JURY DUTY
One of the jobs of our civil deputies is to serve jury duty summons. Most dread the idea of spending their time listening to horrific crimes in a courtroom but after serving understand it is one of the most important aspects of our democracy. We all have the right to have our case heard in front of a jury of peers. Our system is the greatest and fairest in the world. Sometimes people abuse the system and justice does not prevail but in most part justice is often served.
According to Louisiana law you are entitled to be compensated for serving. Witnesses subpoenaed in all preliminary criminal trials or proceedings, for attendance before grand juries and upon final trials shall receive a per diem of three dollars per day and mileage of not more than five cents for each mile necessarily traveled in going to and returning from court, the exact amount to be fixed by the police juries of the several parishes, provided, however, that in the parishes of Acadia and Vermilion witnesses shall not be allowed any fees, per diem or mileage in all preliminary criminal trials or proceedings and for attendance before grand juries, provided further, however, that witnesses subpoenaed in the parishes of Acadia and Vermilion upon final trials shall receive a per diem of three dollars per day and mileage of not more than five cents for each mile necessarily travelled in going to and returning from court, the exact amount to be fixed by the police juries of the parishes of Acadia and Vermilion.
Witnesses who are summoned to testify in prosecutions pending in other parishes than those, in which they reside, shall receive a compensation of five cents for every mile they may necessarily travel in going and returning, and five dollars for every day they may be necessarily in attendance upon the court.
Remember if you are called to serve on a jury, you have a person’s freedom in your hand. You should always presume a defendant not guilty until proven beyond a reasonable doubt and to be fair and impartial. You will not get rich serving on a jury but again, it is our civic duty to serve.
Note: The above information is intended for information purposes only and not for legal advice. For legal advice, consult an attorney. Questions can be submitted to bguidroz@slpsheriff.com
