Frequent Questions
How am I selected for the jury duty?
You are selected from a list of registered voters and licensed drivers. Jurors are selected on a random basis. You cannot serve on a jury in Peach County if you are not a resident of Peach County, have been convicted of a felony, or have a matter currently pending in the Peach County Courts.
How long do I have to serve?
Most trials last two or three days; however some trials may take longer. The trial day usually ends between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m. but on rare occasions could go later. If so, you may request to call your family to notify them. You are seldom asked to serve on more than one trial in a week, unless we have a particularly busy week. Normally, your service is only for one week (Monday through Friday) at the most. If you have any urgent appointments, family matters, vacation plans, or other concerns, are sure to complete and return the affidavit which is included in your jury summons. No excusals or deferrals will be granted by telephone. In the rare event that your trial is expected to last longer than one week, you will be notified so that you can let the Court know about appointments during the time period in question.
Do I get paid for my service?
In Peach County, you are paid $20 for the first day and $20 for each subsequent day of service. You will be given a single check at the end of your service. If required by your employer, you will also be given a certificate showing the days you served. We have the special certificate required by the Post Office. If you are dismissed by telephone, you will automatically be sent a certificate along with your check.
Where do I park?
You may park in the Peach County Courthouse Parking lot or any available on-street parking near the courthouse.
Is child care or elder care provided?
No child or elder care is provided. If you have other care concerns, please click here to download a copy of our juror affidavit, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office.
If I have a health issue, what should I do?
Click here to download the Juror Affidavit Form, have it notarized and return it promptly to the Clerk’s Office. If you include a doctor’s certificate, please make sure the doctor mentions the date of your jury service on the excuse.
What am I allowed to do while I wait to be called for Jury Duty?
You will receive an orientation in the Jury Assembly Room at the Peach County Courthouse. You may relax in this room at any time when you are not actively involved in the jury selection process. You will be excused from the Jury Assembly Room at lunch time and may leave the building to obtain lunch. Bathroom facilities and various snack machines are available for your use. It is suggested that you bring the reading material of your choice for your use during “down time.” Note: Certain Judges have asked that you NOT bring newspapers to read while serving as a juror.
Can I smoke while on Jury Duty?
The Peach County Courthouse is a non-smoking building. You may smoke outside as allowed by law. Under the Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005, smoking is prohibited in all enclosed public places in the state including most city and county buildings, all state buildings, and within 20 feet of such area in order to ensure that tobacco smoke does not enter the area (GA Code Sec. 31-12A-1et seq.). Check with the bailiff for designated smoking areas.
What information about me will be given to attorneys selecting the jury?
When jury selection begins, the litigants are told your name, your occupation, your marital status, your spouse’s occupation, and the area where you live. At jury selection, additional questions are asked to determine if you can be fair to both sides if you are selected to serve on the jury.
What is the difference between a grand juror and a traverse (trial) juror?
A Grand Juror sits for a six-month term as a part of the Grand Jury, which is made up of 23 people. A member of the Grand Jury determines whether there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime. A Grand Jury also can conduct its own investigations. A traverse (trial) juror sits, listens to evidence in a courtroom and determines the facts in a particular case. A traverse juror usually serves for a week or less.