Seals of the Court of Appeals and Superior Court
District of Columbia Courts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Am I expected to report each day that is listed on my summons?

You are expected to attend each day that you are scheduled for the entire length of your service. You will report each Monday through Friday, or Monday through Thursday, as stated on your summons. Grand jurors serving on a 4-day-per-week panel should report to their regular place of employment on any weekday they are not required to serve.

Are cell phones permitted? How about a laptop computer or tablet?

The U.S. Attorneys’ Office (USAO) allows grand jurors to take cell phones and other electronic devices such as small laptops, e-readers, tablets etc., into the lobby of the building, but they must be stored in lockers at the security desk. Jurors are allowed access to their devices during the lunch hour and scheduled breaks in the lobby area or outside the building.

At Moultrie Courthouse, cell phones are permitted while you wait, but not in the lounge. Laptops are permitted in all areas. WiFi access is available throughout the court building.

Can I bring a Swiss army knife or similar type instrument into the Court building? How about a camera or recording equipment?

Food and beverages are not permitted in the Jurors’ Lounge. You may eat in the corridor and the Jurors’ Vending Room (to the right as you exit the Lounge). Upon entering the Courthouse, you will have to pass through security, which includes clearing a metal detector as well as an X-ray machine. Items such as Swiss Army Knives, pocketknives, scissors, metal craft needles, cameras and recording equipment are not permitted in the Courthouse. Without exception, Court Security staff will confiscate these items. Weapons will not be returned.

Can I receive the $7 travel fee daily?

No, the $7 travel fee will be paid by debit card after you have served for one week. Your first payment will cover the first week of Grand Jury service only. This also applies if you are entitled to the $50 juror fee. Juror debit cards are reloaded weekly based on your attendance.

Can I still serve if I no longer reside or live in the District of Columbia?

No. You must be a resident of the District of Columbia to serve. Please consult the Grand Jury Specialist if you do not live in the District of Columbia, or if you moved out of the District of Columbia after you returned the juror questionnaire.

Can I use my mobile phone? How about a laptop computer?

You may use a mobile phone during your service at the Court in the Atrium or the corridors; however, we encourage the use of discretion and courtesy for those around you. You are not permitted to use the phone's camera function on the premises. The use of laptop computers is also permitted. WiFi access is available in the Jurors' Business Center, the Jurors' Lounge and the surrounding area.

DO I HAVE TO REPORT FOR THE GRAND JURY RECALL DAYS?

On occasion, recall days are needed to clear up any unfinished business of your grand jury panel. When recall sessions are needed, your panel will be provided with as much advance notice as possible.

Do I need my child’s shot record?

The Department of Health requires that specific health forms be completed. The child’s shot record is helpful during a first visit to verify that your child has had certain shots. However, unless it is on the Department of Health form, you will need to have the required form completed by your child’s doctor before the child’s next visit. 

A current immunization record is required for each registered child.

Does the Court provide child care?

Yes. Superior Court offers childcare to children of jurors at no charge. Your child must be at least 2 1/2 years old and fully toilet-trained (no pull-ups). You must provide an immunization record for your child beginning on Day 2. You must take your child out of the center (Location: C-100) for lunch. Please plan to pick-up your child by 4:45 p.m. daily, as the Center closes at 5 p.m.

How long does it take to register?

People registering for the first time should allow at least 10 – 15 minutes for completing the computerized registration form and signing printed documents. If your child has attended the Center previously, it takes a few minutes to print the registration and admittance forms for you to sign.

How long will I be at the courthouse today?

You can expect to be in the Jurors' Lounge until 5 p.m., possibly later if you are in a courtroom for the selection process. Often, a panel selection may continue for a second day. Please plan accordingly.

How much does it cost?

Child Care service is free to eligible members of the public. Court employees contribute a fee which is given to the Victims Assistance Program. The fee is reduced by 50% for 2 or more children for Court employees

How will I be paid during my service?

Juror payments will be disbursed via Visa debit cards. Activate your card after 5 p.m. on the first day of service at 1-800-341-6700. Payments for each day’s attendance will be loaded onto the debit cards after 5 p.m.

How will I know if I am eligible to use the Child Care Center?

If you are a member of the public who has business with the Court or you are a Court employee, you are eligible to use the Child Care Center during the time that you are handling your business with the Court.

I am currently serving on a trial, but the judge has recessed proceedings for the day. Will I receive my usual juror fee and travel stipend for days the trial is not in session?

