Jury Frequently Asked Questions | District of New Mexico (2023)

  • Where did you get my name?

    The United States District Court for the District of New Mexico randomly selects names from voter registration rolls in the State of New Mexico. Any registered voter is subject to jury duty. Please note that it is not a requirement in other New Mexico courts that you be a registered voter to serve on a jury.

  • I received a Notice of Jury Duty and am asking to be excused. Do I still have to complete the jury questionnaires?

    Yup. Complete the Qualification Questionnaire and the Voir Dire Questionnaire. On the Voir Dire Questionnaire, write any reason you think you should be excused.

    If you moved outside of New Mexico, you can only complete the Eligibility Questionnaire and include your new address and phone number.

    If you are age 70 or older and wish to be exempted, simply complete the Eligibility Questionnaire. Please provide your date of birth.

  • What if I am physically or mentally unable to serve?

    If you have a medical condition that you believe prevents you from serving, the Jury Division requires a current medical certificate from your physician stating that you are unable to serve due to your medical condition, either permanently or temporarily. The note must indicate the period of time during which you will not be able to serve. Your doctor can fax the note directly to the Jury Division at 505-348-2117, or you can mail it to the Jury Division.

  • My profession does not allow me to be away from work for any length of time. Can I be waived?

    Holding a particular profession does not preclude you from serving on a jury unless you are a police officer, firefighter, or an elected official of the United States, state, or local government. However, you (not your employer) can file an excuse for the Court's review. After requesting an apology, you may call the Jury Information Line to obtain the status of your request.

  • What if I have vacations, exams, doctor appointments or other events scheduled during my tenure?

    Notify the Jury Division prior to being called to duty by calling 505-348-2070 or filing a temporary apology through eJuror. Temporary apologies are usually granted.

  • Are cell phones allowed in court?

    Cell phones and smartphones with cameras are allowed in court; however, use of the camera or recording facilities while in court or on court premises is prohibited by local rules.

    (Video) This is what they ask you in jury duty- real questions
  • What is proper attire for jury duty?

    Clothing must be worn in accordance with the dignity of the Court. No shorts, tank tops or ripped jeans are allowed in court.

  • When should I serve on a jury?

    You will receive a subpoena for jury duty advising you to report for jury duty. You will receive this notice approximately 1 week before your scheduled time to appear.

  • What is the duration of my service?

    Your term depends on whether you are a minor or grand jury and the division of the jury to which you are assigned.

    Term of service for junior judges:
    All junior judges must be available for a period of 2 months, regardless of the days of service or judging selected.

    Terms of Service for Grand Juries:
    If you are a Grand Jury, your period of service is 12 months, with no maximum number of times to report. In most cases, you will be required to complete a report once a month for 1-3 days until the deadline expires.

  • After serving a term, when can I be called back to serve again?

    You do not need to serve a second time if you have served as a juror in federal court within the past two years. You will only be excused if you request it.

  • If I don't get selected on a case, what next?

    Upon release from jury duty for that day, you will be notified via jury summons of the date of the next report.

  • Which division of the jury do I belong to?

    The United States District Court for the District of New Mexico is made up of two divisions:

    north division
    Court for this division will be held primarily in Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The northern division consists of the following counties: Bernalillo, Cibola, Colfax, Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Quay, Up River, Roosevelt, San Juan, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Relief , Taos, Torrance, Union and Valencia.

    south division
    Court for this division will be held primarily in Las Cruces and occasionally in Roswell. The Southern Division is made up of the following counties: Catron, Chaves, Doña Ana, Eddy, Grant, Hidalgo, Lea, Lincoln, Luna, Otero and Sierra.

    give a clickhereto see a map of the Jury Division.

  • Will I have to serve in a division other than mine?

    In most cases, jurors will be required to appear before a court within their jury division. However, occasionally a judge from one division will be asked to report to another division.

    Grand Jury members selected from the Northern Division will serve in Albuquerque. Grand juries selected from the Southern Division will serve in Las Cruces.

    (Video) Jury Orientation Video in English with Carla Aragon.
  • What fees are paid to jurors?

    All jurors reporting for jury duty receive a$50.00 per dayservice fee. Federal employees only receive an attendance fee on days they are off work.

