Traveling across the country in a small van

1. Why did I receive a Juror Qualification Form?
2. What is the Juror Summons?
3. Who can serve on a jury?
4. Who do I contact if I need an accommodation to serve on a jury?
5. Can I volunteer for jury service?
6. Can I be excused from jury service?
7. Can I change the date of my jury service?
8. Who should I contact if I have a question about my jury service?
9. Will I be paid for my jury service?
10. How many days will I be on jury service?
11. Why am I being asked to serve on a jury again?
12. Is there a penalty if I do not appear for each day of jury service?
13. Does the law protect my employment if I am on jury service?
14. Will I lose my unemployment benefits if I serve on a jury?
15. What is the difference between a grand jury and a trial jury?
16. How do I report for jury service?
17. Is everyone who appears for jury service selected to sit on a jury?
18. Can I bring my cell phone, laptop or MP3 player?
19. Can I investigate a case on my own while I am on jury service?
20. Can I use social media while I am on jury service?
21. How long will I be at the courthouse?
22. How are my safety and privacy protected?
23. I would like more information about jury service in Maryland. Who can I contact?

1. Why did I receive a Juror Qualification Form? You received the Juror Qualification Form because your name was randomly selected from one of the lists used by your county/Baltimore City to identify prospective jurors. See more information about receiving and completing the Juror Qualification Form,2.

What is the Juror Summons? For a prospective juror, a “summons” is a written order issued by a court that requires the prospective juror to report for jury service at a specific date and time. In some counties, a summons is included with the Juror Qualification Form. In other counties, the summons is sent separate from the Jury Qualification Form.3.

Who can serve on a jury? Anyone who is “qualified” can serve on a jury. While no citizen can be kept from serving on a jury because of her or his color, disability, economic status, national origin, race, religion, or sex, a person can be “disqualified” or “exempt” from being on a jury for other reasons.

• Are at least 18 years of age – and there is no “upper age limit”,
• Are a U.S. citizen, and
• Reside in the county/Baltimore City in which you would serve as a juror.

Disqualified. You cannot serve on a jury – you are “disqualified” – if you:

• Cannot read, write, speak or understand the English language,
• Have a disability that prevents you from providing satisfactory jury service (this must be documented by a health care provider),
• Have been convicted of a crime punishable by more than 1 year in prison, were sentenced to more than 1 year in prison and have not been pardoned, or
• Have criminal charges pending for a crime that is punishable by more than 1 year in prison.

Also, a trial judge may disqualify you if you are a party in a civil case in the county/Baltimore City in which you would serve. Exempt. Even if you are qualified to be on a jury, you might be released from that responsibility (be “exempt” from jury service) if you are:

• At least 70 years old, and you made a written request to your local jury office to be exempted (you can do this on the Juror Qualification Form ),
• A member of the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate, or
• An active duty member of the armed forces or the state militia. The additional criteria for this exemption are set out on the form that must be completed by your commanding officer or supervisor.

4. Who do I contact if I need an accommodation to serve on a jury? If you have a disability and need an accommodation, please contact your local jury office as soon as possible after receiving your Juror Summons. The Judiciary is committed to providing prospective jurors with an equal opportunity to participate in jury service.

If you believe that you have a disability that prevents satisfactory completion of jury service, you must submit a written signed statement from your health care provider explaining that you are not able to satisfactorily perform jury duty. Your Juror Qualification Form will provide more information.5.

Can I v olunteer for jury service? No, Maryland law specifically states that volunteers for jury service must be refused. The law is Maryland Annotated Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article, Section 8-102(d). This helps ensure that the jury is selected at random and from a cross section of citizens.6.

• You must show that excusal is required because of extreme inconvenience, public necessity, or undue hardship.
• Being excused is intended to be used only for the most serious of situations. It is not a way to avoid jury service because it is inconvenient or you do not want to serve.
• Being excused does not mean that you will never be called for jury service. An excusal is good only for the period for which it is necessary. When that period ends, you will be called for jury service.

If you believe that your circumstances meet the criteria for being excused, contact your local jury office for more information.7. Can I change the date of my jury service? Your date of jury service sometimes can be changed if there is a pressing reason, for example, a previously scheduled medical procedure or travel plans. In some circumstances, you can make this change online.

• If you received your Juror Summons from one of the counties/Baltimore City that permit the Juror Qualification Form to be completed online, you can also go online to make a one-time change in your report date. Your form will state whether you can use the online system. Go here to make the change online.
• If you received your summons from a county that does not have an online system, or if you cannot change the date online, contact your local jury office to discuss your situation.

8. Who should I contact if I have a question about my jury service?” Contact your local jury office for questions or concerns about your jury service 9. Will I be paid for my jury service? Yes.

• Per diem. You will receive a reimbursement (the “per diem”) for each day of jury service. The amount generally varies from $15 to $30 per day, depending on the jurisdiction. If you serve on one trial jury for more than 5 days, the per diem becomes $50 beginning on the 6th day of jury service. Contact your local jury office for more information.
• Generous Juror Program. Some counties have a voluntary program (called the Generous Juror Program) which permits jurors to donate the per diem to the local department of social services. The money is used by the Department for the children it serves. The money may be used, for example, for school supplies, special tutoring or recreational activities. Your local jury office can also tell you whether your county participates. A juror’s participation is voluntary.

10. How many days will I be on jury service? The length of jury service is established by each Circuit Court. Your local jury office can tell you how long you will have to serve.11. Why am I being asked to serve on a jury again? In general, you are not required to serve on a jury, or attend court for jury service, more than once every 3 years.

