Jury Duty Information & FAQ’s

Clinton County Common Pleas Court

Overview

The United States Constitution guarantees every individual the right to a trial by an impartial jury. Serving as a juror is one of the most important civic duties a citizen can perform. Jurors play a vital role in upholding the rule of law and ensuring fair outcomes in both civil and criminal trials.

Juror Eligibility & Selection

To be eligible for jury duty in Clinton County, you must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Reside in Clinton County

  • Be able to read, speak, and understand English

Jurors are randomly selected from the list of registered voters in Clinton County. Those selected will receive a summons by mail.

Types of Jury Service

Petit Jury (Trial Jury)

  • Civil trials: heard by 8 jurors

  • Criminal trials: heard by 12 jurors

  • Alternate jurors may be selected

  • Term of service typically spans 4 months, with potential call-ins during that term

Grand Jury

  • Reviews evidence to determine if felony charges should be filed

  • Composed of 9 members and up to 5 alternates

  • Serves a 4-month term, usually reporting bi-weekly

  • Selection is conducted under the supervision of the Judge and Prosecutor

Jury Summons Instructions

If you receive a summons:

  1. Read the entire document carefully.

  2. Complete the included questionnaire within 3 days.

Dress Code

Please wear appropriate attire:

  • Acceptable: Business-casual clothing, comfortable layers

  • Not permitted: Mini-skirts, tank tops, clothing with offensive language/logos, hats

  • Courtrooms may vary in temperature — bring a sweater or jacket

Compensation

Jurors will receive compensation as follows:

  • $15.00 per day for a half day of service or if jurors are released.

  • $25.00 per day of service

What to Expect When You Arrive

Upon arrival:

  • Check in with the Bailiffs

  • Undergo security screening

  • Jury selection begins with questioning by the Judge and attorneys

  • You may be asked to step aside if there is concern about impartiality

Criminal vs. Civil Cases

  • Criminal Cases: The prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Civil Cases: The jury determines liability and/or damages based on the evidence presented.

Employer Information

Employers are required by law to allow employees to serve on jury duty. It is illegal to threaten or terminate an employee for being summoned to court.

Documentation verifying your jury service will be available upon request from the Jury Commission Clerk.

Courthouse Security

For everyone’s safety:

  • All visitors are subject to security screening

  • Do not bring weapons, including guns or knives

  • If you have medical devices that may trigger security scanners, notify the Deputy

Excusal or Deferral Requests

Requests to be excused must be submitted in writing at least 7 days prior to your scheduled service date. Valid reasons may include:

  • Age (75+ for Petit Jury, 70+ for Grand Jury)

  • Full-time student status (with proof)

  • Out-of-county residency (with proof of address)

  • Pre-scheduled travel or medical procedures

Late requests will be addressed during jury selection.

To request an excusal or deferral, submit via mail, email, or online (if a jury portal is available).

Jury Duty Scam Warning

The Court will never call you to request personal information.
If you receive a suspicious phone call claiming to be from the court or jury office, do not provide any information. Report the incident to the Clerk’s Office immediately.

  • Please take the time to thoroughly read the summons. It contains a great deal of information that may be helpful to you. Once you have read it, please fill out the questionnaire that was included to the fullest extent possible and mail it back to the court using the enclosed envelope as soon as possible

  • Jurors are selected for a 4‑month term of service. You may be called to serve at any time during that term. You may also be called more than once during your term. It is also possible that your services will not be needed at all during your term.

  • You will be notified approximately two weeks in advance, by a separate notice from this court, of the time and dates your services will be required.

  • No. You will be notified as to the dates you are needed and given instructions on when to call and what phone number to use.

  • All requests to be excused must be put in writing and include your name. At the Judge’s discretion, you may be excused for previously scheduled vacation times or other dates that you will be out of town, but only for those dates. The court attempts to grant excused absences for any previously scheduled medical appointments or emergencies. All requests for excusal will be reviewed by the Judge. The court attempts to notify all excused jurors, but you should contact the court if you have requested to be excused and not yet been notified. Please allow 1–2 weeks after filing your request for processing.

  • We apologize for any undue hardship this has caused. Please mark the outside of the summons “Deceased” and “Return to Sender” and put it back in the mail. We do not remove names from the system; you will need to contact the Board of Elections to do so.

  • Yes. Your jury summons is an official court order. Failure to report without a lawful excuse may result in contempt of court proceedings.

  • The jury commission clerk has notices indicating that you have or have not been selected for service, available upon completion of the day’s hearing.

  • Yes. Ask the Jury Commission Clerk for a Jury Appearance Verification Form.

  • Jurors are given a number to call the day before trial to check the status of the trial.  The message will say the trial is either going forward as scheduled or the trial has been canceled.

    If the jury trial is canceled on the day of trial; the jurors are released by the bailiffs.