Jury Duty Q & A Summons to Serve

Welcome to Jury Service!  You’ve been chosen for jury service in the Door County Circuit Court.  The right to a trial by jury is the cornerstone of our country’s justice system. As a juror, you have a vital role to play in this state’s court system!  Trial by jury is a cherished constitutional right.  This important civic service is appreciated by all.  Please read the following information carefully; many of your questions will be answered.

1. How did I get chosen?  Jurors are randomly selected each year from the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles driver’s license and identification lists.  Qualification requirements are: A United States citizen, Door County resident, at least 18 years old, able to understand the English Language, have not served jury duty in the last 4 years, and if convicted of a felony, your civil rights have been restored.

2.  Do I have to serve?  Yes--in most instances.  The law requires all qualified individuals be available to serve as jurors.  No person who is qualified and able to serve may be excluded on the basis of age, disability, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, income, ancestry or physical condition.  The court may excuse or defer a person from jury service if the court determines the person cannot fulfill the responsibilities of a juror at this time or would entail undue hardship, serious obstruction or delay of justice.  An inconvenience to your every day schedule is not an undue hardship.  No profession is exempt.  Your profession regardless of what it is, is not a valid reason to be excused from jury duty.

3.  I can’t serve I have to work.  Jury duty is a civic duty.  Employers must grant employees a leave of absence for jury service per Wisconsin Statute 756.255.  Please be courteous and contact your employer as soon as you receive your summons.

4.  What if I can’t serve when requested.  Contact the jury clerk as soon as possible.  The jury clerk will work with you as to a better time you can serve during that calendar year.

5.  What if I can’t serve because of a medical condition/undue hardship? If you can not serve whether it be for medical reasons or some other undue hardship, you will be required to write a letter to the Judge with your reason for requesting a deferment or excusal.  If the request is because of medical please submit a medical statement from your provider along with the letter to the Judge.

6.  What if I have a disability?  If you have a disability which will require accommodations please contact the Jury Clerk at 920-746-2207 as soon as possible so we can make arrangements for you.

7.  Is child care available?  There are no provisions for child care while you serve as a juror.  Please make advance arrangements for any child care needs you may have.

8.  I’ve been chosen for jury duty, now what?  Your summons will state the dates you have been selected to serve that month.  Note; you most likely have multiple summons with different dates.  You must make yourself available to serve although many jury trials settle beforehand.  Please call the jury hot line; 920-746-2468 or 1-888-743-1844 ext 2468 for an updated status on the most recent upcoming trial.

9.  How long go I have to serve?  Per state statue a juror is only allowed to serve 5 days in a 4 year period, unless the one trial they are called to serve on last more than 5 days then they are to serve for as long as the trial lasts.  If you have made yourself available for the requested time you were asked and no trials proceed i will still mark you as complete and you will not be able to serve again for at least four (4) years.