BAY MINETTE — Jury duty is a lot like going to the dentist, cleaning the gutters or getting the oil in your car changed. It's something we have to do, but most people don't really want to do it. Between real-life accounts and what I'd seen on TV, I'd always been afraid of what if it happened to me. Like many people, I hoped that I would never be selected.

So, of course, I was.

When I checked my mail that afternoon, I never anticipated it would thrust me into the heart of Alabama's justice system. The letter I received was a summons to serve as a juror in Baldwin County. What followed was a crash course in civic duty and a deep dive into a world of indictments, evidence and confidentiality.

Before this experience, I had only a vague notion of what exactly a jury does. I soon found myself in a courthouse room with 15 other randomly selected citizens embarking on a two-week journey.

"Jury service in general has a very negative stereotype, and due to the fact that most who serve have to put their lives on hold we can understand how that happens," said Teresa Heinz, chief assistant district attorney. "However, most who actually end up serving have a positive experience once they've served."

THE BEGINNING

The letter that had arrived in my mailbox instructed me to confirm my attendance online at least 14 days prior. Adhering to this, I awaited the day set for my civic duty with anticipation. A couple of weeks later, an email sealed my obligation: I was to appear at the Bay Minette Courthouse.

The morning arrived with a lengthy drive navigating through the courthouse's security checkpoint. Amid a sea of fellow letter recipients, I found myself ushered into a side hall. Here, names were checked and assignments given; for me, it was Courtroom 3.

As I waited in Courtroom 3, Baldwin County District Attorney Robert Wilters took the floor, offering words to steel our resolve for the days ahead should we be chosen. Jury duty isn't enjoyable, he admitted, but it's an important experience. You might find it surprisingly educational. He said that the best thing to do would be to come in each day with a positive attitude.

As the crowd of about 40 settled, Judge J. Clark Stankoski entered. Circuit Clerk Brenda Ganey was also present. And then the ritual began: 18 names were called to serve on the grand jury, and those chosen stood. The rest were excused, leaving us to witness the swearing-in of our foreman, the linchpin of our deliberations, before we were all sworn in.

Once sworn in, we followed the district attorney to the grand jury room, marking the beginning of our service.

THE ROLE OF THE GRAND JURY

So, what does a grand juror do?

"It is the first time a group of individuals not trained in the law look at a case and determine probable cause," Heinz said. "Not only that, but it is a prosecutor's and law enforcement's opportunity to get vital feedback on issues with a case from individuals in the community. This teaches those in law enforcement ways to improve both in the building of a case and the presentation of a case. From a law enforcement officer's perspective, it is an opportunity to show your work in a more casual setting versus a jury trial."

In Alabama, grand juries are tasked with determining whether there is enough evidence to charge a suspect with a crime. Unlike trial juries, which decide guilt or innocence, grand juries operate in a confidential setting and only decide if a case should proceed to trial. Our sessions were closed to the public and even to defense attorneys. Being chosen to serve on a grand jury is rarer than being chosen to serve as a trial juror.

Serving as the voice of the community, a grand jury listens to the district attorney's presentation of evidence and witness testimonies, often involving cases that range from drug offenses to theft, to child abuse, to elder exploitation, to murders.

Jason Vannoy, an investigator with the Baldwin County District Attorney's Office and Daphne Police Department, said "receiving feedback from jurors when it's over helps us do our job better."

One thing that makes juries so interesting is the fact that we are all so different in more than status, race, age and gender; we also think differently. While we may not agree on every detail, it allowed us to bring up points that the others may not have thought of. Another thing is that it gave us different viewpoints on situations and allowed us to discuss those viewpoints. This allowed those of us who had never been in a situation or had knowledge about certain things and therefore possibly been closed-minded about things to have supplemental information.

According to Heinz, one of her favorite parts about jury duty is "interacting with a group of individuals and taking that feedback on issues with cases and figuring out how to fix it prior to trial."

INSIDE THE GRAND JURY ROOM

Upon arriving at the grand jury room, we were given a brief break to use the restroom, inform our contacts about being selected, and grab a drink or snack. The DA's office provided water and snacks for the duration of our service.

Following our break, we received a concise orientation and an overview to guide us through the cases, but the gravity of our responsibility quickly became apparent. We understood that our decisions could significantly impact lives.

