (Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 45.027). Additionally, a person shall be fined not less than $10 nor more than $100 if the person: (1) fails to attend court in obedience to the notice without reasonable excuse; or (2) files a false claim of exemption from jury service (Government Code, Section 62.111).
• Proper Clothing Required: All persons entering the courtroom should be dressed in clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings.
• Exempt or Disqualified: You do not need to appear in person if you are exempt or not qualified for jury service.