Do not discuss anything about this case, or even mention it to anyone whomsoever, including your wife or husband nor permit anyone to mention it in your hearing until you are discharged as jurors or excused form this case. A district court judge may permanently or temporarily exempt from jury service a person with a physical or mental impairment or with an inability to comprehend or communicate in the English language that makes it impossible or very difficult to serve on a jury. Lewis said Barchak received no training on how to randomize the cards, and that she learned the technique from other county employees. Williams is serving life for a murder, which Hagger believes he did not commit, and thinks an improper jury played a role in his conviction. For at least six years, the district clerk in Brazoria County used a highly unusual and possibly illegal system to assemble jury panels. Jury. The Court greatly appreciates citizens who participate in this service. If you. He began hearing rumors about Barchaks system around the time of the DAs announcement in August. The Brazoria County District Attorney's Office has received information that leads them to believe jury panels may have been assembled in a manner "inconsistent with applicable statutes and law.". $100 bond set for catalytic converter theft suspect's evading charge, Man on parole for murder charged in connection to Leslie Obi's killing, Oak pollen already a big problem, but strong storms could wash it away. But if she was aiming for a venire that reflected the countys population, she had a problem: Brazoria Countys population has become more diverse, changing from 51 percent non-white to 57 percent non-white in the years since 2015. I am a resident of the City of Angleton for which the court is established. TikTok Is Banking On Project Texas to Avoid a U.S. Ban. The district attorney considers the case closed, but it may not be over. At this point, we do not know how long these alleged irregularities may have been going on. On Wednesday, Aug. 25, the Brazoria County District Attorney's Office announced it had received information that leads them to believe jury panels may have been assembled in a manner "inconsistent with applicable statutes and law.". If you know of, or learn anything about, this case except from the evidence admitted during the course of this trial, you should tell me about it at once. Friday, October 8, 2021. You Already Served. Do not mingle with nor talk to the lawyers, the witnesses, the parties, or any other person who might be connected with or interested in the case, except for casual greetings. Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option, Elected Officials - County, State and Federal, American Rescue Plan Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, Brazoria County Hurricane Preparedness Expo, Brazoria County Local Emergency Planning Committee, Hurricane Harvey Substantial Damage Information, NOTICE to ALL CRIMINAL & JUVENILE DEFENSE ATTORNEYS, Stephen F. Austin-Munson Historical County Park, Vendor Permits and Mass Gathering Information, Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Information, Brazoria County Independent School Districts, Brazoria County Groundwater Conservation District, Brazoria County Awarded Certificate of Achievement, TxDOT Long Term Closures for Bridge Replacements, DSHS recalls oysters harvested in area of southeastern Galveston Bay. Are over 70 years of age (You may also request a permanent age 70 exemption. Jury lists are created using names randomly selected from our water utility listing. As a result of her idiosyncratic system, thousands of verdicts could potentially be overturned, and the county could face an avalanche of lawsuits claiming wrongful convictions. Each county receives a list of potential jurors from the Secretary of State that consists of those individuals in the county that are registered to vote, hold a Texas driver's license, or hold a Texas identification card. Her goal was inclusion of all races and all demographics.". Its not that hard.. August 27, 2021, 9:30 PM. The Top 50 Texas BBQ Joints: 2021 Edition, West Texans Are Learning What It Means to Live in Bear Country, Jimmy Carters Peanut-and-Egg Taco Made Quite the Impression on San Antonians. A juror's greatest reward is the knowledge that they have discharged this duty faithfully, honorably, and well. As ABC13 works to learn more about the nature of the alleged "irregularities," another question remaining has to do with what this could mean for the people tried by juries who may have been assembled improperly. "When that system has been corrupted, or affected in any way, my God, may God help everybody because that is what stands between a person potentially going to prison for life or getting the death penalty. 111 E. Locust St. Barchak, who resigned in late August after having held the post since 2010, divided up jurors by geographical region, and then by race, to assemble panels for criminal, civil, and family-law trials. Prospective jurors in the state of Texas who are over 70 years of age may claim excusal from jury service, or request a permanent age 70 exemption from any further summons or service. If your county participates in I-Jury Online Impaneling and you have access to the internet, you may respond to your summons online and submit any scheduling conflicts without making a trip to the courthouse. While Barchak has remained silent since stepping down, her attorney, Chip Lewis, gave Texas Monthly an accountpublished here for the first timeof her method of selecting jurors, asserting that her only aim was to assemble a representative cross section of the countys population. If anyone attempts to discuss the case, report it to the judge at once. You need to contact the judge or the court to be excused on this basis. 