Notice from the Commissioner of Jurors re: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

In light of public health concerns arising over the coronavirus, please note the following:

 

If you have been summoned for Trial jury duty, for any location in Jefferson County beginning on November 16th, 2020 and continuing until further notice:  Please do not appear at the courthouse.

 

• This message is for those who have been summoned to serve as a standby Grand Juror for Jefferson County on Wednesday, JANUARY 6, 2021. Your service will last from January 6, 2021, until March 2, 2021. At this time, DO NOT report for jury duty on Wednesday, January 6. DO NOT appear at the courthouse.

• Please call 315-779-5999 after 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, JANUARY 5, 2021 for specific reporting instructions. You may be asked to report at a future date

 

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ALL GRAND, SUPREME, COUNTY AND CITY JURORS call the code-a-phone at 1-315-779-5999 for recorded reporting instructions.

 

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Notice from the Commissioner of Jurors

 

The NYS Unified Court System would like to assure you that your health and safety remain a top priority for us as we resume essential court operations, including jury service.

What to Expect When You Appear:

• Regular deep cleaning of court facilities with enhanced cleaning of commonly used areas

• Limited people in courthouse

• Mandatory use of face masks by court personnel and court visitors

  • Please bring your own mask/face covering

• Plexiglass barriers may be present at various locations (i.e. magnetometers, x-ray machines, assembly room desks)

• Indicators, like blue tape, may be present in public areas to ensure physical distance of at least 6 feet (to meet social distancing standards)

• Hand sanitizer for all court visitors

Please note the following:  

• Commissioner of Jurors will continue to provide jurors with public wi-fi.

• Bring your own pen/pencil and take it with you when you leave.

• Bring your own books/magazines/electronic devices and charges.

• Jurors may bring their own resealable beverage and snack or food that does not require refrigeration.

 

 

QUESTIONNAIRE COMPLETION:

 

Qualification questionnaires should be completed and return within ten business days of receipt.  Complete your questionnaire online at www.nyjuror.gov or by phone by calling 866-648-4880 or mail your completed questionnaire in the return envelope provided.

 

If you fail to return your questionnaire by the above requested time, you will receive additional notices, including a subpoena to appear.

 

CITIZENSHIP AND RESIDENCY:

 

If you are not a citizen, do not use the online or telephone service.  Complete the questionnaire and return it by regular mail, along with a copy of your Alien Registration, Green Card, Work Permit, Passport or Visa showing your name and picture. 

 

If you are no longer a resident of __________ county, please do not use the online or telephone service for this matter. Complete your questionnaire or summons; make a note on your summons or questionnaire where it indicates “address change”. Please return this to our office, along with one of the following documents: a current tax return (with amounts deleted), voter registration card, a deed, a lease, a mortgage statement, driver’s license or utility bill. 

 

SUMMONSES:

 

Please look at section C of your summons for reporting instructions – this will tell you which court location to report to and when.

 

POSTPONEMENTS: 

 

You may apply for an automatic first postponement by calling 1-800-449-2819 or visiting www.nyjuror.gov.  Please have your juror index # available.

 

Please be aware, you will not receive any paperwork with confirmation of your postponement until the summons is mailed.  Please do not reach out to the jury office unless you need to change your postponement date. You will receive a summons 2-3 weeks prior to your date of service.

 

If you previously postponed or were absent, a request for a postponement must be made in person. You will be asked to provide documentation supporting the reason for your request. 

 

If you are no longer a resident of Jefferson County, make note on the summonses where address change is indicated and return along with copies of two of the following documents: a current tax return (with amounts deleted), voter registration card, a deed, a lease, a mortgage statement, driver’s license or utility bill. 

 

If you are not a citizen, return the summons to the Commissioner of Jurors office along with a copy of your Alien Registration, Green Card, Work Permit, Passport or Visa showing name and picture. 

 

GRAND JURY:

 

You may apply for an automatic first postponement by calling 1-800-449-2819 or visiting www.nyjuror.gov. 

 

If you previously postponed or were absent, a request for a postponement must be made in person. You will be asked to provide documentation supporting the reason for your request. 

 

MEDICAL CONDITION/CARE GIVER:

 

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from serving, please mail your completed questionnaire or summons along with a letter from your healthcare provider stating your condition and why it prevents you from serving as a juror.  If you are employed and claiming a medical excuse, your health care provider’s statement must explain why you are able to work, but not serve as a juror.  In addition, include a letter from your employer, on company letterhead, stating any special accommodations that might be provided for you due to your condition.  All documentation will be reviewed, and you will be granted either an excuse or a postponement.  You will not receive confirmation.

 

If you are the caregiver of a minor child and are asking to be excused, please mail a copy of the child’s birth certificate with your completed original summons or questionnaire.  If you are employed, you must submit a letter on your company’s letter head stating the hours and days of your employment.  Please note: paid care-givers are not eligible for an excusal. All documentation will be reviewed, and you will be granted either an excuse or a postponement.  You will not receive confirmation.

 

If you are a caregiver to another, please mail or email a letter from the person’s healthcare provider stating the person’s age, relationship to you, and the medical condition requiring you to serve as a caregiver. If you are employed and claiming a caregiver excuse, the health care provider’s statement must explain why you are able to work, but unable to serve as a juror.

 

 

JURY PAYROLL:

 

The jury fee is $40 per day. If you are employed, your employer is obligated to pay you at least $40 per day for the first three days of your jury service, if there are more than 10 employees within the company.  Please allow approximately six to eight weeks for payment to be issued to you.  To report a lost check or non-payment for jury service please contact the Commissioner of Jurors office.

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