    All jurors are also reimbursed for mileage to and from their home to the courthouse where they must appear. The current rate for mileage is$0.56 per mile🇧🇷 This rate is subject to change.

  • When will I receive payment for my jury service?

    Jury checks are usually mailed to your home address the Friday following the week of jury duty. Your payment will be sent in the form of a US Treasury check. We do not provide detailed information about your payment.

  • Does my employer have to allow me to serve as a juror?

    Under federal law, employers must allow their employees time off for jury duty. An employee cannot be punished or harassed by his employer for being summoned or for appearing on the grand jury.

  • Does my employer have to pay me or at least make up the difference when I serve on a jury?

    Most employers make up the difference between your regular daily pay and the attendance fee(s) you received for serving. Jury duty policies will differ from employer to employer. Check with your Human Resources Department, your personnel handbook or your supervisor.

    If you need to pay your employer the court costs you received for serving, you will pay your employer the $50.00 appearance fee for each day you are absent from work and appear before the grand jury. Your employer cannot recover any per diem or mileage expenses for which you were reimbursed.

  • What if I need to prove to my employer that I appeared on the grand jury?

    Upon request, the Jury Division will provide you with a Certificate of Attendance that will indicate the date(s) you performed and whether a $50.00 participation fee has been paid to you.

  • Will I get a 1099 tax form for jury duty?

    A 1099 tax form will be sent to jurors who received $600.00 or more in appearance fees alone ($50.00/day of service). Per diems and mileage fees are reimbursable expenses and do not need to be reported on your taxes.

    (Video) WATCH BEFORE YOU SKIP OR GO TO JURY DUTY - Postpone Skip Fines Payment For Jury Duty!
  • Can I travel the day before my report date?

    If you live 70 miles or more from the courthouse you are appearing in, you can travel the night before your performance and stay overnight. You will receive an attendance fee on the day of travel as well as the day of the performance, plus per diem to cover that night's lodging and meals. In some cases, if you live less than 70 miles from the courthouse you are appearing in, you may be eligible for travel reimbursement if you can show good reason to travel the night before. You must make this application to the Jury Division prior to travel to receive permission to incur travel expenses for reimbursement.

  • If I travel, how much reimbursement will I get?

    If you can afford a hotel stay, you must make your own reservations and pay your own bill. When making your reservation, ask if there are special rates for federal juries. Your full daily rate will be refunded to your check. You do not need to bring your hotel receipt with you when reporting for jury duty. Please note that you will only be reimbursed up to the maximum daily amount established for the court location you attend. Any expenses incurred above this amount are the sole responsibility of the jury.

    The rates (as of October 2021) are as follows:

    Santa Fe Court: $202.00 per night (March to December) and $173.00 (January to February)

    Albuquerque Courthouse: $180.00 per night

    Las Cruces Courthouse and Roswell Courthouse: $155.00 per night

    These rates cover accommodation and food expenses for the day.

    These fees are subject to change.

  • What if I need to travel and spend the night but don't have the money up front?

    If this is the case, please contact the Jury Division immediately at 505-348-2070 and we will arrange for you to stay at a local hotel. If Jury Division makes reservations and pays for your room, you will be paid for meals only at the following rate:

    Santa Fe Courthouse: $69.00 per day

    Albuquerque Courthouse: $69.00 per day

    Las Cruces Courthouse and Roswell Courthouse: $59.00 per day

    Please note that these fees are subject to change.

    When the court makes hotel arrangements, it will be the jury's responsibility to cancel the reservation if the case is dropped.

  • On the first day of jury duty, what happens and how long will I be there?

    (Video) Jury Orientation

    Potential new jurors will receive orientation on the first day they are required to report for jury duty. After orientation, prospective jurors will be directed to the courtroom for evaluation. Voir dire is a line of questioning by lawyers and judges addressed to jurors and related to the case at hand. The trial judge will describe what the case is about and the expected duration of the trial. If you are selected to serve, you will likely begin testing the same day. There is no standard testing time, however most tests run from 9am to 5pm. m. until 5:00 pm. with at least an hour for lunch and breaks approximately every hour and a half during the test.

  • How long do the tests last?

    Jury trials can last from two days to two weeks. Most of our tests last 2-4 days, not including deliberation. If a lengthy trial causes you difficulty, inform the judge of the specific dispute and apologize during the voir dire examination when you appear before the jury.