No. If the trial on which you are serving is recessed for an entire day for any reason and you are currently employed, you should report to work on that day. You will not be paid by the Court for days on which the trial is in recess.

I am not a United States citizen, but I have received a jury summons. Am I still required to serve?

No. Complete and return the juror questionnaire. Be sure to indicate that you are not a citizen of the United States. Do not report for service. You will be mailed confirmation not to report.

I attempted to log on to eJuror, but the system says “The social security number you entered does not match the one on file for your Participant number”.

Please contact the Juror Office immediately at 202-879-4604 and speak with a jury staff person. The court compiles its master jury list using records obtained from multiple sources. On occasion, these records contain errors that can prevent users from logging on to eJuror successfully. These types of errors can also cause duplicate summons to be issued before a juror’s two-year cycle of eligibility has ended. Keywords: eJuror, Juror, Jury Duty

I attempted to log on to eJuror, but the system says “The social security number you entered does not match the one on file for your Participant number”.

Please contact the Juror Office immediately at 202-879-4604 and speak with a jury staff person. The court compiles its master jury list using records obtained from multiple sources. On occasion, these records contain errors that can prevent users from logging on to eJuror successfully. These types of errors can also cause duplicate summons to be issued before a juror’s two-year cycle of eligibility has ended.

I can't serve on the summons date and want to serve at a later time. Can I select the new date, or will the Court choose a date for me?

The Superior Court's flexible deferral system allows you to select a date to serve that is up to 90 days away from the original date on your summons. The day of the week that you select must be the same day of the week on which you were originally summoned. For example, if your original summons date falls on a Tuesday, the deferral date you select must also be a Tuesday. Most trials last 3-5 days, so keep this in mind when choosing a date to begin your service.

I chose a new jury duty date online, but I never received confirmation of my new date to serve. Should I still report for service? If I have forgotten the date that I chose, is there a way to find out that information?

Confirmation notices are mailed 1 business day after you select a deferral date. You are required to report on the deferred date whether or not the notice reaches you by mail. If you cannot remember the new date you chose to serve, log on to eJuror, and select “Current Status” from the menu on the left. You can find your next scheduled date to serve under “Next Report Date”.Keywords: eJuror, Juror, Jury Duty

I chose a new jury duty date online, but I never received confirmation of my new date to serve. Should I still report for service? If I have forgotten the date that I chose, is there a way to find out that information?

Confirmation notices are mailed 1 business day after you select a deferral date. You are required to report on the deferred date whether or not the notice reaches you by mail. If you cannot remember the new date you chose to serve, log on to eJuror, and select “Current Status” from the menu on the left. You can find your next scheduled date to serve under “Next Report Date”.

I continue to receive jury summons at my address for an individual who no longer resides in the District of Columbia. I notified the Court of this situation previously. Why does the Court continue to send jury notices for this person?

In order to remove an individual's name from the Master Jury Wheel because that person no longer resides in the District of Columbia, the Court requires the following information: the individual's name, the bar coded jury number (located in bold print on the face of the summons) and the current address, including street, unit number if applicable, city, state and zip code.

I deferred my jury service until a later date. Will I receive a new summons?

You will receive a reminder of your new reporting date, not a new summons. Your juror badge number will not change. You should keep the original summons and bring it with you on the new date. Your original summons contains the actual badge you will be required to wear during your service. When you report for service, the badge will be detached from the original summons and placed in a holder that you can attach to your clothing.

I deferred my service to a later date. Do I still need to mail in the juror qualification form?

Yes, you should complete and return the juror qualification form as soon as you receive it, even if you deferred your jury service to a later time. Complete the form online at www.dccourts.gov/jurorservices, mail the completed form to us in the postage-paid summons packet, or fax it to us at 2028790012 [at] fax2mail.com. Returning your juror qualification form ahead of time will facilitate your check-in for jury service.

I deferred my service to a later time, but I never received a confirmation notice of the new date. Do I still need to report?

Yes, you are still expected to report. Although the Court will send you a reminder of your deferral date, it is your responsibility to report on the deferred date, whether or not confirmation of the deferral reaches you by mail. We recommend that once you arrange a deferral date with our staff, you jot down that date in your calendar, or set yourself a reminder of the new service date in your electronic scheduler.

I had jury duty today, but the Court is closed due to inclement weather. Is there anything that I need to do?

If you are a petit juror reporting for the first time, you don't need to do anything. Your name will be returned to the general pool of jurors.

I have a prior felony conviction. Can I still serve?