Equipped with juror badges, three-ring binders and pencils, we began our two-week journey. Heinz, along with Vannoy and Jessyka Scott and Heidi Bailey, grand jury coordinators, led our grand jury under the supervision of Wilters. Our binders contained detailed pages of cases and charges we would review — over 700 in total. Some cases involved multiple charges, such as possession of a controlled substance and related paraphernalia.

We commenced with testimonies right after orientation. Evidence was systematically presented by the district attorney's office along with testimony coordination, requiring diligent note-taking and attentive listening. We reviewed various charges and cast our votes before the lunch break.

Most witnesses were officers involved in arrests or charges, but we also heard from victims, both children and adults, all testifying under oath. Their stories, particularly those from victims, were profoundly moving and highlighted the significance of our role in pursuing justice.

We examined recordings of critical moments, saw images of abuse, and read through text messages — encountering the full spectrum of evidence.

THE DELIBERATION PROCESS AND CHALLENGES

After evidence was presented and testimonies were given, we deliberated in private, usually before lunch and before leaving for the day, which is why note taking was very important. Decisions were made without any influence from the district attorney, ensuring our impartiality. In Alabama, a "true bill" is issued if the majority of jurors agree there's probable cause to indict, while a "no bill" dismisses the case. There were times after listening to the testimony and seeing the facts and evidence of a case, we would vote to amend a charge. At least 12 of us had to agree to true bill each charge for those charges to move forward in the trial process. Sometimes we would vote to amend charges before voting to true bill them.

Some laws make the grand jury process aggravating because they tie the hands of those in the justice system. Also, reluctant witnesses and victims make moving forward with justice almost impossible in some cases.

The District Attorney's office faces several challenges related to grand jury proceedings and legal complexities. These include the need for adequate space and modern facilities, managing the scheduling of officers and jurors, and handling a high volume of cases. Legal challenges also arise when a potential case doesn't precisely fit the elements of a crime. Flexibility is crucial, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic and power outages, to adapt and ensure the continuity of the justice process. The DA's office emphasizes the importance of promptly reporting witnessed crimes and encourages victims to pursue justice, despite the difficulties.

"Report as soon as something occurs. If you see something, say something. Maintain contact with updated contact information for our office," Heinz said. "Don't ever quit seeking justice."

However, the challenges are worth it.

UNATTENDED DEATHS

Another critical responsibility of the grand jury is the review of unattended deaths. These are deaths that occur without medical supervision or the presence of a health care professional, often at home or in a non-medical setting. Common scenarios include deaths of individuals living alone, sudden or unexpected deaths, cases where no recent medical history is available or deaths occurring outside hospitals or care facilities.

In such instances, the grand jury must decide whether to close the case or keep it open for further investigation.

JAIL TOUR

During our service as grand jurors, we also took a tour of the Baldwin County Jail.

Jail tours are an integral part of the grand jury process, providing jurors with firsthand insight into the conditions of detention facilities. These tours help jurors understand the implications of their decisions on individuals awaiting trial, ensure that jails comply with safety and health standards and promote transparency within the criminal justice system.

PAY AND MILEAGE

One reason many don't want to serve jury duty is because of losing out on money for the time attended.

"Jurors don't get paid enough, especially people who are self-employed," Heinz said. "Mileage and pay have increased as a result of this."

Our group was the first group to receive the increased pay. Before, jurors received $10 per day and $0.05 per mile. That has now been changed to $25/day and over $0.60 per mile.

RETURNING TO NORMALCY

At the conclusion of the two weeks, Judge Stankoski delivered our report, and we were dismissed on recess.
While excused after the two weeks, grand jurors enter recess until the next grand jury is selected. Though rare, grand jurors may be called to serve as trial jurors during this period. Before leaving, we received our checks.

As my term ended, I returned to routine life with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the legal process. The experience was challenging yet rewarding. While my two weeks of service were intense, especially given the emotional toll of certain cases, it pales in comparison to the long-term commitment of legal professionals. Despite the difficulties, I am proud to have served and believe everyone should experience this to understand the workings of our legal system. Just as District Attorney Wilters told us from the beginning, I can't say it was exactly an enjoyable experience, but it certainly was education.