But there are exceptions. A jury plan (every county and Baltimore City must have its own jury plan) may provide that if you served on a jury for less than 5 days, you may be asked to serve again after 1 year. To learn the requirement in your county/Baltimore City, check your county’s jury plan, If you believe that you have been called to jury service more frequently than is permitted under the jury plan, contact your local jury office,12.

Is there a penalty if I do not appear for jury service or do not complete my service? Yes.

• If you do not appear for jury service at the date and time directed by the summons, you can be fined for up to $1,000, put in jail for up to 60 days, or both.
• If you do not complete jury service, you can be fined for up to $1,000, put in jail for up to 90 days, or both.

The relevant laws are Maryland Annotated Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings Article, Sections 8-504 and 8-505. There are also penalties for failing to complete the Juror Qualification Form accurately and for not returning that Form. You can learn more about these penalties here,13.

• Fire you (or coerce, intimidate or threaten to fire you) because you lost time from work as a result of attending court for jury service or because you had to be in proximity to the court for jury service.
• Fire you (or coerce, intimidate or threaten to fire you) if you exercise your right (under certain circumstances) not to work on a day on which you are on jury service.
• Require you to use your leave (annual, sick or vacation) for jury service.
• Under certain circumstances, require you to work on a day on which you are on jury service. If you are summoned and you appear for jury service for 4 or more hours, including traveling time, your employer cannot require you to work an employment shift that begins: -On or after 5 p.m. on the day of your appearance for jury service; or -Before 3 a.m. on the day after your appearance for jury service.

Pay. Your employer does not have to pay you for the time that you are on jury service, although some employers do pay their employees for the time the employees are on jury service. Laws. These protections are found in Maryland Annotated Code, Courts & Judicial Proceeding Article, Sections 8-501 and 8-502.

Any person who violates these laws may be fined up to $1,000. Documentation. The jury office can issue you a certificate that documents the number of days you were on a jury or required to be available for jury service. You can provide this certificate if your employer wants documentation of your jury service.14.

Will I lose my unemployment benefits if I serve on a jury? No. Under Maryland law, you will not be denied unemployment benefits because you had jury service and were unable to work or seek work. The relevant law is Maryland Annotated Code, Labor & Employment Article, Sections 8-101(z)(3)(x), 8-907(a) and 8-1108(a)(1)).

• A grand jury decides whether there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime. A grand jury also can conduct investigations. Learn more about being a grand juror,
• A trial jury – traditionally called a “petit jury” – listens to evidence in a courtroom, and decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant in a criminal case, and the liability and damages of the parties in a civil case. Most jurors serve on a trial jury. Learn more about being a trial juror,

You will not be asked to serve on more than one grand jury at the same time, or as both a grand juror and a trial juror.16. How do I report for jury service? Call in or check in. Your local jury office tries to summons only as many people as will be needed for jury selection on a particular day.

• If, after checking, you are told not to report, do not go to the courthouse. You may be called to jury service sometime in the future.
• If your summons does not tell you to call in or check online, you must appear at the courthouse on the day and time set out in the summons.

Reporting. On the date set out in your Juror Summons:

• Arrive at the courthouse early enough that you can get through security and still be on time. Your summons tells you what time you have to be in the room identified on the summons.
• Bring your Juror Summons with you each time you come to the courthouse.
• Go to the room identified on your summons.

17. Is everyone who appears for jury service selected to sit on a jury? No. More individuals are called to jury service than are selected to serve on a jury. This is in part because there have to be enough jurors to hear each case and allow for challenges.

• Electronic devices must be turned off, inoperable, and not used in a courtroom. In some courthouses, they are not permitted in the courtroom even if turned off.
• Electronic devices cannot be brought into the jury deliberation room.
• If you violate the restrictions, your electronic device may be confiscated by security or other court personnel, and you may be arrested.
• Be conscious of noise – if you use your electronic device to listen to music, videos, etc,, you must use headphones so you do not disturb courthouse staff or your fellow jurors.
• While you are on jury service, including while you are in the jury assembly area, you cannot use your electronic device to research, investigate or communicate regarding any case for which you might serve on the jury. You cannot, for example, research a case using online media outlets or other websites. You also cannot communicate about a case on a blog or using social networking, Twitter, text, instant messaging, telephone or email, etc.

19. Can I investigate a case on my own while I am on jury service? No. Grand juries and trial juries must reach their decisions based solely on the evidence and instructions presented in court. So, jurors – and prospective jurors – cannot act as investigators and cannot independently investigate a case they are hearing (or might hear).20.

Can I use social media while I am on jury service? Yes, but you must follow guidelines that may change how you use social media. In short, while you are on jury service, you cannot use social media to investigate or talk about any matter that is, or might be, before the jury. Learn more about social media,21.

How long will I be at the courthouse? Generally, you should plan to be at the courthouse all day for every day that you are told to report. Except for a brief lunch break, do not expect to be permitted to leave to run errands or pick your children up from school, etc.22.

• Cameras are not permitted in the courtroom.
• The case will not be broadcast on television or radio.
• Jurors are referred to by juror number, and not by name, during court proceedings in the courtroom and in chambers.
• The information about you that is given to the judge, attorneys and parties during jury selection is limited. Under certain very narrow circumstances, the judge can impose further restrictions on the information that is released.

Civil cases. Cameras may be permitted in the courtroom in a civil case, but jury selection is not broadcast and the jury is not filmed. Learn more about Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities,23. I would like more information about jury service in Maryland.

How do I reschedule jury duty in Maryland?

