What is the difference between criminal and civil cases?
A criminal case results when a person is accused of committing a crime. Jurors must decide whether the person charged is guilty or not guilty. The accused (defendant) is presumed innocent, and the burden is on the State, represented by the City Prosecutor (or District or County Attorney), to prove the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt.


A civil case results from a disagreement or dispute between two or more parties (including family cases). In a civil case, you, as a juror, must answer questions or disputed facts based upon the testimony and evidence admitted by the judge. The answers to these questions are called the verdict. Municipal courts do not hear civil cases.

Show All Answers

1. What are my rights in Municipal Court?
2. If I’ve received a citation, what are my options?
3. How do I keep this violation from appearing on my driving record?
4. How long do I have to take care of my citation?
5. There is an appearance date on my citation. Does this mean I am scheduled to see the judge?
6. What if I was given a citation by a DPS officer or the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office?
7. What is acceptable attire for a court appearance?
8. Who may represent me in court?
9. What if I cannot make my scheduled court date?
10. What is my duty as a juror?
11. How was I selected as a juror?
12. Am I eligible to be a juror?
13. Who can be excused from jury service?
14. What is the difference between criminal and civil cases?
15. Will I be paid for being a juror?
16. Must my employer pay me while I am on jury duty?
17. Are there rules about jury conduct?