If you receive their jury summons or other court mail:
- ⚠️Do not ignore it. Jury service is a legal obligation, and missing a summons can lead to consequences.
- Do not open the mail unless you are authorized to do so.
- 📨Forward the mail to them as soon as possible if you can reach them.
- 📣If they’re temporarily away (e.g., at college, traveling, or deployed), contact them and encourage them to respond to the summons promptly.
- 📬If they have moved permanently, and you cannot reach them. Write “Return to Sender – Not at This Address” on the envelope and drop it back in the mail.
- ⛔Never try to respond or act on behalf of the juror unless you have legal authority (such as power of attorney) and the court has approved it.
Important Reminder:
Only the person named in the summons can fulfill jury duty or officially request to be excused or rescheduled. Encourage them to respond to the Jury Commission promptly to avoid potential penalties or misunderstandings.
Let the Jury Commission know as soon as possible if the juror is deceased, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to respond, so they can update their records appropriately.
Before Jury Duty Begins:
- Help them prepare: Make sure they know their schedule, what to bring (ID, paperwork, reading material), and how to get there.
- Talk about logistics: Help manage responsibilities they might need to step away from (childcare, work, errands).
- Offer emotional support: Some people feel nervous — reassure them that it's an important civic duty and that they’ll do fine.
During the Trial:
- Give them space: Jurors are prohibited from discussing the case, even with close family. Respect their silence and don’t pry.
- Be flexible and patient: Their schedule may change unpredictably — trials can be shorter or longer than expected.
- Provide practical support: Pack lunches, help with housework, offer rides — small acts make a big difference.
After the Trial:
- Be ready to listen — or not: Some jurors may want to talk about their experience, others may need time to decompress. Let them lead.
- Support their emotions: Trials can be mentally and emotionally intense. Your understanding helps them process everything.
