Qualifications

To serve as a juror, you must meet certain qualifications. You must:

  • Be a United States citizen.
  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be a resident of Tarrant County.
  • Be qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in the county in which one is to serve as a juror. It is not necessary to be registered to vote, only qualified to vote.  
  • Be of sound mind and good moral character. It is necessary to furnish a letter from your doctor indicating the nature of your illness and why this would prevent you from serving.
  • Be able to read and write the English language.
  • Have not served as a petit juror for six days during the preceding six months in a district court or during the preceding three months in a county court.
  • Have never been convicted of a felony. Felony charges are heard in a District Court, misdemeanor charges are heard in a County Court. Most first and second DWI convictions are misdemeanors unless there was a child under 15 in the vehicle. Once deferred adjudicated probation is completed on felony charges you are eligible to serve. If you are pardoned by the Govenor, you are eligible to serve on a jury.  If you are unsure of your criminal record, please check with the County Clerk or District Clerk's office in the county in which the offense occurred to find out the disposition of the case.  If the disposition is "convicted" then you are not eligible to serve.  If the disposition is "dismissed" then you are eligible to serve.
  • Have never been convicted of misdemeanor theft. This is the only misdemeanor charge that will not allow you to serve as a juror.  Once deferred adjudicated probation is completed you are eligible to serve.
  • Not be under indictment or other legal accusation of misdemeanor or felony theft or any other felony charge. The only misdemeanor charge that will not allow you to serve as a juror is any theft charge. 

Do not mail back the summons unless you are claiming an exemption or disqualification. Please bring the entire summons with you.