“I consider trial by jury as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man, by which government can be held to the principles of its constitution.”
- Thomas Jefferson, 1788
COVID-19 Safety
To ensure the health and safety of everyone in the Courthouse, you will be required to wear a mask while in the building. If you do not bring a mask, one will be provided for you. Your temperature will be checked upon entering the building. Social distancing will be strictly maintained, hand sanitizer will be provided, and surfaces will be frequently sanitized. Attorneys and witnesses will be given clear face shields when appropriate, and the number of people in the Courtroom will remain limited. Please note purses, bags and backpacks are not permitted in the Courthouse.
Jury Duty Information
Serving on a jury is a responsibility and privilege of citizenship. Juries are critical to our legal system, and we rely on your participation! While the Court acknowledges being a juror may require some adjustment of your normal schedule, we hope you will enjoy the opportunity to see your Courts in action and learn more about the judicial system. Thank you for your service!
Please listen to the Jury Duty Information Center recording to find out if you have to come in for jury duty. Please be aware the final update is posted on Friday at 4:30 P.M. for Judge Ondrey’s Court and on the day before the trial at 4:30 P.M. for Judge Paschke’s Court.
Judge David M. Ondrey's Jury Recording: 440.279.2255
Judge Carolyn J. Paschke's Jury Recording: 440.279.2266
For any questions not answered in the information below, please call the appropriate Court.
Judge David M. Ondrey's Court:
Anita Comella, Court Reporter: 440.279.2017
Wendy Daugherty, Administrative Assistant: 440.279.2015
Judge Carolyn J. Paschke's Court:
Bev Modic, Court Reporter: 440.279.2194 or bmodic@geaugacourts.org
Deborah Winters, Administrative Assistant: 440.279.2192
It is essential you include your cell phone number when you return your questionnaire, so you can receive text message updates regarding your jury duty service.
Terms of Service
A juror term lasts four months, but each juror is usually scheduled for only a one or two-week period therein. Jurors for individual cases are randomly selected from the jurors in their group. Therefore, even if you are instructed to come to Court, you may not be selected to serve. You should know by 11:00 A.M. the first day of trial if you are selected to serve as a juror.
Juror Eligibility
To be eligible for jury duty, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the county in which you are called to serve. You must also be able to communicate in the English language.
Juror Expectations
- Be on time. The trial proceedings cannot begin without all jurors present.
- Pay attention to what is happening in the Courtroom and to what everyone is saying, including the Judge, parties, attorneys, and witnesses.
- Do not talk about the case matters while the trial is still occurring. You may only speak to other jury members about the trial after all evidence is presented, attorneys make closing arguments, and the Judge gives you instructions.
- Do not speak to any party, attorney, or witness, even if it is not about trial matters.
- Do not try to acquire outside information about the case. Only consider the evidence presented in Court, during the trial.
- Turn off your cellphone and other devices while in the Courtroom. You may use them during breaks.
- No food or chewing gum is permitted inside the Courtroom. Only bottled water is permitted.
Excusals
Requests for excusal from jury duty are governed by Ohio Revised Code 2313.14. Fill out the questionnaire and explain, in writing, your request for excuse. Submit the completed questionnaire immediately to the Court to whom you are assigned, and you will receive a written response.
You may be excused if one or more of the following applies:
- You have served as a juror within the past year.
- You are no longer a resident of Geauga County.
- You are not a citizen of the United States.
- You are unable to communicate in English.
- The interests of the public will be materially injured by your attendance.
- Your spouse or a near relative has recently died or is dangerously ill.
- You are a cloistered member of a religious organization.
- You have a mental or physical condition that causes you to be incapable of performing jury service.
- Jury service would otherwise cause undue or extreme physical or financial hardship to you or a person under your care or supervision. This includes if you are a caregiver for a sick, aged, or infirm dependent.
- You are over seventy-five years of age, and you wish to be excused.
- You are an active member of a recognized Amish sect and request to be excused because of your sincere belief that, as a result of your membership, you cannot pass judgment in a judicial matter.
- You are a full-time student. If this is the case, please include a copy of a current class schedule when returning the questionnaire.
- You have a felony conviction in Ohio or elsewhere and are currently on probation or community control.
