Frequently Asked Questions

• How can I be excused from jury service?

  • If you're 70 years old, or older, and do not wish to serve.

  • If you are not a U.S. citizen.

  • If you are not a resident of Ingham County.

  • If you have a medical disqualification completed by your doctor (This cannot be a temporary condition).

• What do I do if I can't attend on a given week, but I am available another week?

  • You must contact the jury clerk at (517) 483-6522.

• What do I do if a summons came for someone who is deceased or no longer living here?

  • Again, you must contact the jury clerk to discuss the situation.

• Why do I have to call in?

  • So you know when, or if, you need to report for jury service. This procedure is part of the One-Week on call process that Ingham County has adopted as policy.

• Why do I have to wait until the last minute to find out if we need to come in or not?

  • Because the judge's assistants have until 3:30, every day, to inform the jury clerk of their need for jurors. The judge's assistants have to wait for notification from prosecutors and attorneys to see if a case will subsequently lead to trial, thus requiring a jury assembly.

• How much do I get paid?

  • As of 10/1/03, the jury payment plan has changed. The new payment plan is a four tier schedule of payments and works as follows:

    • 1st day of service:

      • $12.50 for a half day

      • $25.00 for a full day

    • Any subsequent day after:

      • rate changes to a $20.00 half day

      • or a $40.00 full day

• How long does the average trial last? What happens if the trial lasts longer?

  • An average trial lasts 3 to 7 days.

  • If the length of time creates undo hardship for the juror, the judge will decide if the juror may be excused from that particular case.

• Do I have to give my jury pay to my employer if they pay me salary when I am at jury duty?

  • Such a matter should be decided between the employer, and the employee.

• Can my employer call in on my behalf to request a postponement or an excusal?

  • No-Please read the back of the Jury Summons under the "Summons" caption for more information.

• What should I do if my employer tells me that I can't serve on jury duty?

  • Make them aware of MCLA600.1348.

Please feel free to visit the Jury Administration Board's FAQ website for more Q&A's!