- How was I selected for Jury Service?
- How long do I have to serve?
- What are the differences between a Trial Jury and a Grand Jury?
- Will I have to report for service each day of my month of service as a Trial Juror?
- Can Trial Jurors serve on more than one trial?
- What happens during jury selection?
- What are the steps of a Jury Trial?
- When will Grand Jurors have to report?
- Can I be excused from jury service because of my occupation?
- What if I have a vacation, medical appointment, etc., during my service month?
- Can jury service place my job in jeopardy?
- Does my employer pay me for work-time lost while on jury service?
- Do I get paid for service?
- Is child care available?
- Where do I report?
- What can I bring to the Courthouse?
- What if I have a disability or special needs?
- Is there a dress code?
- What if I have a medical or family emergency the day of service?
- What is the inclement weather policy?
1. How was I selected for Jury Service?
Maryland’s jury selection law provides that jurors are selected at random from a fair cross section of citizens residing in the County where the Court convenes. This cross section is drawn from a consolidated list of St. Mary's County residents who are registered voters, licensed drivers or identification card holders aged 18 and over, a U.S. citizen, able to read and understand the English language.
2. How long do I have to serve?
Trial jurors serve a 2 week term. Grand Jurors serve a six month term that meets twice a month.
3. What are the differences between a Trial Jury and a Grand Jury?
A Trial Jury listens to evidence in a courtroom and determines the facts in a particular case, usually determining guilt or innocence. A Trial Jury consists of 12 jurors with alternates, if selected, for criminal trials and 6 jurors with alternates, if selected, for civil trials. A Grand Jury receives and hears evidence to determine whether probable cause exists that the accused committed the crime. A Grand Jury consists of 23 jurors.
4. Will I have to report for service each day of my month of service as a Trial Juror?
No. You will determine your reporting status by calling the recorded message line at 1-866-SMC-JURY or 301-475-3550/3507 after 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday during your two week term of service beginning as
early as the Friday prior to your start date on your juror summons or juror badge. You can also check for your reporting instructions at Jury Announcement.
5. Can Trial Jurors serve on more than one trial?
Yes, it is possible that TRIAL jurors can serve on multiple trials during their term of service.
6. What happens during jury selection?
In each instance, the judge will tell you about the case and introduce you to the lawyers and others who are involved in the case. You will take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully.
After you are sworn in, you and the other potential members of the jury will go through voir dire, or jury selection. During jury selection, the judge and the lawyers question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge of the case, a personal interest in the outcome, or any interest in the case that might make it hard for you to be impartial. If you are uncomfortable answering a question, tell the judge and you may be allowed to give your response at the bench.
7. What are the steps of a Jury Trial?
Step 1: Selection of the Jury
Step 2: Opening statements
Step 3: Presentation of the evidence
Step 4: Jury instructions
Step 5: Closing arguments
Step 6: Jury deliberations
Step 7: Announcement of the verdict
8. When will Grand Jurors have to report?
Panel Grand Jurors will report on the orientation date listed on the summons and juror badge. On orientation date, the members will be provided with a tentative list of dates to report for service.
9. Can I be excused from jury service because of my occupation?
Occupation-based exemptions that existed in the past have been eliminated in connection with State jury service, except for federal and State legislators and military personnel documented by command as essential. All other eligible citizens are expected to report for jury service. This includes accountants, doctors, lawyers, police officers, and even judges.
10. What if I have a vacation, medical appointment, etc., during my service month?
All requests to be excused MUST be submitted in writing either with your juror qualification form or no later than two weeks prior to the first date of service indicated on your JUROR BADGE. Please include your service month and reporting number on any correspondence. You will be notified as to whether or not your request has been granted.
11. Can jury service place my job in jeopardy?
An employer may not deprive an employee of his/her employment solely because of job time lost due to attending jury duty or responding to a jury duty summons. Work certifications will be provided for attendance which include every day you are here.
12. Does my employer pay me for work-time lost while on jury service?
Employers are not obligated to pay employees while on jury service. Many county, state, and federal agencies pay their employees or provide administrative leave.
13. Do I get paid for jury service?
During your period of service you are given a per diem of $30 per day. If you need to waive or choose not to receive your per diem, please see a jury clerk for further instructions on waiving or consider donating itto the Generous Juror Program. If you are unaware of your employer's requirements, please review your policy prior to arriving for jury service. Documentation will be provided for either choice.
14. Is child care available?
There are no provisions for child care. Children are NOT to be brought to Court with you. Instances where prospective jurors appear with children will result in arrangements being made for their care by the Department of Social Services or other foster-care services, at the juror’s personal expense.
15. Where do I report?
Circuit Court for St. Mary's County, 41605 Courthouse Drive, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Please use the main front door entrance to the Courthouse and let the security personnel know that you are reporting for jury service. The security personnel will instruct you where to report. Please check the recorder information line or website after 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to be certain that you are scheduled to appear.
16. What can I bring to the Courthouse?
NO weapons of ANY kind are permitted on the premises of the Courthouse. Possession and use of cell phones and other electronic devices are limited or prohibited in designated areas of the Courthouse. Food and drinks are permitted to include the need for any medical condition requiring the intake of food or drink on a regular basis. Please make sure to advise the jury office of your accommodation need.
17. What if I have a disability or special needs?
Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities should be requested by contacting the jury commissioner at 301-475-7844 Ext. 4560 or 4566, at least two weeks prior to your first scheduled date of service. The Courthouse is equipped with an elevator, and there are several handicapped parking spaces available beside the Courthouse.
18. Is there a dress code?
Proper attire is required– NO UNIFORMS, SHORTS, CUT-OFF JEANS, T-SHIRTS WITH LOGOS, TANK OR HALTER TOPS, GYM CLOTHES, PAJAMAS, OR HATS (EXCEPT FOR RELIGIOUS PURPOSES). A violation of this dress code that causes disruption to the court proceedings may result in an extension of your service term or other sanction.
19. What if I have a medical or family emergency the day of service?
In order to be excused from reporting for service, appropriate documentation of the emergency will need to be provided within a time frame to be determined by the jury commissioner. Please call the jury commissioner at 301-475-7844 Ext. 4567, 4566 or 4560 (leave a message if there is no one available to answer your call). The jury commissioner will instruct you as to the type of documentation that will be required.
20. What is the inclement weather policy?
In the event of inclement weather please call the information line 301-475-7844 Ext. 4656 or visit http://mdcourts.gov/administration/closingsdelays.html the morning you are scheduled to appear for weather-related updates. If the information has not changed, report as scheduled.