Requesting Postponement of Service to a Later Term – TRIAL JURORS who complete the JUROR QUALIFICATION FORM online have a one-time option to postpone their service to another week of their choosing. Otherwise, you may call (301-790-7991 #1) or submit a written request for postponement to the Jury Office at Clerk of Circuit Court, 24 Summit Avenue, Hagerstown, MD 21740.

A written request can be sent in with your JUROR QUALIFICATION FORM or separately, but no later than two weeks before the “SERVICE BEGINS ON” date indicated on your JUROR BADGE. We may not be able to reschedule you if your request is received later than that. Please include the “SERVICE BEGINS ON” date and REPORTING NUMBER from your JUROR BADGE on any correspondence.

You will receive notification indicating whether or not your request has been granted. If your service is postponed to a later date, you will receive another SUMMONS AND JUROR QUALIFICATION FORM to complete.

What happens if you don’t go to jury duty?

Coping with Jury Service – The cases that you may be asked to serve on can be quite harrowing if the crime is serious. If you feel that you cannot continue as a jury member because of the stress it is causing you, it is important that you inform the court as soon as possible.

Under no circumstances simply don’t turn up for your jury service as this will cause the court delays. You could face a fine or even more serious charges if you fail to tell the court you will not be able to attend. The courts understand that jury service can be stressful, so talk to them as they can help you.

You could also talk to your GP or the Samaritans. The Samaritans are trained to support people in highly emotional situations. The courts service has discussed with the Samaritans how jurors may need supporting if they call. Remember though that you can only talk about your feelings about the case you are a juror on, or have just finished.

You cannot by law discuss any details of the case with anyone including the Samaritans. You might also like. Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice. These comments are jokes Dmtre – 27-Oct-22 @ 9:19 AM I am unable to attend Jusry duty due to automobile accident in 2016 I am suffering with Neuropathy and injuries I got are some I suffer mental issues from Jenny – 12-Sep-22 @ 2:07 PM And that is why you won’t find me on any electoral register.

happy hunting. Luke P. – 19-Aug-22 @ 3:44 PM I’m self employed and it’s disgusting that they only pay £66 per day, I will be losing nearly £1000 in earnings and the payments don’t come close to covering that. Why should people be faced with financial hardship and possible defaults on bills to do this.

The whole system needs reforming. I am going to try and get out of it as I know if I do have to sit on a case, I will be too busy worrying about the fact I won’t be able to pay my mortgage that monthrather than listening to the case. Rich – 21-Jul-22 @ 2:02 PM Been called up for jury duty end of Aug 22 iam not spending £10 away on petrol £10 on parking then food iam not going cannot afford it Xxxx – 27-Jun-22 @ 11:40 AM I have be excused from jury duty once and on the date expected I was still unable to attend called to be excused again and was told I would go down as failure to appear now I have received my third notice coming up 6/21/22 my problem I dont drive and I am unemployed are there any services that provide free or reduced rates To and from jury duty and if so how do I go about getting this started prior to my date to avoid any fines or incarceration Fearny – 6-Jun-22 @ 8:12 PM There are two reasons which I can’t be a juror.

One is a felony and the other is my vision is very poor. I have cataracts and I have surgery next month. Also I’m going to be 71 years old on May 30. So I’m asking to be free to assist to any jurors service. Thanks. N/A – 17-May-22 @ 7:48 PM Let me start by saying that I’m am so sorry for missing my court date for jury duty.

I requested my time off my job for May 11th a month ago. Looking on line Monday evening there I discovered that my day for selection for jury duty was on the 9th on May whichis Monday,I’m not making excuses because I should have paid more attention to the instructions. So I understand that you have to do what you have to do.

Choochoo – 11-May-22 @ 12:47 AM I was supposed to go for jury duty on April 4, but I forgot the appointment due to my medication. I have a pain pump and it has morphine, bupivacaine, and clonidine in it and there are times that I mix dates and other things up.

1. I suffer from chronic pain and I use oxygen 24 hours a day.
2. This is why I have the pain pump.
3. Im real sorry I missed the date of April 4, but I put it on my calendar as May 4,please excuse me from all further jury dates.
4. Thank you Deborah CvC Susie – 1-May-22 @ 5:25 PM These comments made me laugh jury – 9-Apr-22 @ 11:37 AM Hello I was in a car accident.

And all my paperwork was in my car. So I don’t remember when I was supposed to go. It slipped my mind because I have a lot of things going on at this point. So I totally lost the form due to my car aacident. What should I do Lisa Lisa – 27-Mar-22 @ 8:04 AM I’ve been pulled up for jury but I have a hospital appointment for that day not missing this appointment for jury no chance.

Anyhow I thrown it in the bin the day after I had it so can’t do much now can I H – 6-Sep-21 @ 10:47 PM I received a jury service thing in the post a few months ago end of September, Guess what I have a appointment with my hospital with my heart and my diabetes. I’m not stable enough to do this jury duty thing can’t sit down for 10 mins either SORRY H – 6-Sep-21 @ 10:42 PM I have been summoned for jury duty 8/16/21 I have hearing loss & have mental health problems.

I’m need to be excused permanently. Vicki – 17-Aug-21 @ 8:13 PM This is to inform you that I can’t do jury duty at this moment because I’m not an American citizen yet. Still in the process. Please remove me in your list, Thanks Luisito Abadines 955 N, St.

• Andrew Pl Apt#2 Los Angeles Ca.90038 Luis – 18-Jun-21 @ 10:27 PM I am a very nervous person and shake all the time Tweety – 3-May-21 @ 12:57 AM I’m 73 years old and have been under total lockdown since March 14 2020 in the Philipinnes.
• Philipinnes is now on the red list and cases are rising inexorably.