Please return your questionnaire with your request for excusal to:
Jury Commission, Common Pleas Court 100 Short Court St 1A Chardon, OH 44024
Click Here to reprint a juror questionnaire. Please fill it out and mail it to the Court.
Postponements
You may request a postponement of jury duty if you have a current conflict but will be able to serve at a later date. You may be eligible for a postponement if you have vacation plans, your work requires a one-time change of service date, or you have other out-of-town commitments.
Your initial appearance for jury duty may be postponed if you have not previously been granted a postponement and if you and Jury Commission Staff agree to a specified date on which you will appear for jury service.
The Geauga County Court of Common Pleas may grant a second or subsequent postponement of jury service in the event of an extreme emergency, such as a death of a family member, a sudden illness, or a natural disaster or national emergency in which you are personally involved. Before receiving a second or subsequent postponement, you must agree to a specified date on which you will appear for jury service. The specified date must be one on which the Court is in session and is not more than six months after the date of the postponement.
State your date change request in writing on your questionnaire, along with an explanation for the request. Submit it immediately to the appropriate Court. You will receive your response in writing.
Please return your questionnaire with your request for postponement to:
Jury Commission, Common Pleas Court 100 Short Court St 1A Chardon, OH 44024
Click Here to reprint a juror questionnaire. Please fill it out and mail it to the Court.
Juror Compensation
You will be paid $25.00 a day for your service as a juror. You will be paid via check a few weeks from your last day of service.
Information for Employers
Employee Protection
As governed by Ohio Revised Code 2313.19, employers must allow time off for employees to serve on a jury.
- No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, or take any disciplinary action that could lead to the discharge of any permanent employee who is summoned to serve as a juror pursuant to Chapter 2313. of the Revised Code if the employee gives reasonable notice to the employer of the summons prior to the commencement of the employee's service as a juror and if the employee is absent from employment because of the actual jury service.
- No employer shall require or request an employee to use annual, vacation, or sick leave for time spent responding to a summons for jury duty, time spent participating in the jury selection process, or for time spent actually serving on a jury. Nothing in this division requires an employer to provide annual, vacation, or sick leave to employees under the provisions of this section who otherwise are not entitled to those benefits under the employer's policies.
Length of Service
Trials are held between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. They typically last 2-3 days, although this varies depending on the case.
Proof of Attendance
Upon request, the Court can give you a letter to verify your service.
Courthouse Location and Parking
Location
The Courthouse is the main building with the clock tower located in the middle of Chardon square.
Map to Common Pleas Court
Parking
Jurors are permitted to park in the Geauga County parking lot located on the east side of the Chardon Square, across the street from the Courthouse (on East Park Street, near Park Auditorium). Jurors may also park around the town square or on Short Court Street, which bisects the square. Please be sure you do not park in an area marked as a one hour zone. You should prominently display your Juror Notice on the dashboard of your vehicle to avoid a parking ticket.
Courthouse Security
For your safety, a sheriff is located at the entrance. Everyone will pass through a metal detector, and a cursory search of all purses, packages, backpacks, etc. will be conducted. Please do not bring weapons, pepper spray, knives, and sharp objects, as they will be confiscated. Any legal, confiscated item will be returned to you as you leave the Courthouse at the end of the day.
Dress Code
While there is no strict dress code, we request you please wear clothing that is appropriate in a court of law and reflects the seriousness of your duty as a juror. We recommend coming in comfortable, casual business attire. Because the temperature in the Courtroom can fluctuate, we suggest bringing a sweater or a jacket as an extra layer. Hats are not permitted inside the Courtroom.
Trial Process
Selection of a Jury
All prospective jurors will take an oath and/or agree to answer questions the Judge and the attorneys will ask. The questions asked will be used to determine if it might be difficult for certain jurors to remain impartial during trial. Please be truthful. You will be given a description of the case and the opportunity to tell the Court about anything that might impact your ability to be a juror.
Opening Statements
Opening statements are made by the attorneys of each party, starting with the prosecution/plaintiff. This is where both sides will introduce the case and provide an overview to the Judge and jury about what they can expect to hear during the trial.
