Police and court officials will never ask for payment, credit card information, or a social security number for failure to appear for jury duty. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be with the Court asking for these things, it is a scam. You should report any possible scams to local law enforcement. 

Every year, the Virginia Supreme Court randomly selects a list of citizens’ names from the pool of registered Pittsylvania County voters. This questionnaire is to determine a pool of potentially eligible jurors. This questionnaire is the beginning of the screening process and does not necessarily mean that you will be summoned for jury duty.

Approximately 1,400 prospective jurors are randomly selected from the County’s registered voter list annually. This group is selected to complete a juror questionnaire, which is used to determine a pool of eligible and qualified jurors. Names from this list are then selected for jury duty in all cases involving a jury the following year. 

Those who are selected for jury duty are on call for the length of one trial. If selected for jury service you will be assigned days at jury orientation. Those who are required to report to the courthouse may or may not be selected to actually hear the case. If you are not selected to hear the case, the judge will release you for the day. You may be called for another assigned date within your term.

If you are selected to hear the case, you will serve on that case for its duration. Some cases last just one day, but cases can extend for several days. Please plan accordingly.

Pursuant to Virginia Code § 8.01-356, not reporting for jury duty when you are summoned could result in the judge holding you in contempt of court. You may be ordered to pay a fine of not less than $50 nor more than $200.

There are some exemptions of service for jury duty under Virginia Code Section 8.01-341 and Section 8.01-341.1. Below is a list of exemptions and disqualifications. 

• I am not a resident of Pittsylvania County (must provide your new address)
• I am 70 years of age or older and do not wish to serve (this is a permanent exemption)
• I have legal custody and am responsible for children 16 years of age or younger during court hours.
• I am a mother breast-feeding a child.
• I am responsible for a person having a physical or mental impairment requiring continuous care during court hours.
• I am the only person performing services for a business and the business would close or cease to operate if I am required to report for jury service at any time during this year. (Submission of relevant statement required)
• I am a licensed and practicing attorney.
• I am a sworn sheriff, deputy sheriff, state police or police officer in a county, city or town (Federal service is not exempt)
• I am on active duty with the armed forces of the United States or Virginia and serving out of the area. (A letter from your commanding officer is required)
• I have a temporary physical or mental disability. I am not able to sit for several hours without a break. I request to be excused from jury service for this year only.
• I have a permanent physical or mental disability. I am not able to sit for several hours without a break. I request to be excused from jury service permanently.