What You Need To Know
Jury Duty FAQs
This list of frequently asked questions is based on guidance provided by the Circuit Court for Baltimore City. Feel free to visit their site for more additional FAQs, pertinent jury service information, daily reporting requirements, and other useful tips ahead of jury duty.
If you’re trying to find out if you need to report for jury duty tomorrow, visit the Daily Juror Call-in Notification Service.
FAQs
You are selected from a list of registered voters, licensed drivers and persons with an MVA identification card. The first time you are selected you are sent a questionnaire to determine if you qualify for jury service. You cannot serve on a jury in Baltimore City if you are not a resident of Baltimore City, have been convicted of a felony, or have a matter currently pending in the Baltimore City Circuit Court. Jurors who are qualified are selected on a random basis.
In Baltimore City, if you are selected, you are required to serve for the length of one trial. Most trials last two or three days; however some trials may take longer. The trial day usually ends at 5 p.m. If you are not selected for a trial, you are dismissed from jury service at the end of the day on which you are summoned. There may be occasions when the jury selection process lasts longer than one day and then you are required to attend a second day. You can be called once a year for jury service.
In Baltimore City, you are paid $30 a day for jury service. There are also parking and lunch discounts available at participating businesses.
While the Circuit Court is working to establish a system to care for young children and elderly adults in the future, at the current time we do not provide these services.
Call the Jury Commissioner at (410) 333-3775, explain your situation or have a medical provider complete a medical form for excusal. The form is available here or can be requested by speaking with a Jury Clerk at (410) 333-3775. If possible, the Jury Division’s Office will select a mutually acceptable date for you to complete your jury service at that time. If you are able to serve but require some form of accommodation, please let the Jury Commissioner know and the Office will try to accommodate your needs. (e.g., you may require frequent breaks, use of a lactation room, a need to take medication, etc.) For nursing mothers, if you are exclusively breastfeeding, please complete a medical form, referenced above, for a 12-month temporary excusal.