I was asked to do jury service last year due to the Covid virus but the same circumstances are likely to apply this year. I would love to do my jury service but: O I’m frightened of travelling as I’m unlikely to get a vaccine here before my next jury service call.

O Travel to/from the Philipinnes to the UK is severely restricted right now. O I think it would be extremely unfair to expect me to return at great cost to quarantine and travel etc. I’m more than happy to do my jury service when circumstances change. Please advise Mike – 9-Apr-21 @ 12:46 PM Hello, I have been asked to attend jury service in March.

However, I am currently stuck overseas, and trying to follow international travel restrictions which is to not return to the country due to Covid. I have already been deferred once, therefore they are requesting me again. I am currently awaiting a response about my situation, but I am scared that I seem to be being asked to break international travel laws so that I don’t end up breaking the law for missing jury service.

• Any advice would be massively welcome.
• Thank you.
• DK – 4-Feb-21 @ 2:41 PM I have a hospital appointment the same day as The court for a MRSA SCANhave been waitingfor the SCAN since the covd 19 started N DUNKY – 13-Jan-21 @ 12:23 PM I have turned the age of 71 and believe I can dodge jury duty in scotland ( scottish law is different from england) is this true?.

alternatively I suffer from benign prostatic hyperlasia ( weak bladder) I have used this medical condition to evade jury duty over the past two years as I would have limited control over my bladder while sitting in the jury box and could easily flood the floor of the jury box while the trial is in session.

Can anybody help with a solution? mike – 18-Dec-20 @ 1:43 PM I threw my jury citation form in the bin and never heard any more about it. I’m in Scotland where the ‘expenses’ for lost earnings are £64 p/day for the first 5 days.I make from £500 to £1500 p/week, so no way was I taking a £180 to £1180 hit to my pocket to act as juror to some legal/public sector pantomime.

If they had pursued me to attend, I would have booked an online GP consultation for £65, plead major anxiety, and paid another few £ for the GP letter stating that.Then claim medical exemption. Carl W – 9-Dec-20 @ 9:03 PM Hi I’m currently suffering from some mental health issues, I have asthma, and i have a business to run and a family to support.

Being locked in a court with strangers, for 8 hours a day for X amount of time is really not good for me right now. What can i do? When i first got the summons, i tried to defer, as my business gets very busy around Christmas – this was rejected – what can i do? AR – 4-Dec-20 @ 3:35 PM Can i be exuceed from jury service if i do not belive in the british legel system and wot ever evidance is put before me i will find that person not gulity Brk – 14-Sep-20 @ 11:34 PM I have been selected for jury service, although I am going to go back to work in the end of the month, and it will clash with my jury service.

Due to all this situation of the covid-19, I do not want to put myself in a weak position and face an unemployment situation because I can’t be at my working place. Someone else will have to take my place, and I just want to postpone this. I have been trying to call them, but they never pick up the phone.

1. Any suggestions? As my jury service suppose to start in two weeks time.
2. Thank you! Bruno – 6-Jul-20 @ 2:59 PM I’m 71 years old and hadheart surgery in January plus shingles and Menengitis I was suppose to do jury service 1st June but have been under lock down in Hamburg Germany since Covid19 started no idea how or wether I should travel, no idea if I would be quarantined for two weeks so no guarantee I could attend court on 1st.

Have informed the jury service who refused my request to defer. anyone any ideas ? Tony – 19-May-20 @ 9:14 PM What i can tell, i was just love to do jury, its soo bad that you can do it only once. People don’t run away from it, just do what to do and FEEL GOOD MissV – 16-Apr-20 @ 12:40 AM Is there any way of proving wether or not you have done jury service ? My wife claims I did it for three days in Bournemouth around 2005,I have a good memory and no recollection of ever doing this,one of is wrong and we need to know which one ? Andy – 28-Mar-20 @ 2:00 AM Please looking for some advice Recently selected for jury service and thought rather than defer it would get it over and done with.

Started Monday this week and got called with another 14 jurors to the desk to be told the defendant had pleaded guilty and we could now go home. Yesterday got called to the desk at 11.30 to say that I would be sitting on a two day trail which after lots of hanging about did not get called to the court room till 15.00 upon entering the court room my name was not chosen so returned to the desk with the remaining two jurors who were both on the second week of service.

We were all then informed that there was no need to attend jury service again and we were dismissed. I questioned this numerous times and each time told that my jury service was completed even when I informed the lady behind the desk that it was my first week she just said I would not be required any more.

My question is is this normal and what will happen if she had made a mistake Any information would be gratefully received. Mattie – 4-Dec-19 @ 8:47 AM Please looking for some advice Recently selected for jury service and thought rather than defer it would get it over and done with. Started Monday this week and got called with another 14 jurors to the desk to be told the defendant had pleaded guilty and we could now go home.

Yesterday got called to the desk at 11.30 to say that I would be sitting on a two day trail which after lots of hanging about did not get called to the court room till 15.00 upon entering the court room my name was not chosen so returned to the desk with the remaining two jurors who were both on the second week of service.

We were all then informed that there was no need to attend jury service again and we were dismissed. I questioned this numerous times and each time told that my jury service was completed even when I informed the lady behind the desk that it was my first week she just said I would not be required any more.

My question is is this normal and what will happen if she had made a mistake Any information would be gratefully received. Mattie – 4-Dec-19 @ 8:43 AM I love out of the country and have been summoned I just renewed my drivers license and showed my residence at my sister’s how who visit but only a couple of weeks at the time.

