How was I selected for Federal Jury Service?
The federal jury system for the Western District of Arkansas draws potential juror names at random by computer from general election voter registration lists, licensed motor vehicle operators, and State ID holders eighteen years of age or older.
Why do I have to report to Fayetteville to serve as a Federal Juror?
The Northwest Division is comprised of the following counties: Baxter, Benton, Boone, Carroll, Madison, Marion, Newton, Searcy, and Washington. Jury trials are held at the John Paul Hammerschmidt Federal Building in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
What time should I arrive for service?
You should arrive at or just prior to the time listed on your summons. If your report time is 8:00 a.m., please be aware that you will not be able to access the building until after it opens at 7:30 a.m.
Will I be paid for Federal Jury Service?
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 your residence to the courthouse. Jurors who are federal employees are paid for mileage only, except when serving on their day off. Parking fees will be reimbursed based on the amount that is reported at check-in. Please note - U. S. Postal Service employees are NOT considered employees of the U. S. Government.
Are my juror fees taxable?
Yes. This applies only to your attendance fee and no taxes are withheld, so 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, subsistence, and parking fees). If your fees exceed $600, the Jury Administrator will need to obtain your Social Security number for tax purposes only.
What if I live 60 miles or more from the courthouse?
If you live 60 miles or more (one-way) from the courthouse, you may request that hotel reservations be made on your behalf by the Court. To request overnight accommodations, please complete the Jury Information Form via eJuror and select that room reservations will be required. If you do not have internet access, you may complete the Hotel Reservation Request Form. If your request is granted, you will be entitled to the $59.00 subsistence allowance to cover meals and incidentals per day.
How will I know when to report for the next date?
You will receive notification in the mail to appear on a specific date, along with instructions to call 1-800-793-7008 after 5:30 p.m. the night before or log in to eJuror to check your Current Status for updated information as to any changes or cancellations regarding the scheduled jury selections. WHEN INSTRUCTED, YOU MUST PHONE THE RECORDED MESSAGE TO CONFIRM REPORTING. You will not be paid if you fail to call or log in to eJuror as instructed and report in error. When you call or log in, you will need your nine-digit Participant Number to log-in. You may also receive an automated call from the Court to inform you that your report date has been rescheduled; however, you will still need to call or log in to eJuror to check your Current Status to confirm your reporting instructions.
How will the Court contact me?
Initial and subsequent summons letters are sent by regular mail. The Court will also send automated calls, emails, and text messages when there are changes to your reporting instructions or just as a reminder about upcoming scheduled service.
What should I wear?
You should dress appropriately for the courtroom. Business casual is encouraged such as: collared shirts, slacks, skirts or blouses. Nice jeans with no holes are permitted. Shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and flip-flops are NOT appropriate. You may want to bring a sweater or jacket, as the courtroom can be chilly.
Can I be summoned multiple times during my term of service?
Yes, this is possible. The Court cannot predict with certainty the number of trials a juror will be selected for during the term. The Court will try to excuse jurors for the remainder of the term if they are selected and serve on a trial. This, however, is always subject to trial activity and the availability of other jurors in the pool.
How long is a court day and how long does a trial last?
Jurors can expect to be in court from approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with one hour for lunch. There will also be two 15-minute breaks, one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon. Any variation to this schedule will be explained by the Judge.
Each case is unique, so it is very difficult to give an average of how long a trial can last. When you report, you will be informed as to the length of the trial in which you are to be selected. In general, trials for the Western District last about two to five days, but in some instances can last several weeks.
What happens if I arrive late?
It is required that every juror be in attendance before a trial can begin or continue, so it is extremely important to report on time as the trial WILL BE DELAYED until every juror has reported.
Can I receive proof of attendance for work purposes?
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 at check-in.
Can I bring my cell phone to the courthouse?
Cell phones are permitted in the courthouse set to SILENT and turned OFF while in the courtroom. You will be allowed to use your cell phone until the jury selection begins. You will be reminded by court staff when it is time to turn them off. You may want to bring a book for downtime.
Can my family reach me in an emergency?
Family can call (479) 521-6980 and leave a message for you with Clerk's Office staff. You will receive the message as soon as court is on a break.
For additional information, see your Welcome to Federal Jury Service pamphlet which was included with your summons or the Jury Summons Info tab under Jury Information. Further questions can be answered by calling the Jury Help Line at (479) 783-2143, emailing jury_info@arwd.uscourts.gov, or during juror orientation on your first day of service.