The following prospective jurors are exempt from jury service.  This means they will not need to serve on a jury.

• Members in active service in the Armed Forces of the United States;

• Members of the fire or police departments of any state, district, territory, possession, or subdivision; and

• Public officers in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of any federal, state, or local government who are actively engaged in the performance of official duties.  A public officer is either elected to public office or directly appointed by a person elected to public office.

The following prospective jurors may request  to be excused from jury service upon a written request, with proof to establish the basis for their excuse request, once approved by a federal judge.  The court may or may not grant the excuse or may require the juror to report during a different two month term.

• Persons over 75 years of age;

• Persons who served as a grand or petit juror within two years of being summoned in federal court;

• Volunteer safety personnel, such as volunteer firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew;

• Persons caring for children under twelve years of age if the children's health or safety could be harmed by care giver's  absence for jury service;

• Persons caring for elderly or ill individuals; or

• Persons for whom jury serve is a temporary hardship or extreme inconvenience.

The court will make every effort to accommodate jurors with disabilities or special needs.  Please notify the court in writing by e-mail or U.S. Mail.  Be sure to include your telephone number because, the jury clerk may need to discuss accommodations with you.  You may request to be excused if you are disabled and jury service would be an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience. 

• Petit Jury: A petit jury is a trial jury for both civil and criminal cases.  The petit jury listens to evidence offered during a trial and returns a verdict.  A verdict in a civil case may be a finding for the plaintiff or for the defendant.  A verdict in a criminal case finds the defendant guilty or not guilty.
• Grand Jury:  A grand jury hears only criminal matters.  The grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence, but whether probable cause exists that a crime was committed.  Generally, the evidence is presented by an attorney for the government.  The grand jury determines from this evidence whether the government files formal charges against one or more individuals.  If probable cause exists, the grand jury will return a written statement of the charges called an "indictment."

Jurors are expected to dress in a manner reflective of the formality of the court proceedings.  Business casual attire is acceptable, clothing such as tank or halter tops, shorts, t-shirts, blue jeans or sweat pants is not appropriate to wear while you are sitting as a juror.  You may wish to bring a sweater or jacket as temperatures can vary in the courtrooms.

No hats are permitted in the courtroom during any proceedings.