Dearborn County, Indiana
A unique mixture of agriculture and industrial enterprises with easy access to surrounding areas
HOW WAS I CHOSEN?
As a Dearborn County resident, your name was selected, at random, from Voter Registration and Motor Vehicle Administration records for the State of Indiana. You were deemed eligible for jury service based on your answers to the questions on the Juror Questionnaire, and since you are at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror, and able to communicate in English. You are now part of the "jury pool" -- a group of citizens from which trial juries are chosen.
DIRECTIONS AND PARKING INFORMATION
The courthouse is located at 215 W. High Street, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025. The Courthouse sits on the corner of High and Mary Streets. You will be required to enter the Courthouse through the High Street entrance and go through a metal detector upon entering the courthouse. Please check-in with our staff on the 2nd floor.
You may park in the parking lot across the Courthouse at the High Street entrance, or the side parking lot between the Courthouse and Administration Building. Street parking is also available. Handicap parking is available behind the Courthouse with an elevator for public use.
If requested, you will may need to provide proof of summons to Courthouse security, so please bring your summons with you.
CELL PHONE / ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
No cell phones are permitted to be used in the Courtroom. All cell phones must be turned off. Jurors shall not use any electronic devices in the Courtroom. An electronic device means (A) a cell phone, a computer, and any other device that is capable of transmitting, receiving, or recording messages, images, sounds, data, or other information by electronic means or that, in appearance, purports to be a cell phone, computer, or such other device; and (B) a camera, regardless of whether it operates electronically, mechanically, or otherwise and regardless of whether images are recorded by using digital technology, film, light-sensitive plates, or other means. Prospective jurors are permitted to bring books, magazines, crossword puzzles, etc. All personal items are subject to inspection by Courthouse security and/or Court staff and may be confiscated at the discretion of the Court. Electronic devices are also prohibited from use in the jury deliberation room.
HOW IS A PROSPECTIVE JUROR SELECTED TO SERVE?
In the courtroom, the judge will tell you about the case. He will then introduce the lawyers and others who are involved in the case. You will also take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully. After you are sworn, the judge and the lawyers will question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, any personal interest in it, or any feelings that may make it difficult for you to be impartial. This questioning process is called voir dire, which means "to speak the truth". Although some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer them completely and honestly. If you are uncomfortable answering the questions in front of others, tell the judge and s/he may request that you approach the bench and answer the question in a more private setting with attorneys and/or parties present. Questions are not asked to embarrass you. They are intended to make sure members of the jury have no opinions or past experiences that might prevent them from making an impartial decision. We realize this selection process may be tiresome and your patience during this time is appreciated.
LENGTH OF SERVICE
Length of service is contingent upon when the trial is completed. The Court will make its best effort to anticipate the trial length and inform the jurors of what to expect, however, this cannot always be accurately calculated. The Court generally holds session from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. with a mid-morning and mid-afternoon break. Lunch break is from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
At the conclusion of the parties closing arguments, the bailiff will escort the jurors to their private meeting room where they will have the opportunity to deliberate on the case and come to a verdict. The jurors shall remain in deliberations until either a verdict is reached, or if a verdict cannot be agreed upon after extended deliberation, there is a “hung jury”. The bailiff will make dinner arrangements if necessary for the jurors.
ATTIRE
The Court recommends business casual attire. Due to environmental changes, the Courtroom temperature may fluxuate from day to day so you may wish to bring a sweater or jacket. No hats are permitted in the Courtroom.
MEALS
No food or drinks shall be permitted in the Courtroom. If you are selected as a juror, meals and refreshments will be provided during breaks.
ATTENDANCE AND COMPENSATION
You will be paid $15.00 for reporting for jury duty and $40.00 per day if you are a sworn member of the jury. In addition, you will be paid mileage for travel expenses. Checks are issued approximately 3 weeks following the conclusion of the trial.
Each juror selected to serve is paid $40/day for each day of service.
Each juror who is requested to report for jury selection but is not chosen to serve as a juror is paid $15.00.
All jurors are paid daily mileage to and from their residence.
Due to statutory requirements, juror checks will be mailed within 30-60 days after completion of service.
AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Auxiliary aids and services may be available pursuant to ADA. Jurors should discuss reasonable accommodations with the court bailiff.
CHILDREN
Children cannot accompany parents to jury selection. There are no facilities to care for children. Children cannot accompany parents into the courtroom during questioning.
JUROR AUTOMATED LINE – COMING SOON
The information line will provide general information for prospective jurors. When the line is in service, Jurors should call this number on the Sunday evening prior to the date they are supposed to arrive for Jury duty to confirm their attendance. Any trial cancellations, postponements, or delays due to inclement weather will be announced through the Juror automated line.
SECURITY
You will be required to go through a metal detector upon entering the courthouse on each day of trial. Jurors and prospective jurors must abide by the weapons policies in the Security Guidelines Order.
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