Grand jurors cannot serve if it has been less than 10 years since the completion of the jail term, probation or parole. Petit Jurors cannot serve if it has been less than 1 year since the completion of the jail term, probation or parole. You cannot serve if you have a pending criminal case, but you may serve with a misdemeanor conviction.

I have a prior felony conviction. Am I required to serve?

Petit jurors can serve if it has been 1 year since the completion of the jail term, probation, or parole. You can serve with a misdemeanor conviction. You cannot serve if you have a pending criminal case. Please see D.C. Code Section 11-1906(b)(2)(B).

I have a problem serving beyond one day. What should I do?

Contact the jury staff at (202) 879-4604 if you have a scheduling conflict, travel plans, medical appointment, illness, or other matter that would prevent you from serving on a trial. Do not assume that you will be here for only one day; you may be selected for a trial.

I have just received a summons, but I think that it has been less than two years since my last date of service. How can I find the last time that I served?

Log on to eJuror and select “Current Status” from the menu on the left. Your last date of service can be found under “Last Attended”.Keywords: eJuror, Juror, Jury Duty

I have just received a summons, but I think that it has been less than two years since my last date of service. How can I find the last time that I served?

Log on to eJuror and select “Current Status” from the menu on the left. Your last date of service can be found under “Last Attended”.

I have received a jury summons, but I am an active member of the United States military. Am I still required to serve?

If you are currently deployed or about to be deployed out of the District or out of the country, you can be excused from service. Please contact us by telephone at (202) 879-4604, by eFax at 2028790012 [at] fax2mail.com, or by email at JurorHelp [at] dcsc.gov for assistance.

I hit the “Back” button to return to the previous page and the system says the “Webpage has expired”

Hit the “Refresh” button on the toolbar to reload the page. To avoid this error, use the “back” and “next” buttons at the bottom of the eJuror page; do not use the browser back and forward buttons. You may need to exit your browser completely, wait 3-5 minutes and log on again.Keywords: eJuror, Juror, Jury Duty

I hit the “Back” button to return to the previous page and the system says the “Webpage has expired”.

Hit the “Refresh” button on the toolbar to reload the page. To avoid this error, use the “back” and “next” buttons at the bottom of the eJuror page; do not use the browser back and forward buttons. You may need to exit your browser completely, wait 3-5 minutes and log on again.

I may have trouble hearing the proceedings in the courtroom. What should I do?

If you require such assistance, contact the Office of Court Interpreting Services via relay at 202-879-4828 at least two weeks in advance of your summons date. You can schedule an ASL, PSE or oral interpreter to accommodate you during your service.

I need proof of my jury service. How can I obtain a statement that lists my day(s) of service?

Log on to eJuror and select “Attendance Letter” from the menu on the left. You may print a copy for your records.Keywords: eJuror, Juror, Jury Duty

I no longer live in the District of Columbia. When I attempt to enter my current address on the questionnaire, eJuror will not allow me to enter my new address. The system says “You have entered and out-of-state zip code”

The Personal Information page reflects where the summons was mailed and will allow changes of address within the District of Columbia only. To enter an out-of-state address, proceed on to the questionnaire. The “Resident” page and the “Current Address” page will allow you to indicate that you no longer live in DC and to enter your non-DC address. You will then receive a formal disqualification from service.Keywords: eJuror, Juror, Jury Duty

I no longer live in the District of Columbia. When I attempt to enter my current address on the questionnaire, eJuror will not allow me to enter my new address. The system says “You have entered and out-of-state zip code”.

The Personal Information page reflects where the summons was mailed and will allow changes of address within the District of Columbia only. To enter an out-of-state address, proceed on to the questionnaire. The “Resident” page and the “Current Address” page will allow you to indicate that you no longer live in DC and to enter your non-DC address. You will then receive a formal disqualification from service.

I received a summons for jury duty in the Superior Court, but I've misplaced it. What should I do?

If you've misplaced your jury summons and are unsure of your reporting date, call the Juror Office at 202-879-4604. The Juror Office staff can provide you with your juror badge number, the date you are expected to report, and your reporting time and location. If you've misplaced the summons, but know what date you are to serve and where our courthouse is located, simply report for service with your driver's license or some other valid form of identification.

I recently moved out of the District, but I haven't had a chance to turn in my driver's license or voter registration card. Am I still required to serve?

No. Report immediately to the Jurors’ Office to report your change of address so that you can be removed from today’s jury pool and excused from service.

