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Jury Duty
The City of Seabrook Municipal Court of Record would like to thank the citizens for their invaluable civic duty of jury service. If you have received a jury summons and have questions or concerns, please contact the court office for further assistance.
Before your scheduled jury service, you must complete a Juror Questionnaire. You have 2 options:
Online
Fill out the questionnaire electronically or scan the QR code on your jury summons. After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation email.
Tip: Completing the form online can help speed up check-in on the day of service.
In-Person
Would you prefer to fill it out by hand? You can download and print the Juror Questionnaire to complete it manually. Be sure to bring the completed form with you when you arrive.
Please report to the Council Chambers on your service day at the date and time listed on your official jury summons postcard.
Order of Events at a Trial
If you are selected to serve as a juror, it’s helpful to understand the type of case, the trial process, and what is expected of you.
Type of Case
Most cases in the Seabrook Municipal Court are criminal cases, where a person is accused of breaking the law. As a juror, your role is to decide whether or not the person is guilty.
- The accused is presumed innocent.
- The State of Texas, represented by the Municipal Prosecutor, must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Trial Process
Jury Selection
- Cases are heard by 6 jurors.
- A larger group, called a jury panel, is brought into the courtroom.
- The judge and lawyers will ask questions to ensure jurors can be fair and impartial.
- Some jurors may be excused for bias or other legal reasons.
- The final jury is made up of the first 6 people not struck from the panel.
Voir Dire
- “Voir Dire” means “to speak the truth.”
- During this part of the process, attorneys ask questions to help choose a fair jury.
- You may be asked about your background, opinions, or possible connections to the case.
- If you prefer to answer sensitive questions privately, you may ask the judge.
Individual Voir Dire
This is your chance to tell the court about:
- Military service
- Travel plans or personal events
- Any reason you may not be able to serve
Trial Proceedings
Opening Statements
- Each lawyer may explain their side of the case and what they plan to prove.
- A lawyer may choose to skip their opening statement.
Presentation of Evidence
- Evidence includes witness testimony and exhibits (physical or digital items shown in court).
- Jurors may be allowed to take notes or submit questions, depending on the judge.
- Pay close attention—your decisions are based on this evidence.
Judge’s Role
- The judge handles all legal questions and ensures the trial follows the law.
- Sometimes, the judge may ask jurors to step out while discussing legal matters.
- The judge may also investigate any possible juror misconduct.
Follow all instructions from the judge carefully. If there is ever a conflict, the judge’s instructions take priority.
Closing Arguments
- After the judge gives instructions (called the Charge of the Court), each lawyer may summarize the case and try to persuade you to support their side.
Jury Deliberation & Verdict
- After the closing arguments, you will go to a private room to discuss the case with the other jurors.
- Your decision must be based only on:
- The evidence presented in court
- The judge’s instructions
- The law
- You will decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
- If found guilty, you may be asked to decide the appropriate fine amount.
Communicating with the Judge
If you have questions during deliberation, including issues like:
- Physical comfort or special needs
- Questions about the evidence
- Questions about the judge’s instructions
You must write your question down and give it to the bailiff. The judge will review and respond.
After the Trial
Once your service is complete, you are free to discuss or not discuss the case and deliberations with anyone—it’s entirely your choice.
Remember:
When in doubt, ask the judge!
Your service is important, and the court is here to support you throughout the process.
If you need to reschedule your jury service, you have two options:
Online
Click here to submit an electronic rescheduling request.
In Person
Visit Seabrook City Hall during regular business hours to make your request in person.
Need Special Accommodations?
If you require any special accommodations, please contact the Seabrook Municipal Court before your scheduled service date using one of the following methods:
- Call the Municipal Court
- Email the Municipal Court
- Visit the Municipal Court window at City Hall during regular business hours
To serve as a juror in the Seabrook Municipal Court, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a citizen of the State of Texas and a resident of the City of Seabrook
- Be eligible to vote in Harris County (you do not need to be registered to vote)
- Be of sound mind and good moral character
- Be able to read and write in English
- Not have been convicted of or be under indictment for misdemeanor theft or any felony
If you do not meet one or more of these qualifications, please click here to complete the Qualification for Jury Service Form before your scheduled jury date.