How do I get out of this. Will the take my drivers license away from me cause I don’t live there all the time? What do I do I heard there are no excuses to get out of it and I’m in trouble if I don’t show up and I’m not there to show I love off of social security and since I have n way of knowinghow long I have to stay how do I get a round trip ticket.

This is awful what do I do. Rika – 18-Nov-19 @ 5:52 PM Title: Miss Ms Mrs Mr Dr Rev’d Prof. Other (never shown) Validate: : Failure to Attend Jury Service

How long is jury duty in Maryland?

Will jury service place my job in jeopardy? An employer may not deprive an employee of his/her employment solely because of job time lost by the employee as a result of responding to a jury summons or as a result of attending court for service or prospective service as a trial or grand juror.

1. Does my employer pay me for work-time lost while serving jury duty? Employers are not obligated to pay their employees while serving jury duty.
2. Some private employers do provide full or partial compensation to their employees for time lost due to serving jury duty.
3. Many county, state, and federal agencies provide administrative leave (or excused leave) for employees called for jury duty in Maryland.

You may want to contact your Human Resources Department or Personnel Manual to find out what your employer’s policy is pertaining to jury service. Are members of the military exempt from jury service? There is no automatic exemption for members of the federal or state military services.

You may claim such an exemption if your jury service on the date requested would unreasonably interfere with the performance of military duties or affect adversely the readiness of the military unit. The form certifying these requirements must be completed by the commanding officer or supervisor of the person requesting exemption.

A copy of the form can be found here, What is the payment policy for serving jury duty? In Calvert County, jurors receive $20.00 per day. This is not a salary. It is more of a reimbursement for minor expenses while serving on jury duty. How was I chosen? A jury is selected at random from a cross section of the citizens who reside in Maryland.

This cross section is drawn from voter registration as well as Motor Vehicle Administration lists, depending on the county where you reside. To be eligible for jury duty, you must be at least 18 years of age, a United States citizen, a Maryland resident, and able to read, write, and understand the English language.

There are certain exemptions from jury service, which you can learn about by contacting the Jury Commissioner in your county. What is the difference between a grand jury and a trial jury? A grand jury is made up of 23 people, who receive and hear evidence to determine whether probable cause exists to charge someone with a crime.

A grand jury also can conduct its own investigations. Most often, you will be called to serve on a trial jury, generally made up of 12 individuals for criminal trials and 6 for civil trials. A trial jury listens to evidence in a courtroom and determines the facts in a particular case. To learn more, review our Grand Jury Handbook and the informative guide to Trial Jury Service,

Where do I report? You must report at the time and place indicated on your summons. The night before you are scheduled to report, call the telephone number on your summons to be certain that you are still scheduled to appear. What happens after I report? In the courtroom, the Judge will tell you about the case, and introduce you to the lawyers and others who are involved in the case.

You will also take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully. After you are sworn in, you and the other potential members of the jury will go through a process known as voir dire, or jury selection. During jury selection, the judge and the lawyers question you and other members of the panel to find out if any of you have any knowledge of the case, a personal interest in the outcome, or any interest in the case that might make it hard for you to be impartial.

Though some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer them completely and honestly. Questions are not asked to embarrass you. They are intended to make sure you have no opinions or past experiences that might prevent you from making an impartial decision.

If you are uncomfortable answering a question, tell the judge and you may be allowed to give your response at the bench out of the hearing of other jurors. If I am selected as a juror for a trial, how long will I serve? Most trials last one-to-two days. However, trials can last up to several weeks, and in rare occasions, several months, depending on the complexity of the trial.

The nature of the issues and evidence in a particular case may require a longer trial. The judge will inform you at the beginning of the trial as to how long it is anticipated the trial will last. During the trial, you may have to wait in the jury room while the judge and lawyers settle questions of law.

Judges and other courtroom personnel will do everything they can to minimize the waiting both before and during the trial. You may want to bring something to read. Parties often settle their differences moments before the trial is scheduled to begin. In such instances, you will be excused with the thanks of the court.

What if I am sequestered? If you are serving on a jury for more than one day, you will be allowed to go home for the evening, except in very rare circumstances, whereas jurors may be “sequestered” during the trial or during jury deliberations. In this case, you may have to spend the night at an accommodation assigned by the court.

This is done to assure than an unbiased opinion is not jeopardized by outside influences. If you are sequestered and have to spend the night, your hotel/motel stay and dinner expenses will be compensated by the courts. What types of cases will I hear? Jury cases are either civil or criminal. Civil cases are disputes between private citizens, corporations, governments, government agencies, or other organizations.

Usually, the party that brings the suit (the plaintiff) asks for money damages for some wrong alleged to have been done. The State brings a criminal case against one or more persons accused of committing a crime. The person accused of the crime is the defendant.

The State must prove “beyond a reasonable doubt” that the defendant committed the alleged crime. What happens during a trial? Events in a trial usually happen in a particular order, though the order may be changed by the judge. Here is the usual order of events: Step 1: Selection of the jury Step 2: Opening statements Step 3: Presentation of the evidence Step 4: Jury instructions Step 5: Closing arguments Step 6: Jury deliberations Step 7: Announcement of the verdict What if I have an emergency? Because your absence can delay a trial, it is important that you report each day you are required.

If an emergency occurs, such as a sudden illness, accident, or death in the family, contact the court staff immediately so the court can take your circumstances into account. What if I have special needs? The Maryland Judiciary is committed to making jury service accessible to everyone.

• If you have any concerns about accessibility or if you have any special needs, please contact the Jury Commissioner’s Office in advance.
• What can/cannot be brought in? If you want to bring papers, cellular telephones, cameras, or other electronic equipment ino the courtroom, please check with the Jury Commissioner in advance.

