12th Judicial District Court

To find out if you must report for jury duty:

 

Please call (318)253-9418 after 4:30 p.m. on the evening before you are scheduled to appear for jury duty.

 

Any questions regarding jury duty and jury duty exemptions:

 

Judge Kerry Spruill, Division A

Contact Gail Juneau at 318-253-9418

 

Judge William Bennett, Division B

Contact Angie Hathorn at 318-253-9418

 

Please be aware of juror scams in our area!

You will not be called by our office and asked to provide any personnel information.

Should you have any questions or concerns please contact our office.

 

How are jurors selected?

 

The jurors are drawn by a computer from a master list which is compiled by the Avoyelles Parish Jury Commission.  This list is called the General Venire.  The Jury Commission compiles the General Venire from the voter registration rolls and drivers license records.  When the Jury Commission makes the drawing for a particular jury, each person has as much chance to be drawn for jury service as any other person.  As a result, some people are called frequently and some are never chosen.

 

What do I do if I receive a Summons for jury service?

 

A summons is an ORDER to appear in court at the time and place stated on the card.  Everyone who is qualified must do jury duty unless the service would result in “undue hardship” or “extreme inconvenience”.  You may ask to be excused if you have actually served on a jury during the past two years.  You may request permission to not appear at the time and placed stated on your summons if you think you qualify for any of the above hardships.  Please refer to your jury summons on how to make this request.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

You must appear unless your request for an excuse/exemption has been accepted by the court.  If you have not been excused from jury duty and you do not appear when your name is called, a warrant may be issued for you to appear for a contempt of court hearing.

 

Please dress in a manner which shows respect for the proceedings.  You will not be admitted in shorts or tank tops.  

Parking  may be a problem. Please leave in time to find a parking place in the area around the Courthouse.

 

The Court is very well aware that jury duty is inconvenient.  However, it is the duty of every American citizen to serve when called.  By performing jury service, you are doing your part for our judicial justice system.  You will be reminded of the importance of jury duty in the event you find yourself or someone close to you going through the judicial system.