Jury Duty

Bexar County jury duty begins with the summons you receive and may involve an online response, reporting to the Central Jury area, jury selection, and possibly service on a trial. This article explains how Bexar County Jury Services handles summoned jurors, how to respond online, where to report, what to expect at courthouse security, how validated parking works, what courtroom rules apply, how trial jury service differs from grand jury service, and which mistakes can lead to unnecessary delays or penalties.

Bexar County Jury Services

Bexar County Jury Services coordinates the county's jury process and provides official instructions for prospective jurors. The county explains that jury service supports the constitutional right to an impartial jury in both criminal and civil cases. Jurors are expected to act fairly and without bias or prejudice because their decisions are part of the judicial process.

Potential jurors are selected at random from lists that include Bexar County voter registrations and driver registrations. Receiving a summons does not mean that you will necessarily sit on a trial. A summoned person may first complete the required response process, report for jury duty, and then be sent as part of a jury panel to a courtroom for further questioning.

The county's official Jury Services page is the primary source for reporting instructions, courthouse information, security requirements, attire rules, transportation information, and other jury-service topics. The county specifically asks people to respond to their summons online before appearing in person because doing so can expedite the check-in process.

Responding to Your Summons

A person who receives a Bexar County jury summons can use the county's online eResponse system before the scheduled appearance. The system is intended for people who have actually received a jury summons and provides several functions connected to that summons.

Through the Bexar County Jury eResponse system, a summoned juror may:

Complete the online jury questionnaire.
Claim an exemption.
Claim a disqualification.
Request a deferral date.

The county instructs users to answer the questionnaire honestly. Some answers can trigger an exemption or disqualification request, so the questionnaire is more than a simple check-in form. The information entered should correspond to the person and summons being processed.

Completing the online response does not justify assuming that every summoned person has been excused from appearing. A person should rely on the status and instructions associated with the summons and the official jury system rather than treating submission of the questionnaire by itself as cancellation of jury service.

Exemptions, Disqualifications, and Deferrals

The eResponse system treats exemptions, disqualifications, and deferrals as separate actions. That distinction matters. An exemption is a request based on an applicable exemption from service. A disqualification concerns whether a person meets the qualifications required for jury service. A deferral requests a different reporting date rather than exemption from jury service altogether.

Jurors should select the option that accurately reflects their circumstances and answer all questionnaire questions truthfully. Filing a false claim of exemption can result in a fine under the penalties described by Bexar County.

Where Jurors Report

Regular jury duty is handled in the basement of the Justice Center. The Central Jury area is across the hall from the cafeteria. Jurors may enter through the Justice Center entrance on Dolorosa or through the Paul Elizondo Tower entrance on Nueva Street. The Nueva Street entrance is the one closest to the county parking garage. The county states that both entrances are ADA accessible.

This location information is especially useful because several county judicial buildings and facilities are concentrated in the downtown area. A person summoned for regular jury duty should follow the Jury Services reporting instructions rather than assuming that any courthouse entrance or courtroom is the initial reporting location.

Courthouse Security Screening

Everyone entering the courthouse or Justice Center must pass through metal detectors and may be subject to a personal search. Jurors should plan their belongings accordingly rather than bringing an item that may be rejected at the security checkpoint.

Bexar County specifically states that items such as the following are not permitted on the premises:

Pocket knives.
Wallet chains.
Knitting needles.
Embroidery needles.

The county advises people who are uncertain about a particular item to contact Jury Services before arriving. Leaving questionable items at home can prevent a security issue from interfering with timely check-in.

Required Courtroom Attire

Proper attire is required for jury duty and for entry into courtrooms. Bexar County specifically prohibits shorts, skorts, capri pants, and tank tops. Prospective jurors should choose clothing that complies with these rules before traveling downtown.

Attire requirements apply even though the first stage of jury service may involve waiting or jury selection rather than sitting through an entire trial. A person who is sent to a courtroom remains subject to court rules and the judge's authority.

Parking and Transportation

Bexar County provides limited juror parking at the South Flores Street Parking Garage. Jurors using that garage should pay close attention to the validation process because the normal garage rate and the validated juror amount are different.