Rules vary by jurisdiction. Some courthouses will not allow access to anyone carrying these items. What should I wear? Jurors should observe courtroom decorum. Clothing worn for an office job, or for a job interview is appropriate. Generally, no shorts, T-shirts with logos, or halter tops are permitted.

What do I do for lunch? Most county courthouses either provide an area to eat lunch and/or allow prospective jurors to go out for lunch. Vending machines are also generally provided. There will usually be a time limit for lunch. How do I get to the courthouse? Where do I park? Most, but not all, county courthouses have parking for prospective jurors.

For directions and parking information, call the Jury Commissioner’s Office.

How many times can you postpone jury duty Maryland?

Postponements: – All other requests for postponement must be accompanied with proper documentation. Jury service may be rescheduled one time within a 12-month period. Jury service should be rescheduled within the next 45-60 days after the initial summons date.

1. This may be done online or by calling the Jury Office.
2. You may talk with Jury staff at (410) 333-3775 if other arrangements are requested.
3. A “Walk-In” juror is an individual who may have a scheduling conflict on his or her summons date, but is able to serve up to five (5) business days AFTER their scheduled jury service date.

This option is voluntary and replaces the need of rescheduling. Some restrictions may apply. Note: The Jury Commissioner’s Office operates under legal requirements to safeguard the privacy of juror information. Therefore, communications with the Office regarding service should be made by jurors themselves, and not by family members or other persons.

Can you be excused from jury duty in Maryland?

Employment is not a reason to be excused from jury duty. It is the duty of every citizen to participate in jury service. If you feel you have extenuating circumstances please submit a written request for excusal. All requests for excusal are to be submitted with your questionnaire within ten days of receipt.

How many times can you postpone jury duty?

If you are not disqualified from being on a jury, you must show ‘Good Reason’ if you are to defer or be excused. If you need to defer or be excused, you should contact the jury summoning officer at the address on the jury summons letter. You must give full reasons for the deferral or excusal and you must state what other days during the next twelve months that you will be able to attend.

Why is jury duty so stressful?

Juror stress is caused by a number of factors: disruptions to daily routine, the invasiveness of voir dire, trial evidence and testimony, restrictions on jurors’ behavior, and the difficulty of jury deliberations. In other words, stress accumulates over the course of jury service.

Do you have to do jury duty?

Must I respond to my jury duty notice? – Yes, it is legally required, and there are penalties for noncompliance. Jurors perform a vital role in the American system of justice. Jury service is an important civic function that supports one of the fundamental rights of citizens – the right to have their cases decided by a jury of their peers.

Can you wear jeans to jury duty Maryland?

How long is my jury term? The term of service is one month for Trial Jurors and six months for Grand Jurors. How often do I call in? Trial Jurors should call 410-632-5674 or the alternate number 410-632-1013 each and every night, Sunday through Thursday, during their service month after 5:00 p.m., or check the Jury Announcements website.

1. What happens when I call the Juror Information Line? Please listen for instructions for your reporting number.
2. Your reporting number can be found on your juror badge.
3. You do not report for jury duty unless the recording instructs you to do so (This includes your first day of jury service).
4. Trial Jurors are automatically scheduled for jury service Monday through Friday of their jury month.

However, you should call 410-632-5674 or the alternate number 410-632-1013 every evening after 5:00 P.M. to check your reporting status. Please listen carefully to the message as the reporting time varies. How long will I be there? Most jury trials last 1-2 days.

If a trial is scheduled longer, the presiding judge will address this in the courtroom during jury selection. You may advise the judge if you have a conflict with your schedule. In general, prospective jurors will know by noon if jury selection will occur in a courtroom; however, you should make arrangements to be here all day just in case you are selected.

The Court usually gives an hour lunch break for jurors. The lunch break will be determined by the presiding judge. Can I serve on more than one trial? Yes, jurors may serve on multiple trials as you are on call for the entire month. Where do I report for jury duty? The Worcester County Courthouse is located at 1 West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland.

It is a brick building at the corner of Washington and Market Streets. All jurors must check in every time you appear in order to receive credit for reporting. You will be asked to provide your signature on a juror sign in and payment verification sheet. What is the dress code for jury duty? Out of respect for the Court; please, do not wear jeans, t-shirts, shorts, gym clothes, tank tops or half shirts.

If you have a job where uniforms are required, please do not wear the uniform for jury duty. You are here as a citizen for a court proceeding. Please do not wear employer badges or name tags from your place of employment. Where do I park? Municipal parking lots are located on Green Street and Washington Street.

Jurors are encouraged to use the Green Street parking lot. Directions to the parking lot on Green Street are on the jury summons you received. Is there a special entrance to the courthouse? Yes, for security reasons everyone must enter the courthouse at the Market Street or Washington Street entrances of the building.

All visitors entering the building must pass through a metal detector and bags are subject to search. No weapons/knives of any kind are permitted. Can I bring my cell phone or electronic device into the courthouse? Yes, however, the possession and use of cell phones and other electronic devices may be limited or prohibited in designated areas of the court facility.

• The use of cell phones and electronic devices by potential jurors will be limited to the jury assembly room only.
• While in the jury assembly room prospective jurors may not research, investigate or communicate regarding any possible jury trials in the Circuit Court for Worcester County.
• Including, but not limited to; online media outlets, newspapers, communication of any kind including social networking, twitter, text, and email.

If called to a courtroom for jury selection all cell phones and electronic devices must be turned OFF. They cannot remain on silent or vibrate but must be turned off. The use of cell phones and any electronic device is NOT permitted inside a courtroom.