  • Will I have to serve late at night or will I be kidnapped?

    Sometimes the trials extend into the afternoon hours. If this happens, you will have plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements. Kidnapping is a possibility, but it is very rare. Hijacking occurs when jurors cut themselves off from outside influences during their deliberations. You will be notified in advance if hijacking is a possibility.

  • Where do I park?

    When you receive your summons for jury duty with a date and time for filing, it will include a map and instructions for the respective court to which you are reporting. You may also click on the links below for a map and instructions on parking availability at the court you are reporting to.

    Albuquerque Pete V. Domenici United States Courthouse at 333 Lomas Blvd NW

    Albuquerque Historic United States Courthouse em 421 Gold

    Santa Fe Santiago E. Campos United States Court

    Las Cruces Court of the United States

    Roswell Court of the United States

  • What is the difference between a Small Jury and a Grand Jury?

    The function of a Petit Juror is to determine issues of fact in civil and criminal cases and then reach a verdict along with those conclusions.

    The role of a Grand Jury is to determine whether the facts and charges against alleged violators of federal law presented by the US Attorney warrant an indictment.

  • What types of cases will federal court juries help decide?

    Both civil and criminal cases are heard in federal court. Criminal trials consist of juries consisting of 12 to 18 jurors. Civil trials consist of juries consisting of 6 to 12 jurors. The number of jurors in a trial does not influence the importance of the trial. It is a matter of judicial preference and the will of the parties involved in the case.

  • Who should I contact if I have additional questions?

    You can call the Jury Division in Albuquerque at 505-348-2070. If you prefer to use email, you can send your questions tojúri_division@nmd.uscourts.gov.

    (Video) Have you been summoned as a juror? Watch this video in Spanish, with captions in English.

    If you are a juror selected for a specific term, you can check505-348-2073o1-800-240-6366contact the Automated Jury Information Line 2 weeks before the start of the term. You will need your 9-digit participant number for further instructions.

FAQs

What are some common excuses for avoiding jury service? ›

Excuse from Service
  • You have no means of transportation.
  • You would have to travel an excessive distance to the courthouse.
  • You have a physical or mental impairment.
  • You provide care for a dependent and cannot afford to have someone cover for you.
  • Serving would be an extreme financial burden.

How do you get picked for jury duty in New Mexico? ›

The United States District Court for the District of New Mexico randomly selects names from the voter registration lists within the State of New Mexico. Any registered voter is subject to jury service.

What should I wear to jury duty in New Mexico? ›

Jurors are representatives of the court and should dress comfortably and conservatively in order to avoid distracting others by their attire. Jeans are acceptable. Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, bare midriffs, hats, sunglasses, and cutoffs are not considered appropriate attire for a courtroom.

Why did I get a juror qualification questionnaire? ›

Receiving a questionnaire does not mean you will be summoned for jury duty. Potential jurors are randomly selected from voter registration lists. The questionnaire is the beginning of a screening process.

Can you turn down jury service? ›

Avoiding it, however, is ill advised: you cannot simply refuse and it is a criminal offence to not answer a jury summons without reasonable cause. You may, however, be able to defer (or possibly be excused) if you've served in the last two years or have a good reason.

What are the two types of challenges to dismiss a potential juror? ›

There are certain legal grounds for which a juror might be excused, called a challenge for cause, and each side may excuse a certain number of jurors, called a peremptory challenge.

What are the chances of being asked to do jury duty? ›

The chances of being called for jury service at least once in your lifetime are around 40%. The general rule is that you must do jury service when you are sent a jury summons, but you may be allowed to delay it for up to 12 months.

How much do you get paid for jury duty in New Mexico? ›

Juror Payment and Reimbursement

You will receive an attendance fee of $50.00 per day plus mileage at the rate of $0.58 per mile round trip. Federal government employees are not entitled to an attendance fee unless in non-pay status during all or part of their jury service. The mileage rate is subject to change.

How do you get around Jury Duty? ›

All requests to be excused from jury service must be submitted in writing.
  1. Prior Jury Service. This excuse is for those people who have actually heard testimony. ...
  2. Physical or Mental Disability. ...
  3. Child Care / Care of a Dependent. ...
  4. Language. ...
  5. Distance. ...
  6. Financial / Business / Employment Hardship.