The county states that validated juror parking is $3 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with validation from Central Jury. When using the payment kiosk, a juror with validation should confirm that the screen shows $3 rather than $12 before completing payment. If assistance is needed, the county instructs users to press the kiosk's Help Feature to notify the parking attendant.

Bexar County also warns that it will not reimburse a person for an error made while scanning the parking tickets. If a payment problem remains at the kiosk, payment can be made by card or cash at the exit.

The garage is located at 211 South Flores Street in San Antonio. The county parking garage page provides the facility's operating information and regular parking rates. The garage operates 24 hours a day with self-pay stations, although the special juror validation terms described by Jury Services apply only as stated by the county.

Private Parking Is Different

Jurors should not assume that a privately operated downtown lot will qualify for county validation. Jury Services states that private lots are not validated. Other parking garages and surface lots also will not be reimbursed simply because a person used them while reporting for jury duty.

This distinction is a frequent source of avoidable expense. A person who wants the county's stated juror parking arrangement should use the designated Bexar County garage and follow the validation procedure.

Public Transit Option

Bexar County strongly recommends that jurors consider taking the bus to the courthouse. VIA Metropolitan Transit provides bus schedules and Park and Ride information for the San Antonio area. Jurors who plan to use public transportation should allow enough time for the trip and courthouse security screening before the reporting time on the summons.

Failure to Answer a Summons

A jury summons should not be ignored. Bexar County states that a person who fails to comply with a summons is subject to a contempt action under Texas Government Code Section 62.0141. The stated contempt fine is not less than $100 and not more than $1,000.

The county also states that a person can be fined not less than $10 and not more than $100 for either of the following under Government Code Section 62.111:

Failing to attend court in obedience to the notice without a reasonable excuse.
Filing a false claim of exemption from jury service.

The practical response to a summons is therefore to deal with it directly. Use the official response system when appropriate, provide accurate information, and follow the resulting reporting instructions instead of assuming that missing the date has no consequences.

What Happens During Selection

People who report for jury service may eventually be assigned to a jury panel and sent to a courtroom. Bexar County explains that cases are usually heard by juries of either six or twelve jurors. A larger group called a panel is first sent to the trial court, where jurors are questioned under the supervision of the judge.

A prospective juror may be excused from a particular panel if it is shown that the person cannot act impartially concerning the case. Each side may also remove a specified number of prospective jurors without having to state a reason, although a juror may not be removed because of race or gender. The trial jury consists of the first six or twelve remaining jurors on the panel after the selection process.

Voir Dire Questioning

Voir dire is the questioning process used to help the parties select a fair and impartial jury. Lawyers may ask prospective jurors questions intended to identify connections to the case, prejudice, bias, or other matters that could affect impartiality.

Bexar County explains that these questions are not intended to embarrass jurors. If a juror needs to answer a particular question outside the hearing of the other prospective jurors, the juror may ask the judge for permission to do so.

Individual Scheduling Conflicts

The county's trial information also identifies individual voir dire as an opportunity to tell the court about matters that could conflict with jury participation. Examples provided by the county include military obligations, issues involving sequestration, or a future event that may interfere with participation in the jury panel.

These concerns are handled through the court. A juror should not independently decide that a conflict automatically excuses service after being assigned to a panel.

If You Are Selected

Once selected as a trial juror, the person's role changes from prospective juror to member of the trial jury. The county's trial jury information describes the normal sequence of a trial and the responsibilities jurors have throughout the case.

In a criminal case, a person is accused of committing a crime. Jurors decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty. The accused is presumed innocent, and the State of Texas, represented by the District or County Attorney, must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

A civil case involves a dispute between two or more parties. Jurors answer questions about disputed facts based on testimony and evidence admitted by the judge. Civil cases can include family cases.

Opening Statements and Evidence

After jury selection, lawyers may present opening statements explaining the case, the evidence they expect to present, and the issues the jury will be asked to decide. Evidence consists of witness testimony and exhibits that the judge allows into evidence.

Exhibits admitted into evidence are available for the jury to examine during deliberations. The county emphasizes that jurors are making decisions about disputed facts, so attention during the proceedings is critical. Whether jurors may take notes or submit questions to witnesses is determined by the judge.

Judge's Role During Trial

The judge decides questions of law. At times, jurors may be asked to leave the courtroom while lawyers make legal arguments. These interruptions allow the judge to determine what evidence may properly be considered under the Rules of Evidence.