• The use of camera or video equipment including cell phone and electronic device capabilities to photograph and record is NOT permitted in the courthouse.
• If selected to serve on a jury trial (empanelled juror); cell phones will be collected, tagged and placed in a secure container and maintained by the courtroom staff.

However, at the first opportunity jurors may return their cell phones and/or electronic devices to their vehicles for the duration of the trial. Empanelled jurors will receive specific instructions from the presiding judge regarding communication while serving as a juror.

Empanelled jurors may not research, investigate or communicate regarding the jury trial they have been selected to hear for the Circuit Court for Worcester County. Including, but not limited to; online media outlets, newspapers, communication of any kind including social networking, twitter, text, and email.

Upon a finding that the circumstances of a particular case raise special security or privacy issues that justify a restriction on the possession of electronic devices, the county administrative judge or the presiding judge may enter an order further limiting or prohibiting the possession of electronic devices in a courtroom or other designated areas of the court facility.

1. NOTE: No liability shall accrue to the security personnel or any other court official or employee for any loss or misplacement of or damage to the device.
2. Can I get documentation for my employer proving my jury service? Yes.
3. Certification of your jury service will be provided.
4. How much does jury duty pay? Jurors will receive $25.00 cash per day.

You will be paid for reporting whether or not you are selected for a trial. Can my employer fire me for appearing for jury duty? No. Under Maryland law, your employer cannot fire you (or coerce, intimidate or threaten to fire you) if you lose time from work because you went to court for jury service or had to be in proximity to the court for jury service.

On or after 5 P.M. on the day of your appearance for jury service; or Before 3 a.m. on the day after your appearance for jury service.

The laws are Annotated Code of Maryland, “Courts and Judicial Proceedings,” Sections 8-501 and 8-502. Any person who violates these laws may be fined up to $1,000. Can I be excused if I feel I am medically unable to serve? A juror can be excused for medical reasons upon receipt of a physician’s note stating the length of time they are unable to serve.

• If you have a permanent disability the physician’s note must indicate “permanent” disability.
• What do I do if I become ill on the day I am to report for jury duty? You should ask your physician to fax a medical excuse to the jury office at 410-632-4592.
• We must have documentation to show the Judge why you are unable to report.

Can I be excused because I am employed? Employment is not a reason to be excused from jury duty. It is the duty of every citizen to participate in jury service. All requests for excusal are to be submitted with your questionnaire within ten days of receipt.

1. Where are the courtrooms located? Worcester County Circuit Court currently has four courtrooms which are located on the first and second floors.
2. What is the inclement weather policy? In the event of inclement weather call the Juror Information Line at 410-632-5674 or the alternate number 410-632-1013 to listen for reporting instructions and closings.

You may also check www.mdcourts.gov/administration/closingsdelays,

How long do most jurors serve?

How long does a petit juror have to serve? In Montgomery County, you may expect to be “on call” for five (5) days when called for a Petit Jury. Your five day term of service begins with the “on call start date” printed on your jury summons. During your term of service you may be asked to report to the court more than once.

• Each time you are asked to report, a different case will be involved.
• If you are selected as a juror, you will only be asked to serve for one trial regardless of its length.
• The average jury trial is approximately two (2) to three (3) consecutive days.
• On the other hand, a complex trial that involves many witnesses may last for several weeks.

Lengthy trials are somewhat rare, and prospective jurors are advised of the expected length of the trial before they are actually selected. At the end of a typical jury day (9:00am to 4:30pm) jurors are dismissed to return to their homes, and return to court the next day if the trial is not over.

In extremely rare, high profile instances, where the judge believes there is a risk that jurors could be contacted by outsiders about the case, the judge may order jurors to be “sequestered” or separated from others while the trial is going on. Should a judge so order, then the court will arrange and provide security and hotel accommodations.

: How long does a petit juror have to serve?

How do I check the status of my jury duty in Maryland?

Pearl Eaton, Jury Commissioner Circuit Court for Caroline County 109 Market Street, Room 200 Denton, MD 21629 Phone: 410-479-5986 Fax: 410-479-4063 RECORDED REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS : (after 1:00 p.m.) 410-479-5810 Jury Service is an important part of the rights, privileges and freedoms all Americans enjoy.

YOUR service as a juror is greatly appreciated by the Court. If you have received a questionnaire/summons for jury service, please check to see if you have been selected for TRIAL or GRAND jury service, and complete Part B – Juror Qualification Form on the back portion of the form. This portion of the form MUST be completed and returned together with any relevant documentation within ten (10) days of receipt.

You may be able to complete the Qualification Form online at http://mdcourts.gov/jury, In addition to completing the form on line, you can update your juror profile or request that your service be deferred (one time only). TRIAL JURORS To determine your reporting status, you are instructed to call the jury phone line: 410-479-5810 after 1:00 p.m.

1. The day before your service date noted on the Juror Badge.
2. When making the call, it is important that you know your reporting number.
3. Your reporting number is shown on the Juror Badge.
4. Listen for your reporting number and you will receive specific reporting instructions.
5. YOU MUST BRING YOUR JUROR BADGE/SUMMONS WITH YOU WHEN YOU REPORT FOR JURY SERVICE.

GRAND JURORS To determine your reporting status, you are instructed to call the information line: 410-479-5810 after 1:00 p.m. the evening prior to the first date of service shown on your JUROR BADGE. The recorded message will advise whether or not your service is required and provide additional instructions including the time to report.

