ROCKDALE CONSTITUTIONAL CORNER: Did you miss your jury duty in Rockdale? Here’s what to do

By Ruth A. Wilson | Rockdale Clerk of Courts

First of all, don’t panic. We will work with you. BUT, you must communicate with us. As soon as you can, contact the Jury Clerk at 770-278-7902 or Jury@RockdaleCountyGA.GOV as noted on your Jury Summons. Let us know what happened. If you are eligible to be excused, you may be asked to submit some paper work and then you are done. If you are eligible to serve, we may be able to simply reschedule you for a future Jury date.

If you do not communicate with us, a series of not so pleasant things can happen:

• First, you will receive a subpoena to be present at a Show Cause Hearing (also known as Failure To Appear Hearing) before the Chief Superior Court Judge. You are notified that failure to comply is deemed Contempt of Court.
• Second, if you still have not responded, you will receive a certified letter directing you to contact the Jury Clerk within five days of receipt of the letter.
• Finally, if you still have not responded, the Sheriff will serve you with an order to appear on charges of Indirect Criminal Failure to Appear.

Under no circumstances will we call you and threaten you with arrest. We will never demand that you pay a fine by phone or at the Clerk of Courts Office. If you ever receive such calls, contact Law Enforcement promptly because it is likely a scam.

If a Jury Summons arrives for someone who no longer lives at that address, please let us know so that they can be removed from the Rockdale Jury Master List. Your assistance would be most appreciated. We are here at your service. Do not hesitate to call with your questions or concerns.