Jurors should not interpret such proceedings as information about which side should prevail. Their verdict must ultimately be based on the evidence admitted in court, the court's charge, and the rules of law provided by the judge.

Deliberation and Verdict

After the court's charge and the lawyers' closing arguments, the jury is sent to deliberate. Jurors answer the questions submitted to them and return their verdict based only on the evidence, the court's charge, and the applicable law provided by the judge.

During deliberations, jurors may communicate with the judge regarding matters affecting deliberations, including physical comfort, special needs, questions about evidence, or questions about the court's charge. Communications are delivered through the bailiff or another officer of the court.

The county emphasizes that its general trial information does not replace instructions from the judge. If there is a conflict, the judge's instructions control.

Rules While Serving

Jurors selected for a trial are subject to detailed court orders designed to keep the trial fair. The county publishes official jury rules and instructions, and the judge may provide additional directions during the case.

A juror should not mingle with or talk to lawyers, witnesses, parties, or other people connected to the case except for casual greetings. Jurors also must not accept favors from those people or provide favors to them, including rides, food, or refreshments.

No Case Discussions

Jurors may not discuss the case with anyone while the restriction remains in effect. That includes a spouse, partner, significant other, other jurors before deliberations begin, or anyone else. If someone tries to discuss the case with a juror or within the juror's hearing, the juror is instructed to report the incident to the bailiff immediately.

Jurors also must not discuss the case among themselves until all evidence has been heard, the court has provided its charge, the lawyers have made their arguments, and the judge has sent the jury to deliberate.

No Outside Research

A juror may not conduct an independent investigation or gather information outside the courtroom. Bexar County's instructions prohibit personal inspections, observations, investigations, experiments, and visits to premises or things that were not presented in court.

Jurors must not research the case, the parties, the attorneys, or related subjects through law books, dictionaries, public or private records, television, newspapers, blogs, social media, or the internet. Evidence is required to be presented in open court so that the parties have the opportunity to question witnesses and make legal objections.

A juror who knows or learns something about the case outside the admitted evidence is instructed to tell the judge. Jurors also should not share their personal experiences, specialized knowledge, professional expertise, or outside information with other jurors as a substitute for evidence presented during the trial.

Phones and Social Media

The county's instructions place significant restrictions on electronic communication. Jurors should not read or send text messages in the courtroom, and devices used to communicate with others must not be turned on in the courtroom. During deliberations, communication devices may be removed from the jury room.

Jurors may state publicly that they are on jury duty and how long they expect to serve. The county's court instructions prohibit posting further information about the case, including whether a verdict has been reached or when a verdict may be reached or announced.

After Jury Service Ends

After a juror is discharged from jury service, the obligation of secrecy described in Bexar County's trial information ends. The juror may discuss the case and the deliberations afterward but is not required to do so.

Until discharge, however, the court's restrictions remain important. A juror should rely on instructions from the judge when uncertain about what may be discussed, researched, posted, or shared.

Grand Jury Service

Grand jury service follows a different structure from ordinary trial jury duty. People who receive a grand jury summons should not assume that the regular Central Jury reporting process, trial schedule, or reimbursement rules apply in exactly the same way.

Bexar County's grand jury service information states that two grand juries meet for two months at a time. One meets on Mondays and Tuesdays, while the other meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Each is assigned to a different court, and the assignment rotates every two months.

A grand jury listens to felony cases and decides whether probable cause exists to indict. A grand jury can function with between nine and twelve members present, and at least nine grand jurors must agree to return a true bill of indictment.

Grand Jury Reporting Location

Grand jury proceedings are secret and are held in the grand jury room on the third floor of the Paul Elizondo Tower. A grand jury summons instructs the person to report to the courtroom of the court that issued the summons at the correct date and time.

The judge selects fourteen people: twelve grand jurors and two alternates. Alternates serve only if one of the original twelve becomes disqualified. The felony District Courts involved in this process are located on the first four floors of the Bexar County Justice Center.

Grand Jury Qualifications

Bexar County states that a qualified grand juror must meet several requirements. The person must:

Be at least 18 years old.

Be a citizen of Texas and a resident of Bexar County.

