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Grand Juror FAQ

HOW WAS I SELECTED FOR GRAND JURY SERVICE?
The federal jury system for the Western District of Arkansas draws juror names at random by computer from general election voter registration lists, licensed motor vehicle operators, and state identification card holders eighteen years or older. A Grand Jury is selected from qualified individuals out of all five divisions in the Western District of Arkansas; namely: El Dorado, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Northwest, and Texarkana.

HOW LONG IS  GRAND JURY SERVICE?
A grand jury is on call for a period of 18 months. The term may be extended an additional six months, if so ordered by the Court. The grand jury meets every 5-6 weeks for about two days at a time in Fort Smith.

WHAT FEES DO JURORS RECEIVE?
You will receive an attendance fee of $50 for each day of service. You will also be paid 67 cents per mile round-trip from home to the courthouse. Jurors who are Federal employees are paid for mileage only, except when serving on their day off. Please note-- U. S. Postal Service employees are NOT considered employees of the U. S. Government. If you live 60 miles or more (one-way) from the courthouse you may also be entitled to hotel and subsistence reimbursement up to $166.00 per day.

WHEN WILL I GET PAID FOR MY SERVICE?
The Court will process checks as soon as possible following the completion of a session. Because checks are mailed directly from the U. S. Treasury, please allow  7 to 10 business days to receive them.

HOW LONG IS A  GRAND JURY SESSION?
Jurors can expect to be in session from approximately 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with one hour for lunch on the first day of the session. Typically, the second day of the session is shorter.

CAN I RECEIVE PROOF OF ATTENDANCE?
Yes. A certificate of attendance can be issued in your name for your employer stating the dates and fees of your service. You will be asked if you require this.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN TO REPORT FOR THE NEXT DATE?
You will receive notification in the mail approximatley 3 weeks in advance of your next session dates.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I ARRIVE LATE?
It is required that every grand juror be in attendance before a session can begin or continue, so it is extremely important to report on time as the session WILL BE DELAYED until every grand juror has reported.

ARE MY JUROR FEES TAXABLE?
Yes. This applies only to your attendance fee and no taxes are withheld so grand jurors should keep track of attendance fees received for income tax purposes. The Court will file with the IRS and mail a 1099 form to you if your attendance fees reach or exceed $600 for the year (excluding mileage). If you exceed $600, the Jury Administrator will need to obtain your Social Security number for tax purposes only. For those grand jurors that  don't reach or exceed $600 for the year, a statement will be mailed to you by the Court.

CAN MY FAMILY REACH ME IN AN EMERGENCY?
Family can call (479) 783-2143 and leave a message for you with Clerk's Office staff. You will be given the message as soon as the session is on a break.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION.
Appropriate business casual dress is required. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and flip-flops are NOT appropriate. Smoking in the Courthouse Building is prohibited.

For additional information, see your Welcome to Federal Grand Jury Service pamphlet, that was included with your summons, or the Jury Summons Info tab under Grand Jurors. Further questions will be answered during grand juror orientation on the first day of selection.