You may be eligible for an exemption from jury service if any of the following apply:
- You are 75 years of age or older
- To be permanently removed from future jury lists, submit a written request or complete the electronic form to request a permanent excuse from jury service due to age. Our office will forward the request to the Harris County Voter Registration Office.
- You have legal custody of a child under 15 years old, and jury service would leave them without adequate supervision
- Note: This exemption does not apply if you work outside the home during business hours or if your children attend daycare. Please provide a written explanation of any special circumstances or appear in person as directed.
- You are currently a student in high school
- You are enrolled in and attending a college or university
- You are an officer or employee of the Texas Senate, House of Representatives, or a state legislative agency
- You are the primary caretaker of someone who is medically unable to care for themselves
- Note: This does not apply to professional healthcare workers acting in a paid capacity.
- You are a member of the U.S. military serving on active duty and deployed away from your home station and outside your county of residence
- You have served as a juror in Harris County within the past 24 months
- You have served as a petit juror in Harris County within the past three years
If you qualify for an exemption, please click here to complete the Exemption from Jury Service Form before your scheduled jury date.
Security Screening
All visitors entering the courtroom must pass through a security screening conducted by the bailiff. Screening may include:
- A handheld scanner
- A physical pat-down
- Inspection of personal items
To help move through security more quickly, please remove and place the following items on the screening table before passing through the metal detector:
- Belts
- Coats and jackets
- Keys
- Coins
- Cell phones and other electronic devices
- Cigarette packs and lighters
- Watches and bracelets
- Large earrings
- Footwear
- Foil-wrapped items
- License plates
- Glass containers
Please keep an eye on your personal belongings. The City of Seabrook is not responsible for lost, unclaimed, or stolen items.
Prohibited Items
The following items are not allowed in the courtroom. Leave these items at home or securely store them in your vehicle:
- Weapons of any kind, including, but not limited to;
- Firearms
- Stun guns
- Knives (any type)
- Razor blades
- Box cutters
- Scissors
- Metal nail files
- Self-defense items, including, but not limited to;
- Pepper spray
- Mace
- Electronic defense devices
- Potentially dangerous objects, including, but not limited to;
- Knitting needles
- Tools
- Glass containers
- Foil-wrapped items
- Hazardous materials, including, but not limited to;
- Bleach
- Gasoline
- Acid
- Explosives
Any item that could reasonably be considered a weapon will not be permitted inside.
Concealed Handgun and Open Carry Laws
Pursuant to Penal Code Section 46.03(a)(3), all firearms, including handguns carried by a person with a valid license to carry, are prohibited at all of our court locations.
Texas Penal Code 30.06:
"Pursuant to Section 30.06, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun."
Código Penal de Texas 30.06:
"De conformidad con el Artículo 30.06 del Código Penal de Texas (sobre el ingreso ilícito de un individuo con licencia de portación de armas cortas ocultas) una persona con licencia, según lo establecido en la Sección H, Capítulo 411 del Código Gubernamental de Texas (sobre la ley de expedición de licencia de armas cortas), tiene prohibido ingresar en esta propiedad con armas cortas ocultas."
Texas Penal Code 30.07:
"Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly."
Código Penal de Texas 30.07:
"De conformidad con el Artículo 30.07 del Código Penal de Texas (sobre el ingreso ilícito de un individuo con licencia de portación de armas cortas exhibidas públicamente) una persona con licencia, según lo establecido en la Sección H, Capítulo 411, del Código Gubernamental de Texas (sobre la ley de expedición de licencia de armas cortas), tiene prohibido ingresar en esta propiedad con armas cortas exhibidas públicamente."
Free parking is available for all jurors serving at the Seabrook Municipal Court.
