Frequently Asked Questions
How long is my jury term?
The term of service is one month for trial jurors and six months for grand jurors.
How often do I call in?
Trial Jurors should call each and every night Sunday through Thursday during their service week after 5:30 p.m.
What happens when I call the Juror Information Line?
Please listen for instructions for your reporting number. Your reporting number can be found on your juror badge. You do not report for jury duty unless the recording instructs you to do so (This includes your first day of jury service). Trial jurors are automatically scheduled for jury service Monday through Friday of their jury week. However, you should call 410-548-4997 every evening after 5:30 P.M. to check your reporting status. If all the scheduled trials settle, you will not need to report.
How long will I be there?
Most jury trials last 1-2 days. If scheduled longer, the presiding judge will address this in the courtroom during jury selection. You may speak up if you have a conflict with your schedule. In general, prospective jurors will know by noon if jury selection will occur in a courtroom; however, you should make arrangements to be here all day just in case you are selected. The Court usually gives an hour lunch break for jurors. The lunch break will be determined by the presiding judge.
Can I serve on more than one trial?
Yes, jurors may serve on multiple trials as you are on call for the whole month.
Where do I report for jury duty?
The Wicomico County Courthouse is located at 102 Court Street Salisbury, Maryland. The jury assembly room is located at the public entry level of the courthouse. You must check into the jury assembly room every time you appear in order to receive credit for reporting. You will be asked to provide your signature on a juror sign in and payment verification sheet.
What is the dress code for jury duty?
Out of respect for the Court; please, do not wear jeans, t-shirts, shorts, gym clothes, tank tops or half shirts. If you have a job where uniforms are required, please do not wear the uniform for jury duty. You are here as a citizen for a court proceeding. Please do not wear employer badges or name tags from your place of employment.
Where do I park?
Please park in the City of Salisbury Parking Garage at 100 Circle Ave. You will be issued a parking pass when you are dismissed from service for the day. If you choose to park in a metered space please understand that those spaces are for short term parking. You will be responsible for the fee and any resulting tickets.
Is there a special entrance to the Courthouse?
Yes, for security reasons everyone must enter the Courthouse through the atrium connecting the historic and new courthouses. The entrance may be access either from Court Street or North Division Street (accessible by ramp). All visitors entering the building must pass through a metal detector and bags are subject to search. No weapons/knives of any kind are permitted.
Do you supply refreshments?
Coffee, water and soda are provided. The jury assembly room is equipped with a microwave and refrigerator for those who wish to bring snacks or lunch.
Can I get documentation for my employer proving my jury service?
Yes. Please ask at the front desk in the jury assembly room.
How much does jury duty pay?
Jurors will receive $15.00 per day. You will be paid for reporting whether or not you are selected for a trial. Your payment for all of your service days in a month will be issued as a check mailed to your home.
Can my employer fire me for appearing for jury duty?
An employer may not deprive an employee of his employment solely because of job time lost by the employee as a result of responding to a summons issued or as a result of attending Court for service or prospective service as a petit or grand juror under the provisions of the Annotated Code of Maryland, “Courts and Judicial Proceedings,” Section 8-105.
Can I be excused if I feel I am medically unable to serve?
A juror can be excused for medical reasons upon receipt of a physician’s note stating the length of time they are unable to serve. If you have a permanent disability the physician’s note must indicate “permanent” disability.
What do I do if I become ill on the day I am to report for jury duty?
You should ask your physician to fax a medical excuse to the jury office at 410-548-4991. We must have documentation to show the Judge why you are unable to report.
Can I be excused because I am employed?
Employment is not a reason to be excused from jury duty. It is the duty of every citizen to participate in jury service. All requests for excusal are to be submitted with your questionnaire within ten days of receipt.
Where are the courtrooms located?
The Circuit Court for Wicomico County currently has four jury courtrooms which are located on the upper floors of the building. Please report directly to the Jury Assembly Room on the entry level of the courthouse so you do not overhear conversations pertaining to scheduled trials. The jury assembly room is located away from the courtrooms for this reason.
If I am selected for a trial do I still call-in or check-in at the jury assembly room?
Once you are selected for a trial you must follow the judge’s instructions. You do not call the recording if you are currently serving on a trial.
What is the inclement weather policy?
In the event of inclement weather check the Judiciary’s website or look for “Circuit Court Closings” on the following stations:
- WBOC Channel 16 Salisbury
- WMDT Channel 47 Salisbury
Jurors should carry all their belongings with them when they leave the jury assembly room to go to a courtroom as they may be dismissed directly from the courtroom. No food or beverages are permitted in the courtroom. Cell phones must be turned OFF before going into the courtroom.