Jury Duty

Jurors' Court Case Information

The Western District Court provides a site for jurors to visit to receive scheduled case information. Please visit the site often as information is updated periodically.

www.fultoncountyoh.com/wdcourtjury

What Kind of Case is it?

There are two types of cases heard by a jury in the Western District Court:

CIVIL:

A civil case will involve two or more parties who have a dispute concerning money or property. The party suing is called the Plaintiff and the party being sued is called the Defendant. A County Court is limited to $15,000.00 for a law suit. A verdict in a civil case requires that three-fourths of the jury agree. A total of eight (8) jurors are seated and one (1) alternate juror. Therefore in a Civil matter, Six of the jurors must reach a verdict.

CRIMINAL:

A criminal case will involve a person charged with a crime who is called the defendant. The plaintiff in a criminal case is known as the State of Ohio. Cases heard are Misdemeanors (Driving under the Influence of Alcohol, Shoplifting, as an example). In a criminal case all eight (8) jurors must agree upon the same verdict.

Why Did I Get Summoned?

To be eligible to serve as a juror you must be a resident of the Court's jurisdiction. The territorial boundary is the west side of County Road 13 to the Fulton/Williams County line and the Fulton/Henry County line north to the Michigan State line. If you received a jury summons and do not feel you live within the jurisdiction, please contact the Court at (419) 337-9212, Option #3.

Jurors are randomly picked by a computer list of registered voters, persons 18 years of age or older and residents of Fulton County.

How Long Will I Have to Serve?

Jury Trials usually only last one day, but it is possible that the trial may go beyond the first day. Should that occur, you will need to return the following day.

You should receive your jury summons about three weeks prior to the actual date you have been summoned to serve. Once received, it is mandatory that you serve unless personally excused by the Judge. All jurors are welcomed to call the day before the trial to verify if the trial will be going forward. Court's phone number: (419)337-9212, Option #3. You may also check the Jury Court Case Information link for the most recent updates.

Do I Really Have to be There by 8:30 AM?

Yes, the court does start promptly at 8:30 AM. The first half hour you are here will be used to have the jurors seated. The Judge will explain the jury process and give you an overview of the case. After a short recess, court will reconvene and the process of introducing you to the attorney's and selecting a jury will begin. It will take approximately two hours to question and select eight jurors and an alternate. If you were not selected as a juror your service is complete and you may leave.

If you are selected as a juror or alternate you will be given access to a phone to contact your family and/or employer. There will be a one hour recess for lunch usually from noon to 1:00 PM. You are free to leave the building and do whatever you wish during that time frame. In the afternoon, breaks will be taken as needed.

How Long Will I be There?

6:00 PM is used as the benchmark to decide whether or not a case can be concluded within one day. If jury deliberations start prior to 6:00 PM the case usually is concluded within one day. Jury deliberations can continue into the evening hours.

Do I Get Paid for Jury Duty?

You will receive $15.00 a day for your appearance as a juror whether you get seated as a juror or not. If your employer requires verification of your service, letters are provided upon request. You will receive payment in the form of a check by mail approximately 30 days after you have reported to Court or served as a juror.