A Message From Carol Bragg, Wheeler County Clerk of Court
While many view jury service as just a nuisance, something to be avoided, rather than a responsibility and privilege of citizenship, Wheeler County Clerk of Court Carol Bragg would like to thank all jurors for their willingness to serve in this important role in our judicial system. She offers these instructions and tips for jurors, claimants, defendants, witnesses and others when coming to court. Traverse jurors are reminded to phone the Clerk’s office at 912-568-7137 after 3 p.m. on the day before they are to report to be given important reporting instructions. A machine will give them the message after office hours. Jurors may be excused from reporting if all cases are disposed of. Grand jurors should report as directed on their summons, and do not have to phone in. All jurors are invited to like the Wheeler County Superior Court page on Facebook in order to receive juror notifications.
When reporting for jury duty, please be prompt and dress in a manner that shows respect for the court. Mini skirts and shorts, including ladies’ dress shorts, and baggy pants that fall below the waist, hats, sunglasses, sleeveless dresses and sleeveless shirts are not allowed. You should not wear t-shirts depicting violence, sexual acts, profanity or illegal drugs. It is recommended that you layer your clothing as the courtroom is kept cool.
Please leave your cell phone, purse or other bags in your vehicle, and turn off all pagers and radios. Weapons and electronic equipment such as video cameras, voice recorders or cameras are prohibited. The use of recording devices and cell phones in courtrooms is restricted by Uniform Superior Court Rule 22 and O.C.G.A. § 15-1-10(1). Copies of this rule and the form to use devices and request to record are available in the Clerk of Court’s office. Violators are subject to contempt of court penalties.
Enter the courthouse through the McRae Street entrance where you will go through a metal detector. You are not allowed to bring any bags, packages or personal belongings into the courtroom, unless previously cleared by the Judge, the Sheriff or the Clerk of Court.
The courtroom is a place of order and structure. Jurors and others should at all times act in a respectful manner when in the presence of the judge, court staff, attorneys, court officers and other persons attending court. Enter and leave the courtroom quietly, so you do not disturb others. Bailiffs are on duty to help maintain order. If you are approached by the bailiff, please comply with their request. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §15-12-10, if “any person is duly summoned to appear as a trial or grand juror at court and neglects or refuses to appear, or if any juror absents himself or herself without leave of the court, such neglect, refusal, or absence may, after notice and hearing, be punished as contempt of court”. Said person could be sentenced to up to 20 days in jail and incur a fine of up to $1,000.00, at the discretion of the presiding judge.
