Jury Duty Qualifications

A person is qualified to serve as a juror if that person:

• is at least 18 years of age.
• is a resident of Grimes County and you must be a United States citizen.
• is qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in the county in which one is to serve as a juror. (you do not have to be a registered voter to serve)
• is of sound mind and good moral character.
• is able to read and write.
• has not served as a petit juror for 6 days in the preceding 6 months in a district court or 6 days in the preceding 3 months in a county court.
• has not been convicted of a theft or any felony.
• is not under indictment or other legal accusation for a theft or any felony.

Jury Duty Exemptions

A person called for jury service may be excused from jury duty in certain circumstances. These reasons for exemption do not disqualify you from serving; even though you may qualify for an exemption you do not have to claim the exemption, but certain circumstances can impose considerable hardship for some people. If any of the exemptions apply, and you wish to claim the exemption, you must complete the form, check off the applicable exemption listed on the back of the summons and return the summons to the Grimes County District Clerks Office.

You will not need to appear unless you receive notice the exemption was denied. You will not receive confirmation if an exemption is accepted.

Legal exemptions are as follows:

• over seventy (70) years of age 
• legal custody of children under ten (10) years old when jury service would leave those children without adequate supervision (this does not apply to those who work outside the home during normal business hours or those whose children are in a daycare facility during the day)
• students in private or public high schools or attending an institution of higher education (you must be enrolled and attending classes at the time you are summoned to appear)
• associated with the legislative branch as an officer or an employee of the senate, house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government.
• primary caretakers of a person unable to care for themselves (this does not apply to health care workers)