Message to the Jurors

Jurors,
The Crawford County Municipal Court thanks you for your service. By serving, you have the opportunity to directly participate in the American legal system which has been in place since the beginning of our Country. Jury trials are part of the process that protects the fundamental rights of all citizens. It is an important and rewarding service which you have been summoned to provide for Crawford County.

How was I chosen for jury duty?

Your name has been drawn at random from a list of registered voters in Crawford County. Persons 18 years of age or older, from all walks of life, may be called. You must be a U.S. citizen, living in Crawford County, and be able to read, hear, and speak the English language.

Do I really have to?

Yes. You have been officially summoned by the Court to be a potential juror. If you do not report for jury service without a lawful excuse from the Court, you may be brought before the Court for contempt proceedings. And remember, as a juror, you are a vital part of the court system. If you have received a notice to serve as a juror, and you have a medical condition, are 75 years of age or older, or if there are other circumstances that you feel will prevent you from serving, you must contact the Court at 419-562-2731 option 7 and your service may be excused or deferred.

Many cases are settled the day before the trial. We ask that you call the jury answering service the night before the above dates. You can call on Thursdays after 5:00 p.m. to determine whether you have to serve as a juror the following day. The jury answering service number is:

What about my job?

Your employer can’t fire or otherwise penalize you for performing jury duty. Some employers compensate their employees for the time they are gone for jury duty. Contact your employer to find out your company’s policy. The Court will give you a work excuse when you leave.

Compensation for Jury Duty

You will receive a $30.00 voucher from Crawford County Municipal Court for appearing on the given day for jury duty whether you are selected to serve or not. To redeem the voucher, you will need to take it to your local bank.

How long will I be there?

You will receive a letter 2 months ahead of time notifying you of the dates to serve. You will need to report to the Crawford Co Municipal Clerk’s office on the 1st floor by 8:30 a.m. It is possible that you will not be chosen to be on the jury panel or as an alternate, and you will be released at that time. If you are chosen to serve, jury trials generally take one day, and may last in to the evening. It is possible that it will go beyond the first day. Should this occur, you will be notified when to return to complete your jury service.

What should I wear for Jury Service?

Wear comfortable clothing that enhances the dignity of the Court and emphasizes the seriousness of your responsibility. “Dressy casual” is appropriate.

May I bring a book to read while I wait for the jury trial to begin?

Certainly! While efforts are made to reduce delay, you may have to wait awhile to find out if you have been chosen to actually sit on the jury. Bring a newspaper, crossword, or use the time to get to know your fellow jurors.

Will there be breaks during the trial?

Jurors are given a lunch break, and may be given other breaks during the trial.

Types of cases tried in the Crawford County Municipal Court

Civil
Civil cases are limited to $15,000.00. The cases normally involve two or more parties who have a dispute over money or property. The person filing the suit if the plaintiff and the person being sued is the defendant. Eight jurors and one alternate juror will be selected to serve and all others will be excuses to the Clerk’s Office while they will receive a voucher for appearing. A verdict in a civil case requires that three-fourths of the jury agrees. Therefore, in a civil matter, six of the jurors must reach a verdict.

Criminal
A criminal case will involve a person, also known as the defendant, who is charged with a crime. The plaintiff in a criminal case is the State of Ohio. Cases heard in the Crawford County Municipal Court are misdemeanors such as Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Theft, and Assault. In a criminal case all eight jurors must agree upon the same verdict.

Your Role is Important

Jury trials are an important part of our justice system and serving as a juror is an important role as a citizen. Whether you ever sit as a juror or not, you will have been an integral part of the process, and your service to the community will be appreciated by the Court and the parties involved.