It is important that you listen to the entire message. Grand Jurors will receive separate notices for each additional day they are to meet. These notices will be sent two weeks prior to the report date. Please follow the instructions in each notice you receive. YOU MUST BRING YOUR JUROR BADGE/SUMMONS WITH YOU WHEN YOU REPORT FOR JURY SERVICE,

DIRECTIONS/PARKING The Circuit Court is located 109 Market Street, Denton, MD. Non-metered parking is available in the Municipal Parking lot on the corner of Gay and Third Streets, as well as some side streets around the Courthouse. Please avoid the metered parking spaces.

SECURITY AND OTHER INFORMATION Please arrive early to allow time for parking and for the security check required upon entering the Courthouse. Roll call will begin promptly at the reporting time indicated. NO weapons of ANY kind are permitted on the premises of the Courthouse. Possession and use of cell phones and other electronic devices are limited or prohibited in designated areas of the court facility.

The current policy of the Circuit Court in Caroline County prohibits the possession of cell phones or other PDAs on the second floor, in and around the courtroom. Therefore, jurors should avoid bringing cell phones or PDAs into the courthouse. Proper attire is required – NO uniforms, shorts, jeans, t-shirts, gym clothes or tank tops.

NO provisions are available for childcare. You may bring reading material. INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY In the event of inclement weather, please call the information line, 410-479-5810. You may also follow updates on local television news and radio stations. PARTIAL EXCUSALS Jurors may request excusal for specific days for doctor’s appointments, vacation, or other valid reasons.

Please submit your written request to the Jury Commissioner’s Office no later than two weeks prior to your date of service. You MUST INCLUDE VERIFICATION (note from physician, copy of appointment card, reservation, etc.). Any information being faxed must also include your month of service and your juror identification number.

Can you rearrange jury duty?

Deferring the date of your jury service – If you cannot perform jury service on the dates outlined in your summons letter, you can ask to change the date of service to another date within the next 12 months. You can only ask to change the date you would sit on a jury once.

• You must provide a good reason for requesting a change in service date.
• However, the courts endeavour to be accommodating of such requests, particularly for doctors who can demonstrate the impact their time away from work could have on the provision of health services.
• To request a change of date, reply to your jury summons giving your reasoning.

When you reply, we recommend that you provide at least 3 possible alternative dates in the next 12 months that you could sit on a jury. The Summoning Bureau will consider your application, and will normally respond within 10 working days either confirming your deferral and the date of your future jury service, or declining the application.

How many times can you postpone jury duty?

If you are not disqualified from being on a jury, you must show ‘Good Reason’ if you are to defer or be excused. If you need to defer or be excused, you should contact the jury summoning officer at the address on the jury summons letter. You must give full reasons for the deferral or excusal and you must state what other days during the next twelve months that you will be able to attend.

Can you postpone jury duty twice Maryland?

While jury duty is a civic requirement for all eligible citizens in Maryland, there are a number of excuses that can be used to legally get out of being required to report for jury selection or jury duty, or receive a deferral. Maryland has a list of specific excuses that can be used to be exempt from reporting for jury duty, including excuses for student, breastfeeding, age, police, medical worker and firefighter.

You can also be excused if you don’t meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in MD, Generally, if you qualify for one of the statutory excuses, you can respond to your jury duty summons letter with an excuse note containing proof of your excuse, and you will not have to report for jury selection.

Maryland has a statutory exemption that allows individuals over a certain age to request exemption from jury duty. Persons over 70 years old may ask the jury commissioner, in writing, for an exemption In the state of Maryland, members of the military are exempt only while on active duty.

1. In Maryland, members of the federal legislative branch are the only elected officials exempt from jury duty.
2. Prospective jurors in Maryland may be exempt if they have a disability that, as documented by a health care provider’s certification, prevents the individual from providing satisfactory jury service.

A prospective juror will show, on a juror questionnaire, during an interview, or by other competent evidence, that extreme inconvenience, public necessity, or undue hardship requires excusal or postponement of jury duty. Excusal may not be granted more than twice unless the jury judge finds necessary.

Can I Get Excused From Jury Duty Because I Work? In Maryland, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty, Therefore, simply having a job isn’t in itself enough to be excused from jury duty. However, some courts may excuse you if serving on a jury and missing work would cause undue hardship to either yourself or your employer.

Submitting A Jury Duty Excuse Letter If you do not qualify for any of the Maryland statutory exemptions listed above but seriously think that attending jury selection would cause you undue hardship, you can always submit a jury duty excuse letter with your response to the summons, and ask to be excused.

1. It will be at the discretion of the court that summoned you whether to accept or deny your excuse.
2. Remember – A Jury Selection Summons Doesn’t Mean You’ll Be On A Jury Keep in mind that your initial jury duty summons is only for attending jury selection day, where it will be decided if you are to actually serve on a jury during the “Voir Dire” process.

If you can’t get out of attending jury selection, there are many ways to raise the odds that you will be excused after jury selection without being selected to serve on a jury.

How close to jury duty can you postpone?

You may postpone your jury service two times within one year from your initial report date. You may request postponement of your jury service online after submitting your online questionnaire, If you have already postponed your jury service two times, you may not request an additional postponement.

1. To request a postponement of your jury service, you will need your nine-digit participant number.
2. To log into your online questionnaire and request postponement of your jury service, please click here,
3. If you provided an email address at the time you submitted your online questionnaire, the court will notify you via email if your request for postponed was granted.

You may also check the status of your request for postponement 5 days before your report date by calling (800) 327-3296 at any time or by accessing the Court’s website here, Once you have submitted an online request for postponement, it is not necessary to send an email or call the Jury Department to speak to a clerk as this may delay your request.