Court System Type: County Constitutional Court Division: Contact Information: Phone Number: 979-864-1200 Website: http://www.brazoria-county.com/directory.asp Do not discuss or consider attorney's fees unless evidence about attorney's fees is admitted. (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. Do not make any investigation about the facts of this case. Brazoria County district clerk Rhonda Barchak sorted jurors by race and geography. Be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in this county in which you are to serve as a juror. You must follow the instructions on your jury summons or contact the judge to find out what you need to do to be exempted from jury service. The information contained on this web site is not intended to take the place of the instructions given by the judge or the court concerning any aspect of jury service. Families want answers in Brazoria County jury selection: 'This is ridiculous' By Courtney Carpenter. Gabriel Garcia Brazos County District Clerk 300 E. 26th Street, Suite 1200 As in all Texas counties, eligible Brazoria residents are summoned to jury duty at random, based on an electronic list provided by the Texas Secretary of State. Jury lists are created using names randomly selected from our water utility listing. Sometimes the cards were shuffled, and sometimes they were organized according to the order in which the jurors arrived for duty. Bowie County Jury Trial Plan: 11: Brazoria: Brazoria County Recertification: Brazoria County: Brazoria County Jury Trial Plan: 02: Brazos: Brazos County Recertification: Brazos County: Brazos County Jury Trial Plan: 06: Brewster Brewster County: Brewster County Jury Trial Plan: 09: Briscoe Briscoe County 05: Brooks Brooks County 07: Brown Brown . The Brazoria County Courthouseis open on M-F from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Your participation is important to Texas! Search Courts. The acting district attorney for Brazoria County confirmed that his office did present findings to a grand jury today, and should conclude Thursday. Jury Services (979) 361-4224 300 East 26th Street, Suite 2214 Bryan, TX 77803 . You MAY claim an exemption from jury duty if you are: Brazoria County Courthouse Lewis declined to provide the names of those employees. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en consultant vos paramtres de vie prive. 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. Full-Time Student. If anyone attempts to discuss the case, report it to the judge at once. "I knew from the get-go when I heard about what was going on that something wasn't right pertaining to my son's case," Hagger said. Under state law, jurors are supposed to be selected at random from the pool of those whove been called to jury duty. Also, you may need money to pay for snacks, lunch, or pay phones. As a result, you need to follow all of the jury instructions given by the judge throughout the case very carefully. General Qualifications for Jury Service. But the Legislature did not alter the system for selecting regular trial juries, and it remains unclear why Barchak would have changed her method at that time. Complete Jury Orientation: Jury orientation is mandatory for all jurors prior to reporting for jury service. ); Have legal custody of a child younger than 12 years of age and your service on the jury requires leaving the child without adequate supervision; Are a student of a public or private secondary school; Are a person enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education; Are an officer or an employee of the senate, house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of government; Have served as a petit juror in the county during the 24-month period preceding the date you are required to appear for this summons. If you. Among the district clerk candidates in next years election is Barchaks former chief deputy, Republican Cayla Meyers, who recently resigned. August 27, 2021, 9:30 PM. I am qualified to serve under the Constitution and laws to vote in this county. The Court greatly appreciates citizens who participate in this service. Lawyers then conduct what is called voir dire (which means to speak the truth), which allows the lawyers and the judge to have the opportunity to ask each prospective juror a series of questions. You then might be asked to provide new dates when you can serve. But Rhonda Barchak, a Republican who served as district clerk in the fast-growing county that stretches from the Houston suburbs to the Gulf Coast, had her own method. Starkey and Meyers declined to speak about Barchaks system. The district attorney considers the case closed, but it may not be over. 111 E Locust, Rm 102A, Angleton, TX77515-4678 But What Is It? Step 1: Dress inappropriate clothing: You should dress professionally and appropriately for jury duty. The Jury Services Department coordinates the creation and service of jury panels for the District Courts, County Courts at Law, and the Justice of the Peace Courts. Her attorney is maintaining her innocence. YES! Texas Lege Watch: A House Republican Fights for Chicken Freedom, Wendy Davis Returns to the Texas Capitol and a Whole New Political Landscape, Red McCombs Turned Old San Antonio on Its Head, Attorney General Ken Paxton Agrees to Apologize and Pay $3.3 Million to Whistleblowers, Running Into Fire: The Legacy of Jeff Blackburn, Inside the Bro-tastic Party Mansions Upending a Historic Austin Community, How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire. Citizens over the age of 70 can be exempt from jury service under this age exception.. As a full-time student, you can be exempted from jury duty if participating in them will make you miss a significant amount of classes. Barchaks method, said Matagorda County district clerk Janice Hawthorne, takes away the whole random process., In additional to potentially violating state law, Barchaks system appears to differ from her own jury plan, which she submitted to the Brazoria County Commissioners Court for approval in 2018. 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. RELATED: Brazoria County District Clerk's Office under investigation over 'irregularities' in jury process, "They would sort them into four separate piles," Bauman said. Next, Lewis said, Barchak would subdivide the two geographical piles into white and non-white jurors. Jury service is a privilege that offers the average citizen an unequaled opportunity to influence and deliberate over fundamental matters of justice. 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. The former district clerk in question has now retired. Texas does not specify the randomization method that clerks must use, he said, so Barchaks system was fairer than simply shuffling the cards. Mrs. Barchak remains grateful for the opportunity to have served her community. Bring money. The Brazoria County District Attorney's Office has received information that leads them to believe jury panels may have been assembled improperly. She now had four stacks of cards: Pearland whites, Pearland non-whites, non-Pearland whites, and non-Pearland non-whites. 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). 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. With your cooperation and attention to detail, the jury selection process may run smoother and be completed faster. Searchable records from law enforcement. Some courthouses may have additional accommodations for you, such as internet access, lap to stations, and reading. 