Why is jury service important?

 

The right to a trial by jury is guaranteed by the United States Constitution and the Georgia Constitution. Jury service is one the highest duties of American citizenship. In order to assure this right is afforded to all individuals, it is necessary for people in the community to be summoned to serve as jurors. Serving as a juror will also give you an opportunity to learn about the justice system and how your courts operate. While it may require some adjustment of your normal schedule and routine, we hope that any inconvenience will be minimal.

 

How are people called to jury service?

 

Jurors are chosen from a list of eligible citizens provided by the State of Georgia.Upon request from the court, a specific number of jurors are randomly selected and a summons is issued to those individuals.

 

Who can serve as a juror in Cherokee County?

 

In order to serve as a juror, you must be a U.S. citizen, you must be 18 years of age or older, you must be a Cherokee County resident, and you cannot be a convicted felon whose civil rights have not been restored. If you do not meet any of these criteria, please call the Clerk's office at 678-493-6565.

 

What should I do when I receive a summons in the mail?

 

Please read the entire summons thoroughly. The summons will inform you of when, where, and how to report for jury service. Additionally, you will follow the instructions on your summons to complete your juror questionnaire. You will submit your completed questionnaire electronically at clerk.cherokeega.com . Click on Jury Duty and then click on ejuror. Alternatively, you may mail the questionnaire to Cherokee County Justice Center, Patty Baker, Attn: Jury Department, 90 North Street, Suite G-170, Canton, GA 30114 or you may fax it to 770-479-0183.Receipt of your juror questionnaire by the Clerk's office will confirm your attendance.

 

Please note: Receipt of a summons by any person residing in your household is service upon you.

 

 

What will happen if I do not respond to my jury service?

 

In the event that you do not show up on the date and time you are summoned to appear, you may be found in contempt of court which is punishable by a fine and/or incarceration.

 

May I be excused from jury service or request a deferral?

 

Under Georgia law, citizens over the age of 70 may be excused from jury duty. You may sign an affidavit, available in the Clerk of Courts office, asking that your name be removed from the jury list.

 

A one-time deferral may be granted under very-limited circumstances. A work related excuse is not a valid reason for a deferral. Request for deferrals must be received no less than 7 days prior to your date to appear.

 

A person who makes a false claim for the purpose of getting excused or helping someone to get excused may be found in contempt of court.

If you are a full-time college student and have a conflict with your class schedule, you must provide your class schedule showing proof of your full-time status and call the Clerk's office at 678-493-6565.

How do I get to the courthouse (Cherokee County Justice Center)?

If you are traveling north on I-575, exit at 19B (Downtown Canton).At the end of the exit ramp you will turn right and travel 1.7 miles (you will pass the Darby Funeral Home). Stay to your right, and the Justice Center will soon be on your right.You may park directly behind the Justice Center or you may cross through the parking lot to the Historic Marble Courthouse and park behind it.

If you are traveling south on I-575, you will use exit 19.At the end of the exit ramp you will turn to your right and travel approximately 1.6 miles (you will pass the Darby Funeral Home). Stay to your right, and the Justice Center will soon be on your right. You may park directly behind the Justice Center or you may cross through the parking lot to the Historic Marble Courthouse and park behind it.

Please Note: GPS may direct you to exit 16. For a more direct route please follow the directions above.

Cherokee County Justice Center

90 North Street

Canton, GA 30114

 

Parking

Parking areas are located behind both the Justice Center and the Historic Marble Courthouse. The City of Canton issues parking citations for spaces located on the street.The courthouse is very busy and parking is limited, so you may want to arrive a few minutes early to ensure a parking space.

 

How late will I be at the courthouse each day?

 

The judges strive to end court daily at 5:00PM; however the conclusion of court each day is subject to the proceedings being heard in the courtrooms.

 

What do I wear to court and what can I bring with me?

Please remember that you are entering a courthouse and that you may appear before a judge. Please use good judgment and dress as you would in an office environment.The courtrooms may be cold, so you may want to bring a sweater or jacket.

The Jury Assembly Room is wireless. You may bring your laptop, cell phone, or something to occupy your time while you are waiting. The nature of court proceedings requires a considerable amount of down time for jurors.Do not bring anything of value that you cannot keep under your control as you move about the courthouse.The Jury Assembly Room is kept open for jurors throughout the day.

Once you are in the courtroom, you will need to devote all of your attention to the case. This simply means you should not talk, read, or do any other activities.It is important that you give your full attention to the court proceedings.

 

You may NOT bring any type of gun (hand gun or rifle), potential weapon or explosive material, knives, forks, pepper spray, mace, aerosols, scissors, knitting needles, or any sharp pointed item.

 

 

What should I do about my children?

Do not bring your children to the courthouse.Also, please make appropriate arrangements for before and after school transportation, and after-school activities.

May I bring a snack and something to drink?

You are allowed to have food and drinks in the Jury Assembly Room.If you are carrying food or drink into the courthouse, please advise the deputies at the security checkpoint that you are serving as a juror. When you are called to a courtroom, you may only take a water bottle that has a twist top with you.

I require frequent breaks, how should I handle this?

When you are in the Jury Assembly Room you are free to move about as you wish and you may also step outside the courthouse for a short break.When you are in the courtroom, you may raise your hand for the bailiff and the Judge will try to accommodate your needs.

Are jurors paid and how long will I have to serve?

Trial (traverse) jurors will be paid $25.00 per day for each day you are to report to the courthouse.Your length of service is generally one week.It is possible to serve as a juror on more than one trial.

Grand jurors are paid $50.00 per day.Grand jurors serve for a four-month term and are to report on the second Monday and Tuesday of each month of the term.

For all jurors, checks are usually mailed the week immediately following your service week. You will also receive a Certificate of Service that will show the days you were required to report to the courthouse. The Certificate of Service may be provided to your employer to verify your jury attendance.