Seabrook City Hall
1700 1st Street
Seabrook, Texas 77586
Seabrook Community House
1210 Anders Avenue
Seabrook, Texas 77586
Right to Reemployment
A private employer may not terminate the employment of a permanent employee because the employee serves as a juror. An employee whose employment is terminated in violation of this section is entitled to return to the same employment that the employee held when summoned for jury service if the employee, as soon as practical after release from jury service, gives the employer actual notice that the employee intends to return. (Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 122.001). Terminating an employee for performing jury duty is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine not to exceed $2,000. (Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Section 122.002).
Failure to Answer Summons and Provision of False Information
Any person summoned who fails to attend or who fails to remain in attendance until discharged by the Court may be fined an amount not to exceed $100 for contempt (Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 45A.027). Additionally, a person shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 if the person: (1) fails to attend court in obedience to this summons without reasonable excuse; or (2) files a false claim of exemption from jury service (Government Code, Section 62.111; see also Code of Criminal Procedure, Article 35.01). Furthermore, a person who fails to comply with this summons, or who knowingly provides false information in a request for an exemption or to be excused from jury service, is subject to a contempt action punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000 (Government Code, Section 62.0141).
- Why is jury service important?
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The United States Constitution and the Texas Constitution guarantee all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status, the right to trial by an impartial jury.
- What is my duty as a juror?
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As a juror, you must be fair and impartial. Your actions and decisions must be free of any bias or prejudice. Your actions and decisions are the foundation of our judicial system.
- How was I selected?
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You were selected at random from a list of voter registrations and a list of driver registrations from the county in which you live.
- Am I eligible?
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Jurors must:
- Be a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City of Seabrook to serve as a juror for the Municipal Court
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Reside in the county of jury service
- Be able to read and write
- Who is not eligible to serve on a jury?
-
You cannot serve on a jury if:
- You have been convicted of a felony or any type of theft (unless rights have been restored)
- You are now on probation or deferred adjudication for a felony or any type of theft
- You are now under indictment for a felony or are now under criminal charges for any type of theft
- Who can be excused from jury service?
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You are entitled to be excused as a juror if you:
- Are over 75 years of age
- Have legal custody of a child under 10 years of age and jury service would leave the child unsupervised
- Are a student in class
- Are the caretaker of a person who is unable to care for themselves
- Can show a physical or mental impairment or an inability to comprehend or communicate in English
- What are the different types of cases?
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There are two basic types of cases, criminal and civil (including family cases).
Criminal Cases
A criminal case results when a person is accused of committing a crime. You, as a juror, must decide whether the person charged is guilty or not guilty. The accused person is presumed innocent, and the state, represented by the district or county attorney, must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Civil Cases
A civil case results from a disagreement or dispute between two or more parties. In a civil case, you, as a juror, must answer questions of disputed facts based on the testimony and evidence admitted by the judge. The answers to these questions are called the verdict. Note: Municipal Court does not hear civil cases. Will I be paid for being a juror? No. The Municipal Court is not required to compensate for jury duty.
- Must my employer pay me while I am on jury duty?
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Your employer is not required to pay you while on jury duty; however, employers are prohibited by law from firing an employee for serving as a juror.
- Who can have a jury trial?
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Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party to a civil case has a right to a jury trial. All parties are equal before the law and each is entitled to the same fair treatment.
- Are there rules about jury conduct?
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Yes. The Texas Supreme Court has rules to assist you in your conduct as a juror which will be given to you by the judge.
- Juror Questionnaire (electronic)
- Juror Questionnaire (download and print)
- Exemptions from Jury Service (electronic)
- Exemptions from Jury Service (download and print)
- Qualifications for Jury Service (electronic)
- Qualifications for Jury Service (download and print)
- Request for Jury Service Postponement (electronic)
- Request for Jury Service Postponement (download and print)
- Request for Permanent Excuse from Jury Service due to Age (electronic)
- Request for Permanent Excuse from Jury Service due to Age (download and print)
- Request for Exemption for Physical or Mental Impairment (download and print)