I tried to log on to eJuror more than once and the system has shut me out. It now says “You have unsuccessfully attempted to log on too many times. Please contact the Court”

Exit your browser completely. The eJuror system will allow you to log back on in approximately 3-5 minutes.Keywords: eJuror, Juror, Jury Duty

I tried to log on to eJuror more than once and the system has shut me out. It now says “You have unsuccessfully attempted to log on too many times. Please contact the Court”.

Exit your browser completely. The eJuror system will allow you to log back on in approximately 3-5 minutes.

I want to defer my service to a later time, but it takes too long to reach a "live person" by phone. Is there another way to defer my service?

The Court offers online deferrals at www.dccourts.gov/jurorservices that allow you to defer your service to a new date. Be sure to complete the juror qualification form online before deferring your service. You can also defer your service to a new date via the Automated Juror Deferral Line (202) 879-4604 by using your telephone keypad. Have your bar-coded juror number, your calendar, and a pen available.

I'm a contract worker for the government. How will I get paid?

If you are selected for a trial, you must provide written proof that you are a contracted worker in order to receive the full jury fee during your service. We recommend that contract workers for government agencies bring this documentation when they report for service. Documentation should be typewritten on official letterhead, and signed by the contractor or your immediate supervisor. For faster processing, please include your bar-coded jury number on the document.

I'm over 70 years old and I really don't care to serve. Can I be excused on the basis of age?

There is no age limit for Superior Court jurors. Dismissing jurors solely on the basis of age could be considered a form of discrimination. Jurors can be excused on the basis of medical or mental infirmity, but not age.Keywords: eJuror, Juror, Jury Duty

If I am on a case as a juror, can my child come every day?

The Child Care Center is available to you as long as you have business with the Court.

If there is an emergency evacuation of the Court building, how will I know what to do?

If an emergency necessitates evacuation of the building, Court staff will be on hand to guide jurors safely out of the building. Additionally, jurors are provided with detailed emergency evacuation procedures upon check-in. Be sure to read these procedures carefully and keep them handy during your service. Superior Court Building Evacuation Information for Jurors.

Is the Child Care Center licensed?

The Center is a licensed Child Development Center. The office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) issues the annually renewable Child Care Center license.

Is WiFi Internet access available? How do I connect?

Yes, there are WiFi access points in the Jurors' Lounge, the Business Center, as well as in the cafeteria on the C Level. To connect using your WiFi-enabled laptop, open your web browser and you will be directed to the Courts’ WiFi login page. You will need to select “I agree” on the WiFi Terms and Conditions of Use/Terms of Service (TOS) page. You will then be able to browse the Internet at no cost.Keywords: Petit Jury, Jury Duty, Juror, Petit Juror

Is WiFi Internet access available? How do I connect?

Yes, there are WiFi access points in the Jurors' Lounge, the Business Center, as well as in the cafeteria on the C Level. To connect using your WiFi-enabled laptop, open your web browser and you will be directed to the Courts’ WiFi login page. You will need to select “I agree” on the WiFi Terms and Conditions of Use/Terms of Service (TOS) page.

It is expensive to park near the courthouse. Is there a parking lot nearby that offers reasonable rates?
We recommend that jurors take Metro while serving, as parking lots in the surrounding area are fairly expensive. If you opt to park at a meter, you risk a parking ticket if your meter expires while you are in a courtroom during the selection process.
I’ve missed my summons/deferral date. What should I do?

If you've missed your summons or deferral date, please contact the Juror Office at 202-879-4604. Failure to report for jury service as directed places you in FTA (Failure to Appear) status and must be resolved quickly to avoid a possible show cause hearing. Jurors must speak directly with a jury staff member to obtain a new date to serve. You will not be able to access eJuror or the Automated Deferral Line while in FTA status.

My child has to have medicine during the day. Will the Child Care Center staff give it to him/her?

If your child must receive medication during his/her visit to the Center, the person who left the child should be available to administer the medication at the appropriate times.

My child was not feeling well this morning, can s(he) use the Child Care Center?

Sick children may not attend the Center. If your child becomes ill during the day at the Child Care Center, you will be contacted to pick him/her up.

My job pays my normal salary, but it is my day off. How will I get paid?

You must provide written proof from your employer that it is your day off from work to receive the $full jury fee. The statement you provide should be typewritten on official letterhead from your employer and signed by your immediate supervisor, human resources director, or payroll manager. Requests for payment for each of your days off will be processed upon the completion of your grand jury service.

What are the hours of the Child Care Center?

The Child Care Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. The Center is closed on weekends and federal holidays.

