Court is now back in session!

By Donnie A. Lucas

Some Shackelford county residents could receive jury summons in the near future and are urged to provide the proper notification if they are unable to attend.

Notices have already been sent out for petit jury service on Jan. 17, with other notices to be sent soon for a special trial planned for February, as well as call for a Grand Jury.

Anyone receiving a jury notice should contact the county/district clerk’s office in the Courthouse if they think they fall under one or more of the exemptions from jury service, according county/district clerk Cheri Hawkins.

“Anyone who thinks they are exempt should call the office to discuss their exemption,” she said. “If we can’t excuse them under the guidelines, then we refer them on to the district judge’s office in Anson. They may still have to appear to discuss possible exceptions with the judge.”

The telephone number for the county/district clerk’s office in the local courthouse is 325-762-9415.

“We just need people to call us ahead of time rather than not showing up,” Hawkins said. “We try to work with anyone who has an issue, although there are some circumstances that we don’t have the authority to excuse, and they will need to talk with the judge’s office or judge himself, especially if it is work related.”

Hawkins said that jury notices are typically sent out about four weeks in advance.

The fine for not showing up for a jury call or summons ranges from $100 to $1,000.

“We need good people on juries,” Hawkins said.

One of the exemptions from appearing is if the resident is 70 years of age or older.

“Age can be an exemption, but it isn’t automatic,” Hawkins said. “People still must call in and notify us if they do not wish to serve, but often those are the very residents that have the time and make good jurors. It is up to them at that point.”

The list of exemptions appears on the back of every jury notice, along with the qualifications for jury service.

District judge Brooks Hagler serves the 259th District Court, which includes both Jones and Shackelford Counties.

“Historically, Shackelford County exceeds the typical percentage of people who show up, but COVID took a toll on the jury process, and it is taking a while to gain the public trust again about such gatherings,” Hagler said. “Most people will never need the service of a jury, but those who do are always thankful to have good people who are willing to serve.”

Hagler said that most people who do not show up for a summons are not disrespecting the process.

“Some people just forget, or someone is sick or has sick kids,” he said. “It is important to call in and notify the clerks about the circumstances, and if they can’t take care of it, then you will need to talk to me.”

He added that work situations are not legally an option, although he said those people can come in and speak with him personally in the courtroom if they feel that serving would create a hardship.

“Just saying you need your paycheck isn’t an exemption, but there are times when an exception can be made depending on the situation,” he said. “I try to make myself available for people to talk to about jury service if necessary.”

Hagler added that the docket is full with some important cases, so he encourages anyone who receives a notice to go through the proper steps to receive an exemption, or show up in the courtroom to discuss their issues.

Just not showing up should never be an option.