81st & 218th Grand Jury Selection Questionnaire for Karnes County

Thank you for using the online process to respond to your jury summons. State law obligates all qualified residents to serve as a grand juror.

Because of COVID-19, we have created this form to be completed ahead of time to help prevent forms from passing hand to hand on selection day. We are also taking cleaning, sanitation, and social distancing precautions as recommended by the CDC and the Office of Court Administration.

Below, please read the letter from the Judges about what steps they are taking to ensure your safety during COVID-19 and then click NEXT to begin the Questionnaire. 

To All Prospective Jurors Summoned to Appear for Grand Jury Selection in the 81st/218th Judicial District Court Karnes County, Texas

Re: Precautions for Safety Due to COVID-19 for Upcoming Jury Service Dear Prospective Juror:

You have been randomly selected to appear for potential service as a grand juror. The grand jury process is a vital step of the justice system in the State of Texas. Grand Jurors are tasked with the responsibility of reviewing evidence in a potential criminal case and making a decision to issue an indictment, formally charging the defendant with a crime. 

 In light of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, we want to assure you that we have taken every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of you and court staff. We have called upon county officials and employees to provide their expertise and assistance in order to proceed in a manner that is safe for all participants. The judges formulated a plan in accordance with the requirements of the Texas Supreme Court and Office of Court Administration, and this plan was reviewed and approved by the Local Administrative Judge and the Regional Administrative Judge. The Health Department monitors COVID-19 numbers daily and has approved our plan.

Please review the below list of precautions related to the summons requesting your appearance:

1. Prospective grand jurors, in accordance with Governor Abbott’s Executive Order GA-29 and guidance from the Office of Court Administration, will be required to wear face coverings while they are in the building. Individuals are encouraged to bring a face covering with them. If an individual does not have a face covering, a disposable face mask will be provided.

3. At the building entrance, each prospective juror will have their temperature screened and will be questioned regarding their COVID-19 symptoms and exposure.

In coordination with guidance from the Office of Court Administration, please review the below additional guidelines as it pertains to COVID-19 exemptions individuals can claim for the reasons detailed below:

1. Vulnerable Population: Individuals who are over age 65 and individuals with serious underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune systems are compromised such as by chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions requiring such therapy are considered to be vulnerable populations.

2. Symptoms or Exposure: Individuals, or a member of your household, who have symptoms such as fever, chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle or body aches, coughing, nausea and vomiting, headache, fatigue, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, and diarrhea. Individuals who have had exposure to someone with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or exposure, within the past 30 days, to individuals exhibiting symptoms related to COVID-19.

3. Other Hardships: Upon review by the court, individuals who would like to claim an exemption due to existing hardships as it relates to job or income loss, child care, primary caretaker of someone in a vulnerable population category, travel issues, or any other matters that could be considered that will cause issue for jury service.

On behalf of District Courts and the District Clerk’s Office, we want you to know that we are mindful of your concerns during this time and are committed to taking every reasonable precaution to maintain your health and safety. Your requested appearance is invaluable to the community and we look forward to seeing you.

Sincerely, 

Judge Russell Wilson

Judge Lynn Ellison

Below you will find a series of questions. This form is secure and confidential. Please fill out the information below before the deadline listed on your summons. Please be sure to provide an e-mail address that is valid and that you check regularly. If you are excused from service based on your responses below, or if the jury panel is canceled, you will be notified by e-mail. 

If you fail to answer a jury summons or knowingly provide false information in a request for an exemption or excuse, you may be fined between $100 and $1,000.

If you are picked for jury service but fail to attend court without a reasonable excuse or file a false exemption claim you may be fined between $100 and $1,000.

State law does not allow a person to be excused for economic or business reasons. However, if you have hardships or concerns, please list them below and they may be addressed when you appear for Court.

The law does provide certain other exemptions that you can claim below as well as a list of factors that may disqualify you for jury service.

If you claim an exemption or disqualification, you are only formally excused when you receive an e-mail from the Court notifying you that you are excused from service. If you do not received a formal e-mail notifying you that you are excused, you may be asked to appear to explain your request for exemption or disqualification. 

Individuals who are over age 65 and individuals with serious underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma, and those whose immune systems are compromised, such as by chemotherapy for cancer or other conditions requiring such therapy ,are considered to be vulnerable populations and may request to postpone or be excused from jury service at this time. If you wish to be excused or request that your jury service be postponed, check the box below.