Evidence and Witness Testimony
The prosecution/plaintiff’s case is presented first, and the defense’s follows. Each side may call witnesses to the stand and ask questions of their own witnesses through direct-examinations. An attorney from the other side may also ask questions through cross-examinations. Evidence may be admitted to the Court as part of the prosecution/plaintiff or defense’s cases, such as documents or photographs.
Attorneys may object to questions during direct and cross-examinations, as well as to the admission of certain pieces of evidence. Objection arguments are made to the Judge and are questions of legal technicalities. The Judge will instruct you, if needed, to disregard specific pieces of information based on the outcomes of objection arguments. Whether the Judge overrules an objection does not mean he or she favors one side over the other. The Judge’s rulings on objections reflects how he or she is applying the law in regards to which questions and pieces of evidence are permissible in Court.
Closing Arguments
Closing arguments are made by each party, and both sides summarize the cases they made in Court to persuade the jury to rule in favor of their party. The prosecution/plaintiff has the opportunity to open and end closing arguments because they bear the burden of proof.
Charging the Jury
When charging the jury, the Judge gives instructions to the jury on how to reach a verdict. This is where the Judge explains the law and how it is applied. The Judge will also define the issues to decide.
Jury Deliberation
After the attorneys make closing arguments and the Judge charges the jury, jurors go to the deliberation room to discuss the facts of the case and the evidence presented in Court. This is when the jury decides on a verdict. Before beginning deliberation, the jury will elect a foreperson to lead an orderly discussion about the trial. The foreperson will ensure each juror has an opportunity to participate and all issues brought up in trial are thoroughly covered.
Verdict Announcement
Once the jury decides on a verdict, the jurors must notify the bailiff. The Judge will then read the verdict in the Courtroom, and the jurors will be dismissed.
Jury FAQ
How long do trials last?
Trials generally last two to three days; however, a trial may last longer. On the first day of trial, you will be advised by the Judge of the anticipated duration of the case. The hours for jury trials are normally 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
How was I selected for jury duty?
In Geauga County, jurors are randomly selected from a list of registered voters and BMV driver’s license records in Geauga County.
How much of an advance notice will I get when I’m scheduled for jury duty?
If you do not receive a Group Number assignment and report date along with your questionnaire, you may be assigned a report date with two weeks advance notice.
Are meals provided?
The Court is unable to provide meals for jurors. However, you will be given an hour for lunch to go to one of the local restaurants, and you may bring your own lunch. There are multiple dining options within walking distance from the Courthouse in Chardon square. You are not permitted to eat in the Courtroom.
Will I be sitting in trial for the entire day?
No, you will not be in the Courtroom for the entire day. You will be given breaks and time to eat lunch breaks during the trial. There may also be a waiting period before the trial begins, so we recommend bringing a book, your phone, or some form of entertainment to help pass the time.
Is the Courthouse handicap accessible?
Handicapped parking spaces are located on the east side of the Courthouse, and a ramp will lead you to the basement entrance. An elevator will then take you to your desired Courtroom level. Please call in advance so we can assist you further.
What if I moved and do not live in Geauga County anymore?
You must live in Geauga County to serve as a juror for the Geauga County Court of Common Pleas. If you moved outside of the county and still received a jury summons, you will be excused from jury duty. Please correct your residence address on the questionnaire and return it to the Court, so we may update our records.
Grand Jury
There are two types of jurors in Ohio: petit and grand jurors. The top of your jury summons will indicate whether you were chosen for petit or grand jury service. While petit jurors decide a defendant’s guilt or innocence, grand jurors decide whether or not there is sufficient evidence to bring felony charges against a person who allegedly committed a crime (the defendant). There are nine jurors on a grand jury, and seven must vote in favor of indictment in order to charge the defendant. Grand juries begin every felony case, so your service as a grand juror is vital to the legal system.
Grand Jury service is very different than petit jury service. Generally, your session will convene on Wednesday afternoons for several hours, depending on how many cases the Prosecutor’s Office needs to present. Once the Grand Jury is selected and sworn in, the Geauga County Prosecutor controls the sessions. Further details will be provided on the afternoon of the impaneling session.
The Supreme Court of Ohio created this video to provide more information about grand juries:
http://www.ohiochannel.org/video/grand-jury-duty-in-ohio