Smith County Jury Summons has a new look

As the official charged with the responsibility of the jury system for County and District Courts in Smith County, I want to thank you for your interest in jury service. The system of justice in place in our country is the finest in the world and one in which we should all take pride. Inherent to this system of justice is the right of an individual to be heard by a group of his/her peers -- the jury. Without you, the citizen, our system of justice would not work.

Thank you again for your contribution to this system.

Penny Clarkston, District Clerk 

Jury Parking Information

Smith County Parking Garage Open for Jurors

People summoned to appear for Smith County jury duty can park in the new Smith County Parking Garage, located at 210 East Ferguson Street. The five-story garage is beside the Smith County Annex Building and is a short walk to the Courthouse.

Handicap parking is available around the Smith County Courthouse, at 100 N. Broadway Ave.

If you park at any other location, you do so at your own risk and expense of being ticketed or having your vehicle towed. We are not responsible for any ticket or towing expense you incur by parking at other locations not designated as juror parking.

Jury Visitor Information

This information is provided as a courtesy for visitors to the Smith County courthouse and other county buildings. The information contained herein is not intended to conflict with established rules of any individual court or county office. In the event of a conflict, the established rules of the individual court or county office take precedence.

Rules of Decorum

Each court may have its own rules for courtroom conduct. This information is intended to prepare visitors for typical rules that may be common to all courts.

The following information may not apply in the central jury room which is the general assembly room for all jurors. Vending machines are provided within the central jury room. Please follow the specific instructions given to you by court personnel.

If you are selected for jury duty, typical courtroom rules are as follows:

• No tobacco use;
• No chewing gum or candy;
• No reading of newspapers or magazines while court is in session;
• No bottles, cups, or beverage containers except water pitchers and cups used by jurors or court personnel and participants;
• No edibles of any kind;
• No propping of feet on tables or chairs;
• No noise or talking that interferes with court proceedings, including but not limited to cellular phones and digital pagers.

Attire 

• Jurors should dress in business casual (NO TANK TOPS, SHORTS, HAULTER TOPS, OR CAPS)

Security

You will be required to go through a metal detector when entering the courthouse. All briefcases, purses and packages will be X-rayed by security.

Prohibited Items

The following items are not allowed in the Smith County Courthouse, Courthouse Annex, or other county buildings:

• Firearms
• Knives (Pocket knives, dinner knives, etc.)
• Blades (Scissors, glass scrapers, box cutters, etc.)
• Defensive Sprays (Mace, Pepper Spray, etc.)
• Electronic Shock Devices (Tasers, Stun-guns, etc.)
• Tools (Screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.)
• Any object with a sharp point (forks, combs, etc.)
• Any object not mentioned here that is deemed inappropriate or dangerous by a staff member or law enforcement officer of that building.

WARNING: Any object may potentially be deemed as a prohibited item by security. You may not leave prohibited items with security personnel. All weapons, illegal items, and suspected stolen property carried into a county building will be confiscated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and may be used in further investigations. If you have any of these items in your possession, please return them to your vehicle.

Any person showing a deliberate, reckless, or negligent disregard for safety or instructions given by Sheriff’s Deputies or Staff Members will be subject to Texas Penal Code Section 30.05 (Criminal Trespass) and will be removed from the property regardless of purpose of entry.

Disabilities

Access to jury service is available to all persons as required by the ADA Act of 1990. If you are a person with a disability and are in need of accommodations, please call 903-590-1660 no later than 7 days prior to your appearance date. You can also download the Juror Disability and Medical Certification Form.

Certificate of Service

If your employer requires proof of attendance, you will receive a statement of attendance at the time of service or obtain an excuse at the District Clerk's Office.

Excuses

Personal excuses such as illness, work or hardship may only be granted by a District Judge. These requests may be made at the time of reporting. A deferral/postponement can be granted by visiting Jury eResponse.

Right to Employment

A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because the employee serves as a juror. An employee whose employment is terminated is a violation of Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 122.001.

For more information about Smith County Jury Duty, please call 903-590-1660.