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.". You might also contact the judge or the district clerk's office or check the local web page for additional information. "So they would have a stack of people who were white residents of Pearland, nonwhite residents of Pearland. As noted by the Honorable Tom C. Clark, Texan and former justice of the United States Supreme Court, "The jury system improves the quality of justice and is the sole means of keeping its administration attuned to community standards.". The law requires jurors be selected at random, said Selleck, also a Republican, and it is this process that is alleged to have been conducted improperly.. Most Lake Jackson cases are concluded the same day. Unfortunately your employer is not currently required by Texas state law to pay you while you are serving jury duty. Leave them blank to get signed up. RELATED: Families want feds to look into Brazoria Co. jury process: 'The truth is always going to come out'. 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. Get Out of Jury Duty for Not Being Qualified. Visit our Links Page for websites providing Employment Listings, as well as US Government holiday closings. Although the courts make every effort to avoid delays, they sometimes will occur. You dont need training to read the Code of Criminal Procedure, Sheppard said. If you have any questions related to your juror summons or if you are unable to serve for a reason(s) other than exemptions, please call 979-849-2471 and speak to a clerk for information. Also, try to keep an open mind about your jury service and remember that you are playing an essential role in our justice system. seq.). When you report for jury service, you will likely find that there are well-trained court personnel available to assist you and to answer any questions that you may have concerning jury duty. $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. All Rights Reserved. "Rhonda assumed the duties of the Brazoria County District Clerk on July 2, 2010. The judge will instruct you to adhere to the following basic rules: At the conclusion of all the evidence, the judge may give you a written charge that asks you some specific questions. Chip Gaines Bought Larry McMurtrys Historic Texas Bookstore. Both the Constitution of the United States and the Texas Constitution guarantee the right to a trial by jury. Its daily. Do not consider, discuss, nor speculate whether or not any party is or is not protected in whole or in part by insurance of any kind. Each juror receives ten dollars ($10) for the first day of appearance and forty dollars ($40) for the second and any subsequent days of appearance. Her goal was inclusion of all races and all demographics.". However, your employer cannot fire you while you are fulfilling your civic duty. CITY OF HOUSTON MUNICIPAL COURTS. Most Lake Jackson cases are concluded the same day. Own the property in the year in which you apply. ", -U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Earl Warren (1962). For updates on this story, follow Tom Abrahams on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. However, the majority, usually more than two-thirds, of all summoned jurors are NOT actually selected for service, therefore, their duty ends after a short time with the completion of the jury selection process. However, you may choose to be excused if you: (Texas Government Code 62.106. Jury. (Texas Gov't Code 62.0141. You are not required to claim an exemption even though one might apply to you. The judge will give you an approximate time when you are assigned to a particular court. 111 E. Locust, Suite 500 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. 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. Veteran Texas attorney David Sheppard, who recently retired after practicing criminal law for more than forty years and was as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Texas School of Law,said he had never heard of a system like Barchaks. "I'm putting my faith in the Department of Justice to come back with their conclusion in what they're discovering and finding in a jury tampering system and what took place in Brazoria County, Texas," Quanell told ABC13. These allegations about a corrupt process first surfaced in late August. Angleton, TX 77515, Design By Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Rhonda Barchak was the Brazoria County District Clerk for 11 years. However, you will probably be asked for a juror index number (or other number provided on the summons) and the service date (also on your summons). Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. This avoids a trial based upon secret evidence. If you fill out the first name, last name, or agree to terms fields, you will NOT be added to the newsletter list. They will have the same instructions and you will understand it when they do. Meyers attorney, Dan Cogdell, wouldnt describe the system, but said it involved an attempt to ensure a more diverse venire. 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. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Physical and mailing address is 111 E. Locust St., Ste. Copyright 2023 KTRK-TV. Texas Monthly contacted 38 current and former district court employees to try to confirm Lewiss description of Barchaks system; all either failed to respond or declined to comment. Because you may serve on a jury the first day you report to serve, you should wear clothing reasonably befitting the dignity and solemnity of the court proceedings. "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. Theres a tremendous amount of liability on the part of the county.. You will not be asked, and you should not consider, whether one party or the other should win. You can, however, claim payment if your earnings are in any way affected by your participation. The DA's office has received information that leads them to believe jury panels may have been assembled improperly. You are not required to claim an exemption from jury service. He rejected Lewiss explanation that Barchak never received proper training and said her system likely violated state law. (This does not apply if the jury wheel has been reconstituted since your service as a petit juror. Local judges may restrict certain attire, such as shorts, cutoff, sleeveless shirts, sandals, and hats. ~ 2 years, 0 mos ago Jan 18, '21 2:03pm. 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. . ", $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. 111 E. Locust St. **Jury Trial has been canceled for Thursday, September 15, 2022. Be a resident of this state and a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror. A Right-wing Cabal Took Over Odessas Municipal Government. Because jury duty involves some waiting, bring something to read to help you pass the time. Barchaks methods were widely known to county officials, Lewis said. 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. RELATED: Families want answers in Brazoria County jury selection: 'This is ridiculous'. Each juror receives ten dollars ($10) for the first day of appearance and forty dollars ($40) for the second and any subsequent days of appearance. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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. 1,870 talking about this. Brazoria County, TX Mugshots, Arrests, charges, current and former inmates. The Rangers report, made public in January, stated that Barchak confessed to 239th District Judge Patrick Sebesta that she separated jury cards into four categories: "Pearland white, Pearland non-white, non Pearland white, and non Pearland.". Pearland whites, and sometimes they were organized according to the order in which you are required! 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