How long does jury service last? ›

Jury service usually lasts up to 10 working days. If the trial is likely to last longer than 10 days, you will be notified of this by jury staff. If the trial is shorter than 10 days, you may be asked to be a juror on other trials.

How long does it take to get paid for jury service? ›

The claim will normally be paid within 10 days of receiving a correctly-completed form. You will be paid by cheque or if you fill in your bank details on the claim form, directly into your bank account.

Do you get paid for jury duty? ›

While the majority of jury trials last less than a week, jurors can receive up to $60 a day after serving 10 days on a trial. (Employees of the federal government are paid their regular salary in lieu of this fee.) Jurors also are reimbursed for reasonable transportation expenses and parking fees.

How many questions do the jury need to answer? ›

With six weeks of testimony and evidence under their belt, jurors will need to answer "yes" or "no" to the 42 questions. Already, jurors are on day three of deliberation and some believe it may take a while for them to reach a final decision.

How are jurors qualified and selected? ›

The court uses numbers not names when selecting jurors. At the start of the trial, the court clerk randomly selects jury panel numbers. If they call your panel number, reply “yes” and go to the jury box in the courtroom.

What are the two types of jury vetting? ›

Guidance
  • Overview of Jury Checks. There are 2 types of checks that can be made on a jury member: ...
  • Checks in Specific Cases. ...
  • Defence Request for a Jury Check. ...
  • 'Authorised Jury Checks' ...
  • Procedure. ...
  • Prosecution to ask a juror to Stand By. ...
  • Challenges for Cause. ...
  • Judges' discretionary power to remove a juror.
21 Jul 2022

Do I have to go back to work after jury service? ›

An employee called for jury service should tell their employer as soon as possible that they have been summoned, when they will need time off and if possible how much. If the employee is not needed at court then they should return to work unless something different has been agreed upon beforehand.

Do you have to do jury service if you suffer from anxiety? ›

The possibility of a juror having anxiety/panic attacks or a complaint like agoraphobia is something that courts would not want to risk as it would mean the expense of a case being abandoned and re-tried if the person was unable to continue. This is probably your safest excuse to avoid jury duty.

What is the oldest age for jury duty? ›

Excuses from Jury Service

Such groups may include persons over age 70; persons who have, within the past two years, served on a federal jury; and persons who serve as volunteer fire fighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew.

Which of the following types of evidence is generally not admissible at trial? ›

Hearsay is generally inadmissible, since the judge or jury is unable to form an opinion regarding whether the person making the out-of-court statement is reliable.

What is a Batson violation? ›

The Batson challenge refers to the act of objecting the validity of a peremptory challenge, on grounds that the other party used it to exclude a potential juror based on race, ethnicity, or sex.

What disadvantages may exist when you are tried by a jury? ›

Trial by Jury: Cons

For example, a jury trial would not be an ideal choice for a defendant who has a long criminal record or is accused of heinous crimes. It's not uncommon for jurors to be unfairly swayed by personal emotion. Many people find it challenging to make a decision based solely on evidence and rules.

Why have I been selected for jury service? ›

You have been called for jury service because the Jury Central Summoning Bureau (JCSB) randomly chose your name from the electoral register of everyone eligible for jury service. If you are selected and require further information you can call the JCSB on: 08453 555 567.

Do celebrities do jury duty? ›

Never mind former presidents - even actors have to turn up when summoned. Celebrity gossip site TMZ even has a special "Reporting for Duty" page where you can keep track of famous faces going to court (but on the right side of the dock).

Can a felon be on jury duty in New Mexico? ›

A person who was convicted of a felony and who meets all other requirements for eligibility may be summoned for jury service if the person has successfully completed all conditions of the sentence imposed for the felony, including conditions for probation or parole.

Do employers have to pay for jury duty in New Mexico? ›

Employers do not have to compensate an employee for time spent on jury duty. See Compensation During Leave. New Mexico law protects an employee's job when the employee serves on a jury. See Prohibited Actions.

What happens if you don't go to jury duty? ›

Under no circumstances simply don't turn up for your jury service as this will cause the court delays. You could face a fine or even more serious charges if you fail to tell the court you will not be able to attend. The courts understand that jury service can be stressful, so talk to them as they can help you.