Be qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in Bexar County, although actual voter registration is not required.

Be of sound mind and good moral character.

Be able to read and write English.

Not have been convicted of misdemeanor theft or a felony.

Not be under indictment or another legal accusation for misdemeanor theft or a felony.

Not be related to another grand juror serving on the same panel.

Not have served as a grand juror or grand jury commissioner during the previous year.

Grand Jury Exemptions

A person is not required to claim an exemption from grand jury service. Bexar County states that an exemption may be requested by a person older than 75, a person responsible for the care of a child younger than 18, a student in a public or private secondary school, a person enrolled and actually attending an institution of higher education, or another person whom the court determines has a reasonable excuse from service.

A person who is disqualified or wishes to claim an exemption may complete the applicable information on the grand jury summons, have it notarized, and mail it to the court that issued the summons. The person may instead inform the judge on the scheduled appearance date.

Grand Jury Hours and Reimbursement

Grand jury sessions begin at 9 a.m. and continue until the grand jury finishes that day's cases. The county states that the work is usually completed by noon but may continue into the early afternoon.

Bexar County states that grand jurors are reimbursed $20 for the first day and $58 for each day thereafter that they are present. Alternates are reimbursed only if they are named to replace one of the grand jurors.

Common Jury Duty Mistakes

Several avoidable problems can make jury duty more difficult. One is arriving without first responding online when the summons directs the juror to use the eResponse system. Bexar County specifically encourages online response before appearing because it can speed up the check-in process.

Another mistake is confusing regular jury duty with grand jury service. Regular jury duty reports to Central Jury in the Justice Center basement, while grand jury proceedings take place on the third floor of the Paul Elizondo Tower and involve separate courtroom reporting instructions.

Parking mistakes can also be costly. Private lots are not eligible for county jury validation, and a juror using the county garage should verify that the kiosk displays the validated $3 amount before paying. The county states that it will not reimburse errors made while scanning parking tickets.

Security problems are also avoidable. Pocket knives, wallet chains, knitting needles, embroidery needles, and similar prohibited items should not be brought into the courthouse or Justice Center. Jurors should also dress within the county's stated courtroom requirements rather than arriving in shorts, skorts, capri pants, or tank tops.

Once assigned to a trial, the most serious mistakes involve discussing or researching the case. Jurors should not look up parties, attorneys, legal issues, locations, news reports, or other case-related subjects. They also should not discuss the evidence with family, friends, other jurors before deliberations, or people connected to the case. Social media restrictions apply throughout the period covered by the judge's instructions.

Finally, ignoring a summons or submitting a false exemption claim can lead to penalties. A person who cannot appear as originally summoned should use the official process available for the summons rather than simply failing to respond.

Jury Duty Offices

Jury Services
300 Dolorosa Basement-20
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-2667
Bexar County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa
San Antonio, TX 78205
210-335-2011

Jury Duty FAQs

How much does Bexar County pay jurors?

Bexar County's official juror reimbursement form states that a prospective juror is paid $20 for each day of jury service. If the person is actually selected as a juror, the stated reimbursement is $58 for each day of service. These amounts are separate from parking expenses and other costs a juror may have while attending court. The county's official juror reimbursement donation form provides the payment information and the option to donate reimbursement.

Can I donate my jury service payment?

Yes. Bexar County allows jurors to voluntarily donate all or part of their jury service reimbursement. The official donation form lets a juror specify the dollar amount to be donated to eligible programs or funds listed by the county. Donating is optional; a juror may instead choose not to donate any reimbursement. The form requires identifying information connected to the jury summons, including the juror number.

Will a tall vehicle fit in the juror parking garage?

The South Flores Street Parking Garage has a maximum vehicle height of 7 feet 2 inches on all floors. Jurors driving vans, trucks, vehicles with roof equipment, or other unusually tall vehicles should check the total vehicle height before entering. The official South Flores Street Parking Garage page also states that the facility contains 1,194 parking spaces, including 44 handicapped vehicle and van-accessible spaces.

When is Bexar County Jury Services open?

Bexar County lists Jury Services operating hours as Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The office is closed on county holidays. Jurors who need to handle an administrative issue should account for those hours rather than assuming Jury Services operates whenever the courthouse is accessible. Current office-hour information is published on the county's Jury Services page.