Qualifications
Jurors are randomly selected from a master list identifying all citizens eligible for jury service within Bulloch County. The list is compiled from driver’s license and voter registration information.
Any citizen of Georgia is qualified to serve on a Jury if he or she:
- Is a citizen of the United States of America;
- Is 18 years of age or older;
- Is a current resident of Bulloch County;
- Is not a convicted felon, who has not had voting rights restored.
Exemption and Eligibility
The laws of Georgia allow exemptions from jury service for the following reasons:
- Persons 70 years of age or older that do not wish to serve.
- Not a U.S. Citizen.
- Not a resident of Bulloch County.
- Persons that are permanently disabled, either mentally or physically. (Physician’s letter required)
- The person is a full-time student at a college, university, vocational school, or other postsecondary school.
- Any service member on ordered military duty and the spouse of any such service member shall be excused or deferred from jury duty.
No one is exempt and/or deferred from jury service because of his or her job, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic status.
Reporting Information
Location:
- Superior Court Jurors are to report to the Jury Assembly Room, first floor of the Bulloch County Judicial Annex, 20 Siebald Street, Statesboro, GA. 30458.
- State Court Jurors are to report to the Bulloch County Courthouse, 2 North Main Street, Statesboro, GA. 30458.
Parking
Reporting Time
Jurors are to appear by 8:00 a.m. on the date to report.
Attire
Casual business attire is recommended. Shorts, tank tops, bare midriffs, shirts with controversial depictions or wording, or similar dress are not allowed in the courtrooms.
Hours of Service
Jury service may last beyond 5:00 p.m. on any given day. Before you report for jury service, please make necessary arrangements to allow you to remain at Court until released.
ADA Accommodation
Jurors who are hearing and/or visually impaired are not prohibited from serving on a jury. For ease of accommodation, please notify the Clerk’s Office prior to your service if you need assistance.
Juror Orientation
All jurors scheduled for service will receive a brief orientation conducted by the Clerk’s Office. After the orientation is completed, jurors are administered an oath and will remain in the Jury Assembly Room until called to report to a courtroom. Throughout the day, jurors may be selected randomly to report to a courtroom for either a civil or criminal case. Jurors may also be selected to serve on more than one case.
Juror Compensation:
Traverse Jurors are paid $33 per day for their service.
Employer Information
No employer may discharge or demote any employee because the employee has been called for jury service, or is serving as a juror. Jurors should notify their employer immediately of their jury service. The Clerk’s Office will provide jurors with proof of service upon request.
Failure to Appear
- Jurors who fail to appear as directed and to attend until duly discharged are subject to a fine as well as potentially subject to the contempt powers of the Court.
Jury FAQ
I received a summons in the mail, now what?
As a United States citizen, you are required by law to appear on the date listed on your summons. Individuals summoned for jury duty should appear at the time and day listed on your summons.
How are the jurors picked?
Jurors are picked randomly from a computer generated list of eligible citizens compiled from the Voters Registrar’s Office and the Department of Driver Services.
Can I bring my cell phone, computer or iPad?
Yes, but only on the date of Jury Selection. If you are selected to serve as a Juror for a trial, you are not allowed to bring any electronic devices into the courthouse.
How old do you have to be before you don’t have to serve anymore?
Can I be excused from Jury Duty?
Georgia Law allows exemptions for the following reasons. You must complete the Deferral Request Form and provide proper documentation.
- Any person who is 70 years of age or older and has requested a permanent exemption. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1.1(b)
- Any person who is not a resident of the county for which they have been summoned. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1.1(a)(1)
- Any person who is a full-time student, with proof of current enrollment. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1(a)(2)
- Any person who is a military service member or spouse of a service member with proof of active military status. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1.1(c)(2)
- Any person who is the primary teacher in a home study program with a copy of their Declaration of Intent to Utilize a Home School Study Program. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1(a)(4)
- Any person who is the primary caregiver of a child age six or younger. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1.1(a)(1)
- Any person who is the primary unpaid caregiver for a person over six with such physical or cognitive limitations and unable to care for themselves. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1.1(a)(5)
- Any person who has an affidavit from their doctor that states the person is permanently mentally or physically disabled. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1.1(a)(1)
- Any person who is not a U.S. Citizen. O.C.G.A. §15-12-4(b)
- Any person who is a convicted felon and who has not had their civil rights restored. O.C.G.A. §15-12-1.1(a)(1)