What stops you being called for jury duty? ›

Reasons for not completing jury service

not qualified. disqualified. ineligible. excusable.

Does the jury stay overnight? ›

When serving on a jury, there might be times when you can't leave the court. You might also be required to stay in a hotel during your jury service. While the court is in session, the jury can't leave the courtroom. This means that you can't visit the toilet during the court session time.

Can you be called for jury service more than once? ›

The MoJ says: “The court will always call more people than may be needed to ensure they have enough people when the juries are being picked. Most jurors are called for approximately 10 working days. During this time you could sit on a number of juries covering a wide range of trials; however this cannot be guaranteed.”

Do I have to go to work while on jury duty? ›

Attending work during jury service

You will be expected to attend work on any full day when you are not required in court. If you are not required to attend court for part of a day, you will be expected to attend work if it is reasonably practicable to do so, e.g. if travel time from court to work allows it.

Who pays salary on jury service? ›

The big one for a lot of people is pay. Many employers will pay your normal salary when you're on Jury Service. But a lot won't, so you'll need to check. If they don't, you'll need to take a Certificate of Loss of Earnings or Benefit form for them to fill out.

Can a defendant claim travel expenses? ›

As the defendant, loss of earnings cannot be recovered as they are not 'expenses properly incurred by him in the proceedings. ' Ordinary witness subsistence allowance and travelling expenses are the only recoverable expenses for a defendant. Other witnesses of fact can claim their expenses in the same way.

Who pays the daily juror payment to jurors who are employed? ›

The government will pay up to $50 a day after that. In other states, employers are required only to pay for the first two days of service after the first day and the government will cover the rest. Check with your local government's policy on payment for your juror service.

What are some valid excuses for getting out of jury duty UK? ›

If you cannot do jury service on the dates in your summons letter, you can ask to change the date or be excused.
...
You'll need a good reason, for example:
  • you're having an operation.
  • you're sitting an exam.
  • your employer will not give you time off work.
  • you have a holiday booked.
  • you're a new parent.

What is it called to excuse a juror for any reason? ›

peremptory - Each side in a case has a certain number of challenges that can be used without giving a reason. These are called "peremptory" challenges. Each side may ask the judge to excuse particular jurors.

Can you call in sick for jury duty UK? ›

If you think you're going to be late or you're sick and can't go, you must contact the juries officer before 9.30 am that day. The contact number is on your jury summons.

Who is disqualified from jury service UK? ›

Disqualified. Having a criminal conviction doesn't automatically rule you out of jury service. But you would be disqualified from serving on a jury if you: were convicted by a court in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man and sentenced to five years or more in prison.

What are jurors specifically told not to do during a case? ›

It is an offence, punishable with a fine or imprisonment, for a juror to tell anyone about any statements, opinions, arguments or votes made by jury members while they are considering the case.

What does it mean when a jury comes back quickly? ›

A quick verdict is usually linked to strongly held beliefs of the jurors, not just facts. Here, we might surmise that the facts they found most important were consistent with their personal beliefs and values, otherwise it would have required much longer to sort through them.

What expenses can I claim for jury service? ›

If you have been summoned to jury service, you can claim allowances for travel, meals or financial loss over the time you had to be at court.
...
Financial loss
  • loss of earnings.
  • childcare.
  • National Insurance contributions.
  • pension contributions.
  • Information for employers of jurors - Financial Loss.

What happens if you fail to attend jury service? ›

You can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not return the form or turn up for your jury service.

What is forbidden for jurors during a trial? ›

Disclosing jury deliberations (s.

Section 20D makes it an offence to intentionally disclose information about statements made, opinions expressed, arguments advanced, or votes cast by members of a jury in the course of their deliberations in proceedings before a court, or to solicit or obtain such information.

Does a person get paid to be a juror? ›

While the majority of jury trials last less than a week, jurors can receive up to $60 a day after serving 10 days on a trial. (Employees of the federal government are paid their regular salary in lieu of this fee.) Jurors also are reimbursed for reasonable transportation expenses and parking fees.

Can a judge tell a jury how do you vote? ›

The judge can direct a jury, but cannot oblige it to go along with his interpretation.

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