500, Angleton, TX 77515. Their attempt was to increase the racial inclusiveness, Cogdell said, not decrease the racial inclusiveness., If courts find Barchaks method illegal or unconstitutional, thousands of criminal, civil, and family court verdicts could be subject to appeal, and the county may be open to civil liability. As a result, you need to follow all of the jury instructions given by the judge throughout the case very carefully. Multiple judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and dozens of other county employees were privy to the process of jury empanelment, he said, and no one ever expressed any dissatisfaction or complaint about the process, as the process did not disenfranchise [any] potential jurors. Top officials, including Brazoria County Judge Matt Sebesta, declined requests for an interview. Chip Gaines Bought Larry McMurtrys Historic Texas Bookstore. any other program(s) approved by the commissioners court. Why did I receive a summons and what do I do now? Citizens on the list are randomly selected and mailed a summons to report for jury service. We report on vital issues from politics to education and are the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering everything from music to cultural events with insightful recommendations. Figuring out what to do when you have been summoned for jury duty can be confusing and frustrating. Former Brazoria County District Clerk's jury pool selection process under scrutiny. It was a good system. But What Is It? EMBED <> More Videos Brazoria County District Courts DO Postpone Jury Dates, 979-864-1836 (Central & West) RELATED: Families want answers in Brazoria County jury selection: 'This is ridiculous'. (This does not apply if the jury wheel has been reconstituted since your service as a petit juror. A mother might say, my child was taken away from me, and that was illegally done by a jury. Type "postpone jury duty" and then your county. However, if you are qualified to serve and you do not ask to be excused or exempted, you will be able to participate in the jury selection process which may take only a day or a fraction of a day to complete. With your cooperation and attention to detail, the jury selection process may run smoother and be completed faster. Citizens over the age of 70 can be exempt from jury service under this age exception.. Depending on local laws and specific court policies, exemptions MAY include persons over age 70, and those having recently served on a jury (usually within 1-3 years depending on county policy). Slectionnez Grer les paramtres pour grer vos prfrences. Be a resident of this state and a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror. Also, you may need money to pay for snacks, lunch, or pay phones. (979) 864-1836. My question is, why did it have to be so complicated? he said. ~ 2 years, 0 mos ago Jan 18, '21 2:03pm. At this time the only type of employment that may claim an exemption from jury duty is exemption No. 1,870 talking about this. I dont know why [Barchak] moved away from it., Jeff Purvis has practiced law in Brazoria County for more than two decades, first as a prosecutor and then as a defense attorney. Starkey and Meyers declined to speak about Barchaks system. Fx: (979) 361-4215 However, you may choose to be excused if you: (Texas Government Code 62.106. be a resident of this state and of the county in which you are to serve as a juror; be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in the county in which you are to serve as a juror (Note: You do not have to be registered to vote to be qualified to vote); be of sound mind and good moral character; not have served as a juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court; and. files a false claim of exemption from jury service. Court System Type: County Constitutional Court Division: Contact Information: Phone Number: 979-864-1200 Website: http://www.brazoria-county.com/directory.asp The Brazoria County Courthouseis open on M-F from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The summons needs to be returned indicating that the person does not live at the address. The Brazoria County District Attorney's Office has received information that leads them to believe jury panels may have been assembled improperly. and the Texas Rangers for their thorough and thoughtful investigation. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. I am of sound mind and good moral character. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en consultant vos paramtres de vie prive. Hale County, TX Hermiston, OR Hill County, TX Lake Oswego, OR McKinney, TX . It is also one of the most politically moderate parts of the county.). Through service on a jury, a citizen has a direct hand in the administration of justice. Ph: (979) 361-4224. To serve as a juror you must meet the following qualifications: For additional information about Juror exemptions please view the following document: - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. This avoids a trial based upon secret evidence. JURY SERVICE. Brazoria County district attorney Tom Selleck first acknowledged what he termed "irregularities" in an August 25 public statement, writing that "jury trial panels may have been assembled in . Unfortunately your employer is not currently required by Texas state law to pay you while you are serving jury duty. For more information visit Brazoria County District Clerk's jury info. As a defense lawyer, I dont want twelve people from Pearland judging my guy from Freeport. To claim an exemption from jury service contact the court Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 979-849-2471. You will need to check with your local courthouse regarding special amenities. I am not under indictment or other legal accusation of a misdemeanor theft, felony theft or any other felony charge. "The men and women who are called upon to serve on juries in both our federal and state courts have maintained a standard of fairness and excellence throughout the history of our country. Simply follow the I-Jury information enclosed with the juror summons you received. ", RELATED: FBI joins investigation into Brazoria County selection case, activist says, Barchak's attorney sent a statement to ABC13 which read, "We would like to thank the Brazoria County D.A. A prospective juror must be released entirely or rescheduled if the juror is required to appear in court on