Berrien County

Question 1: You must be a citizen of the United States in order to serve. If you are not a citizen, check no and provide supporting documentation (green card,work visa, passport, etc.) to be excused.

Question 2: If you feel you are unable to understand the English language during everyday conversation, check no and provide an explanation.

Question 3: You can only serve as a juror once in a 12-month period. If you have served within the last 12 months, you will be excused. Please include a note with the month and year that you served so that we may verify and excuse you.

Question 4: Convicted FELONS may not serve as jurors. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor you are still eligible. If your felony conviction occured outside of Berrien County, please provide the County and State in which you were convicted so we can confirm it.

Question 5: Candidates over the age of 70 are not required to serve as jurors. If you are over 70 and wish to be exempted, check 'yes'- anybody under the age of 70 or over 70 but wishes to serve should check no.

Question 6: You must be a resident of Berrien County in order to serve. This means both your mailing address and residence must be in Berrien County. If you are a resident, but temporarily residing in another state during your term of service, please provide us with your temporary address. Examples would be wintering in Florida or going to college and living on campus. If you have moved out of state, you must update your Identification with your new state as soon as possible and provide a copy to us to be excused.

Juror Personal History Section of Questionnaire

Have you, a family member, or close friend ever been in a serious traffic accident?: Family members would include mother, father, sister, brother, son, daughter, aunt, uncle or cousin.

Have you ever been a victim, witness, plaintiff or defendant in a criminal or civil suit?: Have you ever sued or been sued by someone? If you sued an individual, check yes. If someone has sued you, check yes. If you were the victim of a crime, check yes. If you have testified as a witness, check yes. If you have checked yes to any of the above, please provide a brief explanation of the event.

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor other than traffic violations?: A misdemeanor is any criminal offense that is punishable by up to one year in jail. This does not include civil traffic violations.

Are there any special accommodations the court needs to make to assist you in serving as a juror?: If you have a special situation that we need to be aware of, please list in the space provided. This would include the need for wheelchair facilities, help for the hearing impaired, crutches, etc.

We have attempted to answer the most commonly asked questions regarding the juror personal history side of your questionnaire. If you have further questions, you may reach the jury clerk by calling (269) 983-7111 ext. 8231 or e-mailing Clerk@berriencounty.org