Witnesses, attorneys and 37 prospective jurors showed up in court on Monday morning for the start of an accused burglar's three-day trial.

The absence of eight additional potential jurors from court explained a judge's decision to put the trial on hold.

Gen Tuma, the clerk of 7th District Court, said eight no-shows is an "incredibly large amount" in a court where 45 people are normally summoned for most felony cases that need a 12-person jury. With the absences, Tuma said, there would be little room for other jurors to be excused for unavoidable conflicts while keeping enough people for attorneys to pick the jury.

To pick 12 jurors and one alternate, Tuma said, prosecuting and defense attorneys need a panel of 31 people, which is then reduced as each side uses nine peremptory challenges.

Alfred Dill Smith, 47, was accused of burglarizing a Casper home in April. After today's delay, his trial will be put back on the schedule in coming weeks.

Mike Blonigen, Natrona County's District Attorney, said it is within a judge's authority to hold a person in contempt for willfully failing to appear for jury duty. He noted, however, that members of the panel from which juries in 7th District Court are now being drawn have endured a busy period with many trials.

Jury panels serve for six months, and names from the panel are drawn each time a jury trial approaches. Tuma said those chosen for each trial are called a week before they are expected to appear in court. Those who appear are generally given $30 for each day or portion of a day they end up serving.

Questionnaires are sent every six months to 750 Natrona County residents who could serve on the next panel. Those now serving on the panel are about to see their commitment at an end.

"New (questionnaires) are going out today," Tuma said.

Reporter Anthony Lane can be reached at (307) 266-0593 or at anthony.lane@casperstartribune.net.