Toolantern
Home › Jury Duty Guide

Regulatory guides

Jury Duty, Step by Step

From the summons in your mailbox to the verdict: what happens at each stage of jury service, what you get paid, and what your employer can and cannot do about it.

Not legal advice. This guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary. For advice about your situation, talk to a licensed attorney or your local legal aid office.

Listen to this guide

A 3-minute narrated walkthrough. Press play to hear each step explained.

Your rights at work

Federal law (28 U.S.C. 1875) makes it illegal for an employer to fire, threaten, or punish a permanent employee for federal jury service, with civil penalties up to $5,000 per violation plus reinstatement and back pay. Most states have parallel protections for state-court service. No federal law requires your employer to keep paying your salary while you serve, and only a minority of states require it.

Getting excused or deferred

Common grounds include financial hardship, medical conditions, caregiving responsibilities, and prior service within the exemption window. Bring documentation. Being a student or self-employed is generally grounds for deferral, not automatic excusal. Ignoring a summons can mean fines or contempt charges.

Sources

}

Planning estimate only. Results use the list prices shown and may differ from your actual bill. Terms

Frequently asked questions

How much do jurors get paid?

Federal jurors receive $50 per day of attendance, rising to $60 per day after the tenth day of a trial, plus mileage reimbursement. State courts pay less, typically $5 to $30 a day, and some start paying only after the second or third day.

Can my employer fire me for jury duty?

No. Federal law bars employers from firing, threatening, or punishing permanent employees for federal jury service, with penalties up to $5,000 per violation. Most states have similar protections for state-court service.

What happens if I ignore a jury summons?

You can face fines or contempt of court charges. If you cannot serve, request a deferral or excusal through the court instead of ignoring it.

How are jurors selected?

Names come from voter registration and DMV records. The judge and lawyers question the pool in voir dire to seat an impartial jury. Most people summoned never sit on a jury.

How long does jury service last?

Many courts use a one day or one trial system: if you are not seated by day's end, you are done. Trials themselves average one to three days.

More free tools