- What kind of case is it ... ?
- Why did I get summoned ... ?
- How long will I have to serve ... ?
- Do I really have to be there by 8:00 A.M.
- How long will I be there ... ?
- Do I get paid for jury duty ... ?
- Excerpt of Jury Orientation ...
HOME
GLOSSARY
There are two types of cases heard by a jury in the Sylvania Municipal Court which are:
CIVIL: A civil case will involve two or more parties who have a dispute concerning
money or property. The party suing is called the Plaintiff and the party being sued is
called the Defendant.A Municipal court is limited to $15,000.00 for a law suit. A verdict
in a civil case requires that three-fourths of the jury agree. A total of eight (8) jurors
are seated and one (1) alternate juror. Therefore in a Civil matter, Six of the jurors
must reach a verdict.
CRIMINAL: A criminal case will involve a person charged with a crime who is
called the defendant. The plaintiff in a criminal case is known as the State of Ohio.
Cases heard are Misdemeanors (Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Shoplifting, as an
example). In a criminal case all eight (8) jurors must agree upon the same verdict.
To be eligible to serve as a juror you must be a resident of the Court’s
jurisdiction. The territorial boundaries are the State of Michigan to the North, the City
of Toledo on the east, the Fulton County Line on the West, and the Ohio Turnpike on the
South. If you received a jury summons and do not feel you live within the jurisdiction
please contact the Court at (419) 885-8985.
Juror’s are randomly picked by a computer list of registered voters, persons 18
years of age or older and residents of lucas county.
You are only asked to serve for one Jury Trial. Jury Trials usually only last
one day, but it is possible that the trial may go beyond the first day. Should that occur
we will have you come back the following day.
You should receive your jury summons about three weeks prior to the actual date you
have been summoned to serve. Once received, note the Group No. listed in the top
right hand corner. All jurors are to call A special answering unit at (419) 885-8980, beginning
five (5) days before the actual Jury trial date. At that time you will be advised by Group
No. of one of the following:
| 1) |
The Jury Trial has Canceled. You Need Not Report for the Trial |
OR |
| 2) |
The Jury Trial is scheduled to proceed, and it will be necessary for you
to report for the Jury trial |
This Jury Answering Unit is updated daily.
.Yes we really do start promptly at 8AM, the first half hour you are here will
be an orientation session. The Judge will explain the jury process and give you an
overview of the case. After a short recess court, will reconvene and the process of
introducing you to the attorney’s and selecting a jury will begin. It will take
approximately two hours to question and select eight jurors and an alternate. If you were
not selected as a juror your service is complete and you may leave.
If you are selected as a juror or alternate you will be given access to a phone
to contact your family and/or employer. There will be a one hour recess for lunch usually
from noon to 1:00P.M., you are free to leave the building and do whatever you wish during
that time frame. In the afternoon breaks will be taken as needed. We try not to have you
sit for more than about one and a half hours at any time, with two hours being the
maximum.
6:00P.M. is used as the benchmark to decide whether or not a case can be concluded
within one day. If jury deliberations start prior to 6:00P.M. the case usually is
concluded within one day. Jury deliberations can continue into the evening hours. If you
are deliberating over a meal hour then we will provide that meal for you.
You will receive $10.00 for a half day and $20.00 for a full day. If your
employer requires verification of your service, letters are provided at the Clerk of
Courts office upon request. You will receive payment in the form of a check by mail
approximately 30 days after you have reported to Court or served as a juror.
Please CLICK HERE for selected
portions of jury orientation instructions concerning jury trial procedure.
This will load a separate page in your browser.