Who can have a jury trial? Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party to a civil case (cause) has a right to a jury trial.Fill out your Juror Information Form and respond to your Jury Summons Online. A written request for a jury trial is filed with the clerk of the court a reasonable time before the date set for trial of the cause on the non-jury docket. Absolutely one can have a jury trial in federal district court. It's a right set forth in the US Constitution. How do I ask for a jury trial? The Court requires that all cases be mediated prior to trial (bench or jury). All trials are conducted in person. Federal Criminal Jury Trials begin with Voire Dire or Jury Selection.