a religious holy day that is observed by the juror. The length of time a case may be in trial varies with each case. Mrs. Barchak remains grateful for the opportunity to have served her community. You are not required to claim an exemption from jury service. CITY OF HOUSTON MUNICIPAL COURTS. Jury registration is a simple process that can be completed: Online through the My Jury Duty Portal found here; On the telephone by calling (213) 972-0970 and selecting the "Registration" option from the menu. My date of birth is _____. Barchaks methods were widely known to county officials, Lewis said. These rules apply to jurors the same as they apply to the parties and to me. They have demonstrated a vision and a will toward the administration of justice that is a wellspring of inspiration. Penalties for Failure to Answer Summons. She served in that role . Municipal Court Office will be closed Thursday, March 02, 2023, in observance of Texas Independence Day. A Grand Jury declined to indict a former Brazoria County District Clerk after she was accused of handpicking juries and the District attorney considers the case closed, but still it may not be over. She left the job after law enforcement began investigating the possibility that she wrongly empaneled jury pools. And then, white residents who (also) didn't live in Pearland, and nonwhite residents who (also) didn't live in Pearland. A person who receives a summons for jury service and fails to answer the summons as directed by the summons, is subject to a contempt action that is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000. These allegations about a corrupt process first surfaced in late August. There are no transportation exemptions. Brazoria County District Clerk's Office under investigation over 'irregularities' in jury process, FBI joins investigation into Brazoria County selection case, activist says, Families want answers in Brazoria County jury selection: 'This is ridiculous', Families want feds to look into Brazoria Co. jury process: 'The truth is always going to come out'. Pointed items, such as pocket knives or knitting needles, are not permitted in the courthouse. (Texas Government Code 62.102. Assists prospective jurors with assignment information and administers juror payments. Jury Duty. You will need to be fair, impartial, and be willing to make decisions that are not based on your personal feelings and biases. I have not been convicted of theft or any felony. (Applies only to counties with a population of at least 200,000 unless the county uses a jury plan under 62.011, Gov't Code, and the period authorized under 62.011(b) exceeds two years. Brazoria County district attorney Tom Selleck first acknowledged what he termed irregularities in an August 25 public statement, writing that jury trial panels may have been assembled in a manner inconsistent with applicable statutes and law. Two days later, Selleck announced that he had asked the Texas Rangers Public Integrity Unit to investigate. Allen, TX Arlington, TX Arlington, TX Test . Gov. Hagger has reached out to Congressman Al Green, who confirmed to ABC13 he is working to learn more about the irregularities in the jury system in Brazoria County. According to Lewis, a defense attorney who has represented such high-profile clients as Enron chief executive Ken Lay, convicted murderer Robert Durst, and Mexican drug kingpin Osiel Crdenas Guilln, Barchak would take the full stack of around 200 to 250 juror cards into a back room, where she and other county employees would first sort them into two piles: Pearland residents and non-Pearland residents. The community [stretches] from Pearland to Freeport, he said. Code 62.101. Some courthouses may have additional accommodations for you, such as internet access, lap to stations, and reading. Your participation is important to Texas! Jury Online Find your court. This exemption is available to those homeowners who are 65 years of age or older. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. You dont need training to read the Code of Criminal Procedure, Sheppard said. The process begins as groups of prospective jurors, usually numbering fifty to sixty in district courts, are assembled in a courtroom with the judge, the lawyers, and usually the parties of a particular case. Please write on the front or back of the summons Active duty military and return to our office. Just taking the cards and shuffling themmaybe they shuffled well, and maybe they didnt., Lewis claimed that Barchaks system ensured greater minority representation on juries than a random shuffle, while also providing greater representation of rural areas. Step 1: Dress inappropriate clothing: You should dress professionally and appropriately for jury duty. The approved plan stipulated that the district clerk would randomly select panels of prospective jurors. Paula Hannaford, director of the Center for Jury Studies at the National Center for State Courts in Virginia, said Barchak would likely have needed specific authorization to diverge from the standard randomization process. Listen carefully and follow the instructions given by court personnel and the judge. Though the court or the county may provide parking or reimburse parking costs, you might have to pay them initially. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. Find your jury summons. Theres a large cultural difference between Pearland and Freeporta small rural townalthough theyre in the same county.. Also, you should dress comfortably because you may be in the courthouse for the entire day. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. However, your employer cannot fire you while you are fulfilling your civic duty. ", -U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren (1962). , in observance of Texas Independence Day mother might say, my child taken! Information enclosed with the juror summons you received announcement in August x27 ; 21 2:03pm these about! Judge Matt Sebesta, declined requests for an interview summons needs to be so complicated she wrongly empaneled jury.... 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