Where the courthouse sends you depends on your summons

Your summons letter tells you the exact courthouse location, the date, and the time you must arrive. Read it carefully — the address on the summons is where you go, not the main courthouse downtown if your county has multiple buildings. Some counties run jury duty from a single central location; others split it by district or case type.

If your summons is unclear about the building or room number, call the phone number printed on the letter before your date. The court clerk can confirm the address and tell you about parking, security screening, and what time to arrive (usually 15 to 30 minutes early). Do not assume you know where to go based on a previous summons — courthouse locations and procedures change.

Key Takeaways

  • The summons letter lists the exact courthouse address and arrival time — follow those instructions, not assumptions about where jury duty happens in your area.
  • Call the court clerk using the phone number on your summons if you are unsure about the location, parking, or what to bring.
  • Arrive 15 to 30 minutes early and plan for security screening similar to airport procedures at most courthouses.
  • Bring the summons itself, a valid photo ID, and anything else the letter specifies — courts reject jurors who arrive unprepared.
  • If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, contact the court before that date to request a postponement or excusal; ignoring a summons can result in fines or legal consequences.

What to bring and what security screening involves

Bring your summons letter and a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The court may also ask for proof of residence (a utility bill or lease) if your address on file differs from your current address. Check your summons for any additional documents the court requests.

Most courthouses screen jurors at the entrance using metal detectors and bag searches, similar to airport security. Weapons, including pocket knives and pepper spray, are not allowed. Phones are usually permitted but must be silenced during jury selection and trial. Laptops and tablets are typically restricted in the jury room or courtroom, though policies vary by courthouse.

Parking and transportation options

Many courthouses have limited parking, and some charge a fee. Check your summons or the court's website for parking information before you arrive. If parking is scarce or expensive, consider public transportation — buses and trains often run directly to courthouse buildings in urban areas.

If you have a disability or mobility issue, call the court ahead of time to ask about accessible parking, drop-off zones, or alternative entrances. Courts are required to provide reasonable accommodations, and the clerk can direct you to the best route.

What happens when you arrive at the courthouse

Check in at the jury assembly room or the location listed on your summons. A court officer or clerk will verify your ID and summons, then direct you to a waiting area. You may wait anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours before jury selection begins, depending on how many cases are scheduled and how many jurors are needed.

Bring something to read or do during the wait — many courthouses have limited seating and no entertainment. You will be called into a courtroom when the judge and attorneys are ready to begin jury selection (called voir dire). At that point, you will answer questions about your background, any biases, and your ability to serve fairly.

If you cannot attend on your scheduled date

Contact the court as soon as you know you cannot appear. The phone number is on your summons. Courts can postpone your service to a different date, excuse you for hardship, or in some cases allow you to serve remotely (though this is rare). Do not simply skip your summons — ignoring a court order can result in fines, contempt charges, or a warrant for your arrest.

If you have a work conflict, medical appointment, or caregiving responsibility, explain it to the court. Many courts will work with you to find a date that works. Some employers are required by law to give you time off for jury duty, and you may be able to show the court a letter from your employer explaining the conflict.

Courthouse rules and what you cannot do during jury duty

Once you are in the courthouse, follow all instructions from court officers and judges. You cannot discuss the case with anyone — not other jurors, not people in the hallway, not on social media — until the trial ends and the judge dismisses you. You cannot research the case, the parties, or the law on your own. You cannot visit the scene of an alleged crime or contact witnesses.

If you are selected for a trial, the judge will give you written instructions about these rules. Violating them can result in a mistrial, which wastes everyone's time and money, and can expose you to legal liability. If you are unsure whether something is allowed, ask the judge or a court officer.

What to expect if you are selected for a trial

If you are chosen as a juror, you will be sworn in and seated in the jury box. The trial may last one day or several weeks, depending on the case. You will hear evidence from witnesses and attorneys, take notes if allowed, and follow the judge's instructions on the law. At the end, you and the other jurors will go to the jury room to discuss the case and reach a verdict.

You will not be paid much — most states pay jurors $15 to $50 per day, and some pay nothing for the first few days. However, employers cannot retaliate against you for serving, and in many states they must continue paying your salary during jury duty. If jury duty creates a genuine financial hardship, you can ask the judge about it during jury selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my phone into the courthouse?

Yes, phones are usually allowed in the courthouse, but they must be silenced during jury selection and trial. You cannot use your phone to research the case, take photos, or communicate about what you are hearing. If you are selected for a trial, the judge will give you specific rules about phone use in the jury room.

What if I do not have a valid photo ID?

Call the court clerk before your date and explain. Some courts will accept other forms of identification, such as a passport card, state ID, or even a utility bill with your name and address. Do not skip jury duty because you lack ID — contact the court first to find a solution.

Can I be excused from jury duty for work?

It depends on your job and your state's laws. Some employers must give you time off for jury duty, and some states protect you from retaliation. Call the court and explain your work situation. If your employer cannot spare you, bring a letter from your employer to jury selection. The judge may excuse you or postpone your service to a less busy time.

What if the courthouse is far from my home?

If travel is a genuine hardship, contact the court before your date. Some courts will postpone your service or excuse you. If you must attend, ask about parking, public transportation, and whether the court offers any travel reimbursement. A few courts reimburse mileage or provide travel vouchers for jurors who live far away.

Do I get paid for jury duty?

Most states pay jurors a small amount — typically $15 to $50 per day — though some pay nothing for the first one to three days. Payment varies widely by state and county. Check your summons or call the court to find out what your courthouse pays. Many employers must continue paying your salary during jury duty, so your total income may not change.