Juror Selection
How It Works
Contact
Correspondence should be directed to the appropriate County Clerk:
The Court's master pool of potential jurors contains all licensed drivers and persons with state identification cards in your county of residence. The Michigan Secretary of State provides the court with names of potential jurors through a computerized random selection process.
Requirements
Not everyone who is summoned for jury service is eligible to serve. To serve as a jury in the 13th Judicial Circuit Court, the individual summoned must:
- Be, in the judgment of the court, mentally and physically capable of performing the role of a juror
- Be a resident of the county from which you received a summons
- Be a United States citizen
- Be able to read, write and understand English, unless such person's inability is due to a vision or hearing impairment which can be adequately compensated for through the use of auxiliary aids or services
- Be at least 18 years old
- Not be an active member of the armed forces
- Not have been convicted of a felony
If you believe that you should be excused from jury duty, additional documentation is required. Each case is handled individually, and depends upon whether your circumstances fall within the statutory provisions for an excuse from service based upon undue or extreme physical or financial hardship.
Upon receiving a summons, you need to direct a letter to the Circuit Court Administration Office for review by the presiding Judge. Be specific and provide financial, medical and/or other proof regarding your hardship.
Contact
Correspondence should be directed to the appropriate County Clerk:
- Antrim County Clerk
P.O. Box 520
203 E Cayuga Street
Bellaire, MI 49615 - Grand Traverse County Clerk
328 Washington Street, Suite 100
Traverse City, MI 49684 - Leelanau County Clerk
8527 E Government Center Drive, Suite 103
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Copies of pre-paid travel documents should be included if travel is the source of your hardship. Be sure to include contact information for notification regarding whether or not your request has been granted or denied.
Excused
| Reason to be Excused |
Documentation Needed |
|---|---|
| 70 years old or older |
If you do not want to serve, indicate this decision on your questionnaire and return to the Clerk |
| Physically / Mentally unable to serve |
Current doctor / caseworker's note indicating inability to serve |
| Moved out of the county issuing jury summons |
Copy of current driver's license or state ID showing new address |
| Convicted of a felony |
Provide the state where the felony occurred and the date on the questionnaire |
| Served as a juror in the past 12 months |
Where and when you served must be listed on the questionnaire |
| Religious reasons |
Not excused - If you are called for jury duty, the Judge will determine if you should be excused |
| College student |
Not excused - You will be rescheduled during your breaks |