Go to main contentsGo to main menu
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic (below main menu)
Aquaboom 2025

Hays County district clerk appears to answer for missing jury summons

SAN MARCOS— Following Hays County constables handdelivering more than 6,000 jury summonses around the county, Hays County District Clerk Avrey Anderson Sr. was given the opportunity to show cause in a hearing held on Jan. 9.
Hays County district clerk appears to answer for missing jury summons
BP-logo

Author: Graphic by Barton Publications

SAN MARCOS— Following Hays County constables hand-delivering more than 6,000 jury summonses around the county, Hays County District Clerk Avrey Anderson Sr. was given the opportunity to show cause in a hearing held on Jan. 9.

According to an order by 483rd District Judge Tanner Niedhardt, Anderson appeared in order to “show cause why he should not be held in contempt for failing to perform, or failing to adequately supervise the performance of, the duties of the District Clerk’s Office.” This comes after Anderson did not ensure enough jurors for the 483rd District Court, thus “impeding and obstructing” the court in discharge of its duties.

Court documents show that Anderson alleged that the responsibility of the failure to mail summons lies with a vendor he contracted with, as well as an IT technician in Hays County. “Anderson argues he bears no responsibility and acknowledged no responsibility,” stated the court order.

Further, the order noted that this is not the first time the district clerk has failed to ensure an adequate number of jurors for this court. On March 6, 2023, the court was unable to empanel a jury due to a lack of jury summons.

Anderson’s witness, a deputy district clerk, testified that the District Clerk’s Office could know if there was a “red flag” about jury summons being sent by checking online juror responses. However, no one performed this check prior to Jan. 3, 2024.

The district clerk disputed the deputy’s testimony and maintained that the vendor, or possibly the IT technician, were to blame.

The judge ordered Anderson to carry out his duties as an elected official by ensuring jurors in the 483rd District Court: “Another failure to do so, without good cause, will be deemed contemptuous, a $500 fine and 30 days in the Hays County Jail will attach and the appropriate referrals will be fulfilled as required by Texas law.”

When asked about the proceedings, Anderson said, “I would prefer not to comment on pending legal matters at this time.”

Judge Niedhardt is not the only judge for which Anderson is required to summon jurors, thus, the Jan. 9 order is independent of any action taken by other Hays County courts.

As previously reported by the Hays Free Press, those who have received a notice on their door or mailbox should be advised that it is an official summons from the Hays County District Clerk.

Share
Rate

Paper is not free between sections 1
Aquaboom 2025
Check out our latest e-Editions!
Hays Free Press
Hays-Free-Press
News-Dispatch
Watermark SPM Plus Program July 2025
Visitors Guide 2025
Subscriptions
Watermark SPM Plus Program July 2025
Community calendar 2
Event calendar
Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch Community Calendar
Austin Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic (footer)
2 free articles left.