WELCOME TO JURY SERVICE IN THE 22ND JUDICIAL DISTRICT!
Your name has been selected at random from drivers' license and voter registrar records. The jury subpoena is a court order and should not be ignored.
JUROR QUALIFICATIONS:
The general qualifications are as follows: You must
1) be able to read, write and speak the English language;
2) be 18 years of age;
3) be a resident of Parish for at least one year;
4) have no felony convictions that have not been pardoned and not be under indictment for felony;
5) not be under interdiction or incapable of serving due to mental or
physical infirmity.
HOW LONG WILL JURY SERVICE LAST?
Your subpoena is for one week, and you will be instructed day to day when to appear or to call back. Only occasionally does jury service in the 22nd Judicial District extend beyond one week.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
When you report for jury duty your atttire should be appropriate. Casual, business or church attire is recommended. Shorts, tank tops and flip flops are not allowed in the courtrooms. It is often cold in the courtrooms and waiting areas so you may find it advisable to bring a jacket or sweater.
MAY I BRING MY CELL PHONE OR LAPTOP?
Cell phones, pagers and laptops are allowed in the jury waiting area but you will be told to turn any devices off before you go into a courtroom. Be advised that there is no wirless connectivity in the courthouse.
HOW DO I REQUEST TO POSTPONE MY SERVICE?
If there is a reason that you feel you cannot serve, you may present a WRITTEN excuse up to 7 days prior to your service date. You should include documentation of travel plans or school schedules. If you have a medical issue you will need to get a written excuse from your physician. The address, fax number and email are included on the letter you received with your subpoena. You will be notified ahead of your service whether your service has been postponed.
DO I GET PAID FOR JURY SERVICE?
Jurors are given a stipend of $25 per day. This is not intended to replace wages but to offset expenses you may incur. It takes about 6 weeks after you conclude your service to receive the stipend.
WHAT IF I NEED AN EXCUSE TO GIVE MY EMPLOYER?
When your service is concluded we are happy to provide you with a written excuse for your employer.
WHAT IF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY?
If there is an emergency and someone needs to reach you while you are in a courtroom they may phone 985-809-5356 and a message will be delivered. In the event there is an emergency weather event you may call 985-809-5377 for information.
WHERE DO I PARK?
There is free parking available in the multi-level garage and adjacent open lot on Jefferson Avenue across from the Justice Center. There is street parking in downtown Covington but be aware that parking regulations are strictly enforced by the Covington Police Department. Please refer to the maps included with your subpoena.
We will do all we can while you are here to keep you informed about what is happening and answer your questions. We encourage you to read the letter that came with your subpoena and to review the website information. If you have other questions you may phone the Jury Coordinator at 985-809-5377 in St. Tammany Parish or 985-839-3093 in Washington Parish.
Jury service is a vital part of the U.S. justice system. We recognize that jury service can be an inconvenience but as citizens it is our responsibility and our right to participate in this process. Thank you for you service!
.