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1. Should I go online to check my status the evening before my appearance?

Yes. If we are able to cancel service for groups of jurors prior to service, it would be done the day before their appearance date as cases can fall through at any time. If you are summoned for a Monday we will send out reminders and any possible cancellations the Friday before (possibly Thursday if we are closed on a Friday for a holiday). Tuesday jurors should get their reminder or cancellations on the Monday before their appearance date (possibly Friday if we are closed on a Monday for a holiday). If you go online to submit your information after we have already sent out any cancellations, then you may see your status as “Ended” where the system won’t let you submit any information and you would NOT need to report or do anything more. If your status is still “Summoned” then you would still be required to report.

Those jurors who go online at least 2-3 business days before their appearance date to sign up for e-notifications and submit their juror information, would get the text and email notification of any cancellations.

Example:

2. How long does jury service last?

Approximately 20% of prospective jurors are selected for trials. If you are not selected to sit as a juror on a case, you can expect to be released for the week. If you are selected, you will serve for one trial. Surprisingly, the average trial only lasts 1 to 3 days.

3. What is the dress code for jury duty?

Jurors should dress in comfortable but appropriate business casual clothing. Although you are not participating in the trial so you are not the center of attention, you are still part of a solemn court proceeding. Your attire should reflect the seriousness of the occasion. You may wear comfortable but appropriate business casual type clothing. Jurors should NOT wear shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, flip-flops or hats. You may want to bring a light sweater or jacket to stay warm in the event you are assigned to a courtroom that is kept cold.

4. Where is courthouse parking?

Free parking is available all around the building.

5. What is courthouse security?

Free parking is available all around the building.

You will be required to pass through security at any county buildings in which courts are located. You will not be allowed to bring into the buildings any type of weapons, including pocket knives. Please leave anything that you think might not be allowed in your vehicle or at home.

PROHIBITED WEAPONS

The following weapons or devices are prohibited on Denton County property:

• Any explosive device which might cause bodily injury or noise that may result in a public alarm
• Brass knuckles
• Chemical substances designed to disable or incapacitate such as pepper spray or mace
• Club:
  • Blackjack
  • Hatchet
  • Mace
  • Nightstick or other like objects that may cause bodily injury
• Components of explosives
• Energetic materials
• The firearm of any kind
• Firearm silencer of any kind
• Handgun of any kind (toy or real)
• Hoax bombs
• Knife (any length) - and any other hand instrument designed to:
  • Bowie knife
  • Cut or stab
  • Dagger
  • Dirk
  • Pocket knife
  • Poniard
  • Spear
  • Stiletto
  • Switchblade (both automatic or gravity), unless such devices are part of a repair toolkit and the repair specialist is either County employed or under the escort of a County maintenance person
  • Sword
• Scissors
• Screwdrivers
• Stun gun and any other illegal item or items that could reasonably be considered usable as a weapon

Any person found on County property with a weapon or device shall have such weapon or device confiscated, can be denied entry to any building, and may be subject to arrest.