Debra N. Byer, clerk of Alleghany County Circuit Court, has announced that jury questionnaires have been mailed to potential jurors for 2021 by the two jury commissioners recently appointed by the court.
Utilizing a list of names that could include people who have been licensed to drive, those who have been issued a DMV identification card, or people who have registered to vote and using random selection techniques approved by the court, approximately 1,600 citizens were chosen for possible jury service.
According to Byer, “Receiving the questionnaire does not automatically mean a person will be called to serve. Completing the questionnaire and returning it within 10 days of the receipt thereof in the postage-paid envelope provided is required and will allow the commissioners to make an informed decision when they meet again to apply the law and determine who may be eligible to serve and who may be exempt.”
Follow-up contacts will be made with any person failing to complete and return the questionnaire on time. Persons still failing to complete and return the form may be summoned to appear in court and answer the questions before a judge.
Anyone who is selected for jury service during 2021 following return of the questionnaire will receive official notice of service from the clerk’s office to alert them of their dates of potential service.
If you are actually selected for a jury, you will be notified of the day and time of your appearance through a phone call from the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.
The juror will be paid $30 for each day of the juror’s attendance for service.
Byer commented that trials rarely last more than one day and that jurors who serve are then exempt after the completion of their term from serving again for three years.
Anyone having a question regarding the form or needing assistance may call the Alleghany County Circuit Court at 965-1730 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Virginian Review has been serving Covington, Clifton Forge, Alleghany County and Bath County since 1914.
