FAQs • Prince George's County Judicial, MD • CivicEngage

My summons says Grand Jury; I got one before that said TRIAL Jury. What's the difference?: A Grand Jury has 23 people who serve once each week for a period of 4 months. By majority vote, a Grand Jury decides whether to indict or charge someone with a crime. A trial jury (previously called a Petit Jury) must reach a unanimous decision for a final verdict. In a criminal case, there will be 12 jurors, plus some alternate jurors. In a civil case, there will be 6 jurors, plus some alternates. While all jurors and alternates selected will hear the same evidence, alternate jurors may be excused before deliberations--the time when the jurors decide the verdict.

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Circuit Court-Summons

1. I just received a summons. Why me?: If you are an adult U.S. citizen living in Prince George's County, you are in our jury pool. Every three years, a computer may randomly choose you for jury duty.

2. My summons says Grand Jury; I got one before that said TRIAL Jury. What's the difference?: A Grand Jury has 23 people who serve once each week for a period of 4 months. By majority vote, a Grand Jury decides whether to indict or charge someone with a crime. A trial jury (previously called a Petit Jury) must reach a unanimous decision for a final verdict. In a criminal case, there will be 12 jurors, plus some alternate jurors. In a civil case, there will be 6 jurors, plus some alternates. While all jurors and alternates selected will hear the same evidence, alternate jurors may be excused before deliberations--the time when the jurors decide the verdict.

3. What is the significance of my Group?: Each group of jurors represents the number of people needed for a trial or group of trials. If that trial or those trials are cancelled for any reason, your group may not be needed. So, you must follow the instructions for your Group. However, if your Group is excused, you may receive another summons in the next calendar year.