Clayton County, GA - Clerk of Superior Court

Jury Division

Frequently Asked Questions About Jury Duty

Who has to appear for jury duty?

Georgia Law requires all persons summoned for jury duty to appear for service provided they are 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States and a resident of Clayton County.

Any person who has committed a felony can serve provided their rights have been restored. If you are in doubt as to whether your rights have been restored, you should contact the Pardons and Parole office in the state in which you were convicted.

How can I get exempted from jury duty?

Exemptions are: (1) Any person who is 70 years of age or older and has requested a permanent exemption by filling out an affidavit (pdf) (2) Any person who has an affidavit (pdf) from their doctor that states the person is permanently mentally or physically disabled and (3) Any person who is a legislator who is summoned to serve during a session of the Georgia General Assembly may be excused to another date when the Georgia General Assembly is not in session. You may obtain an age affidavit (pdf), medical affidavit (pdf), military exemption (pdf) or non-resident affidavit (pdf) by clicking on the highlighted links or by contacting our office at (770) 477-3400.

What if ....?

(1) I have my vacation planned for the week I am summoned, (2) My business has me scheduled for training, (3) I have a doctor's appointment, (4) I have surgery scheduled, (5) I am pregnant, (6) I am the sole proprietor of my business, (7) My job does not compensate me for jury service, (8) I am a care giver or (9) I don't have transportation?

A one time deferral can be given under these circumstances, in order for you to make some arrangements, although some documentation may be required. Our office will attempt to schedule a more convenient date for you to the best of our ability, however, none of the above situations are grounds for jury exemption under Georgia Law. Requests may be submitted in writing to Clerk Superior Court - Jury Division, 9151 Tara Boulevard, Room 1JA09, Jonesboro, Georgia, 30236-4912 or by fax to (770) 477-4519. Please be sure to include phone numbers where you can be reached during office hours. You may also contact our office for a deferment at (770) 477-3400 on Tuesday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The request must be received no less than seven (7) days prior to the starting date of your service.

If you have a medical problem, you must submit an affidavit (pdf) from your doctor. (Click on highlighted area to download the form now.)

What if I don't have child care for my children?

If you are the sole caregiver of your own child(ren) and he/she/they are under 6 years of age, you may submit a one-time affidavit (pdf) and you will be deferred to a later date. (Click on the highlighted area to download the form now.)

What if I home school my children?

If you are the primary teacher for a home study program, you may request that your jury service be deferred until the next school break. Please complete the affidavit (pdf) in its entirety including the dates of your next week long breaks (i.e., Summer, Spring, Christmas break, etc.) and your jury service will be re-scheduled. This is a one time deferment.

What if I am the primary caregiver for someone over the age of six?

If you are the primary, unpaid caregiver for someone over the age of six, you may request a one year deferment. You must submit an affidavit that includes a medical affidavit which must be completed by the patient’s physician.

I am a full-time college student. Do I still need to serve?

You may request a student affidavit (pdf) from our office or click on the highlighted area to download the form now. Please complete the form in its entirety including the dates of your next week long breaks. (i.e. Summer, Spring, Christmas break) and you will be deferred until one of those weeks.

Except in extreme emergencies, no deferments are permitted on the morning you are to report for jury service.

I have moved from Clayton County, what do I do?

If you are not a resident of Clayton County, proof of your permanent resident address must be submitted. A voter's registration card, driver's license or some other official document will suffice. This proof may be submitted with either the questionnaire that was mailed with your summons or a non-resident affidavit (pdf) .

How long is Jury Service?

Your length of service is normally one (1) week. However, if you are participating in a trial and the trial is not completed by the end of the week, you will be required to report the following week until the trial is completed. You should plan to attend every week day Monday through Friday. You will be given specific instructions on a daily basis.

What is the proper attire?

Please use good judgment and report for jury duty properly dressed. Shorts, mini-skirts, sweat pants, tank tops are inappropriate attire. Please do not wear uniforms, especially those with badges and name plates.

How much am I paid?

You will receive an expense allowance of $25.00 each day that you report to the courthouse. The County Finance Department will mail the checks out within two weeks upon completion of your jury service. The County Finance Department can be reached at (770) 477-3221.

What if I don't understand or speak English?

You will have to appear. This is not an exemption provided by Georgia Law.

What if I am not a citizen of the United States?

You will have to furnish documentation that you are not a citizen.