Don’t forget the summons.... Court system to begin issuing new summons for appearances

If there’s a bright yellow post card in the mailbox it’s not junk mail, it’s a jury summons.
The Avoyelles Parish Court System announced through the Avoyelles Clerk of Courts Office, a new summons system has been put into place for court appearances.
According to social media posts from the Clerk of Court, the decision for a change was made in collaboration with the judges, Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney and Clerk of Court.
“We have decided to start sending out jury summons in a different way,” Connie Desselle, Clerk of Court said. “This will also eliminate a trip to the post office to sign for certified mail, as previously sent out.”
Individuals will now receive a summons by regular mail and it will be on a bright yellow 5x7 card.
The information of the court date, time and presiding judge will be listed on the back of the card, along with the address for that individual.
The other side of the card will contain all of the instructions for that court appearance. “You must bring this card with you to court,” Desselle stressed. “Please do not disregard this notice as penalty of law applies.”
The reason for new summons is effectiveness.
“We have researched other parishes and found that the majority send the summons by regular mail,” Desselle said. “Since we have a system in place that can verify each persons name and current address, this should make delivery of the summons more effective.”
Previously, summons were sent certified mail at a cost to the court system.
“This was not cost effective and an ineffective way to get the summons out. We encourage and hope that this new way will bring more people to do their civic duty as jurors,” she said.
Desselle explained if a person meets the exemption criteria on the card, there is a contact number that must be called to be excused.
“The judicial system must have jurors in order to try a case,” she said. “This is an important civic duty."
Anyone with questions on the summons is asked to call the number that will appear with the instructions on the card.