Serving Jury Duty For Sandusky County

Thank You For Your Service

As a citizen of Sandusky County, there will be times when you are randomly selected to serve as part of a Jury. This is a fundamental duty for all citizens of the United States and Sandusky County. The court thanks you for your attention and service required to protect the rights of all citizens.

Jury Duty

Questions

We at the Sandusky County Court understand that being an active part of the legal system can be difficult given the complexities of the legal system. Below, we address many questions that you, the juror, may have about your service in a legal proceeding. If you have any other questions, call (419) 547-3262 (ext 3).

Eligible individuals in Sandusky County, aged 18 or older and residing in Sandusky County, are chosen from diverse backgrounds. You have been randomly selected from the Sandusky County voter registration list for potential jury duty. U.S. citizenship and the ability to read, hear, and speak English are required.

You are officially required to appear for potential jury service. Non-compliance without a court-approved reason may result in a contempt of court citation. Your role as a juror is crucial to the administration of justice. Should you have received a summons and possess a medical condition, are 75 years of age or more, or have other compelling reasons preventing your service, you must contact the Sandusky County Court at (419) 547-3262 (ext 3) to request an excusal or deferral.

Your employer can not fire you or punish you in any way for doing jury duty. We will provide you a form to show your employer as proof of your service.

You will be compensated for your jury service. Full-day service earns a $15.00 voucher, and half-day service earns $10.00.

You will receive a notification letter several weeks prior to your scheduled jury service date. Be aware that you may not be selected for the jury or as an alternate, in which case you will be released. If selected, trials typically conclude within one day, though they may extend into the evening. In rare cases, trials may last longer than one day; if this occurs, you will be informed of your return date.

Your clothing should be comfortable but also respectful of the court's dignity and the gravity of your jury duty. Think "smart casual".

While we strive to minimize delays, you may experience periods of waiting before knowing if you've been selected for a jury. We suggest bringing reading material like books or magazines. Electronic devices will not be permitted.

Yes. The court will provide jurors with a lunch recess and may schedule further breaks as needed throughout the trial.

You may be a part of two types of cases. First, civil cases in this court involve disputes over money or property, with a maximum claim of $15,000. The person filing the lawsuit is the plaintiff, and the person being sued is the defendant. Eight jurors and one alternate will be selected. A verdict in a civil case requires agreement from at least six (6) of the eight (8) jurors.

Second is criminal cases involving individuals, known as defendants, charged with crimes. The State of Ohio acts as the plaintiff. Sandusky County Court handles misdemeanor cases, such as DUI, theft, and assault. In a criminal trial, a unanimous verdict from all eight (8) jurors is required.