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Office Of The Jury Clerk
7th Floor
Justice Center Tower
185 Central Avenue, SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-612-4600

Answers to frequently asked questions:

What is jury service?

 Click Here for a video explaining jury service in Fulton County.

What does my jury summons mean?

A summons means that you have been randomly selected, by computer, as a prospective trial or grand juror in the Superior Court of Fulton County. The summons also makes you eligible for service in Fulton County State Court and Probate Court. Read the summons carefully for reporting information.

How did you get my name?

The list of names that is used to call people for jury service is created by combining the County’s voter registration list and Georgia Department of Driver Services records. Names are randomly selected from that master list by a computer program.

I’ve been summoned as a trial juror and there’s an “X” in the standby box; what does that mean?

You may or may not have to report. Fulton County uses the standby summonsing method to avoid having jurors report when it becomes apparent that they will not be needed.

It is very important that you follow the instructions printed on the summons and call the day before the service date to hear the reporting schedule of your group. You will not receive the expense allowance fee if you report when your group has been excused in the standby announcement.

How often can I be called to jury service?

Fulton County residents may be summoned to jury service once every 18 months.

I’ve been called to serve three times in the past five years and none of my friends have ever been called. Why don’t you pick some other people?

A computer program randomly selects names from the master jury file to summons potential jurors. Since that process is random, some people may be selected more often than others.

Where do I report?

The jury assembly room is located on the 7^th floor of the Justice Center Tower, 185 Central Avenue, which is between Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive and Mitchell Street.

How long does jury service last?

Service for trial jurors is for one trial or one day. If you are selected to be on a jury, you will serve until the trial is finished. If you are not assigned to a courtroom at the end of the day, your service is complete and you do not have to return.

Grand jurors serve a term of two months. If selected for the Grand Jury, you will have to meet every Tuesday and Friday during the court term (two months) and possibly on other days as needed.

How late will I be at the courthouse?

The court’s normal hours of operation are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Prospective jurors should make arrangements to remain the entire day.

What if I can’t come?

You may be exempted from jury service if you are:

· 70 years of age or older

· Have a permanent mental or physical disability

· Are NOT a resident of Fulton County at the time of service

· Are NOT a United States citizen

· A convicted felon whose rights have not been restored

You may be eligible to have your service date rescheduled if you are:

· The sole caregiver of a child six years of age or younger

· The sole caregiver of a person over six years of age who is permanently disabled

· A full-time student

· A home study program teacher

Click here to access Documents and Forms for excuse or deferral from Jury Service

What if I don’t live in Fulton County?

If you do not reside in Fulton County, you may be excused from jury service. Return the Jury summons along with proof of residency (for instance, a copy of a utility bill in your name or your driver’s license with your current address).

Do I get paid for jury service?

Yes, Fulton County pays you a $25.00 per day expense allowance to cover expenses such as parking and lunch.

Is there any place to eat?

There are two cafeterias, a small one in the Justice Center Tower and a larger one in the Fulton County Government Center. Underground Atlanta’s food court is nearby. Other restaurants, fast food and sit down, are located within walking distance. Menus and maps are available in the jury assembly room.

How do I get to the courthouse, where do I park and do I have to pay for parking?

For driving directions to the Fulton County Justice Center Tower, see the back of your jury summons or click here.

MARTA is also nearby if you would like to take a bus or train. Coming from any direction, take the train to the Five Points station. Use the Peachtree Street exit. Walk one block south (right as you exit the station) on Peachtree Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. Turn left and walk two blocks to Central Avenue. The entrance to the Justice Tower is half a block to the right on Central Avenue.

There are pay parking lots close by. However, free juror parking is available at the Turner Field Orange Lot at the corner of Hank Aaron Boulevard and Fulton Street. A shuttle bus will take you from the parking lot to the Justice Center Tower. Put your Juror Parking Permit, included in the summons, on your dashboard. For driving directions to the Turner Field Orange Lot, click here. NOTE: On days when the Braves play afternoon games jury parking is in Silver Lots 2 and 3.
Silver Lot 2 is at Pryor Street and Alice Court on the south side of the Fulton County Medical Examiner's building.

Silver Lot 3 is at Alice Court and Central Avenue one block north on Central Avenue from the Silver Lot 2.