McLennan County

Waco Judges Consider Fines for Jury Summons Scofflaws

Didn't show up for jury duty? A few judges are talking tough about fines or follow-up orders demanding an explanation.

The Waco Tribune-Herald reports some counties see the majority of summoned jurors fail to show up to court. In McLennan County, where Waco is located, the average no-show rate is 70 percent. In Taylor County, where Abilene is located, the no-show rate is 75 percent.

State District Judge Matt Johnson of Waco says fining no-shows "is a real possibility if people who are capable of serving disregard a jury summons."

He and another Waco judge say they're planning to issue writs of attachment or show-cause orders for potential jurors who ignore summons, starting in January. Both require jury scofflaws to appear in court with an explanation.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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