What if I am selected for a trial and then experience an emergency that prevents me from coming to the courthouse?

Telephone the Juror Office at 202-879-4604. Deaf jurors should call 202-879-1492 via Video Relay Service (VRS) to report an unforeseeable emergency. Our staff will connect you to the appropriate judge’s chambers.

What if I have a previously scheduled doctor’s appointment, vacation or business trip during my term of service -- can I be excused?
Please advise your foreperson as soon as possible of your need to be excused from sessions so that the Court can adequately plan for your absence. Your foreperson will then refer your request to the Grand Jury Specialist for approval. Approval of requests to be excused from grand jury sessions will be based on the number of jurors present to transact business in your absence. Last-minute requests to be excused must be supported by written documentation of medical appointments, travel plans, etc.
What if I need to take a short break?
There will be two 15-minute breaks each day; one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
What information do I need to bring with me?

If you have a current Department of Health (DOH) health certificate for your child, you should bring it. All children will need a health certificate. If your child is age 3 or older, a dental health certificate also will be needed. The emergency treatment form requires health insurance information. You need to bring that information as well. (If your child is school-age, you may be able to get this information from your child’s school.)

What should I wear?
The dress code is casual with some exceptions. You may wear jeans and athletic shoes provided that they are clean and neat. Extremes in dress may cause you to be sent home to change.
What time is lunch?

Generally, your lunch hour will be from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

What time will I be excused each day?
Expect to be in session each day until 5 p.m.
Where can I get proof of my service to take to my employer?

Jurors may obtain proof of service by visiting eJuror Online Services at www.dccourts.gov/jurorservices. Log in and click "'Attendance Letter.Petit Jury Service / Jurors and Jury Duty

Where can I store my personal belongings?

Lockers are located at the front of the jurors' lounge for your convenience. The lockers cost $.50 to $.75 per one-time use.

Where is the Child Care Center located?

The Child Care Center is located on C Level in the Moultrie (Superior Court) Building at 500 Indiana Avenue in Room C-100.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE FULL JUROR FEE?

You are entitled to receive the full juror fee if you are unemployed, self-employed, retired or if your employer will not pay your normal salary during your jury service.

Why am I required to indicate my racial background on the juror qualification form?

Exclusion from jury service on account of race is prohibited by law. By collecting and maintaining statistics on jurors' racial identity, the Court can effectively monitor and enforce nondiscrimination in the selection of jurors. This question has absolutely no bearing on qualification for jury service.Keywords: Petit Jury, Jury Duty, Juror, Petit Juror

Why am I required to put my social security number on the juror qualification form?

This information is used solely to identify and remove duplicates on the Master Jury Wheel and to produce 1099 reports for the Internal Revenue Service.

WILL I REPORT TO THE MOULTRIE COURTHOUSE EACH DAY FOR GRAND JURY?

No. After your enrollment and swearing in at the Moultrie Courthouse, your grand jury panel will meet at the US Attorneys’ Office (USAO) for the remainder of your service.

Will my special needs child be able to use the Child Care Center?

The Center handles special needs situations on an individual basis. If the child’s needs can be met by the available staff in the Child Care Center’s environment, your child may be able to use the Center.

Can I receive a jury summons by email?

Jurors can receive summons by postal mail and eSummons. The mailed summons always follows the eSummons. We send eSummons to prospective jurors if we have your email address in our records. It contains hyperlinks to the jury webpage where you can complete the questionnaire.

WILL I REPORT TO THE MOULTRIE COURTHOUSE EACH DAY FOR GRAND JURY?

No. After your enrollment and swearing in at the Moultrie Courthouse, your grand jury panel will be provided with reporting instructions to meet at the U.S. Attorneys’ Office for the remainder of your service.

Where can I use the debit card?

The cards can be used at retail locations that accept VISA. To locate a surcharge-free ATM, visit www.firstdata.com/moneynetwork. Online balance inquiries are free of charge at www.usdebitcard.gov or grand jurors can download the Money Network Mobile App at the App Store or on Google Play to check their balance.

What if I lose my debit card?

If you misplace your debit card, you should contact 1-800-341-6700 for a replacement.

What do I do if I have an emergency or must call in sick?
You may speak to a jury staff person as early as 7:30 a.m. on business days by calling (202) 339-1116 or (202) 879-1593. If you are employed and you call out of your grand jury session, please notify your employer to place you on the appropriate leave status.
What if I have an a.m., or morning, appointment and arrive for the afternoon session?
Grand jurors reporting for sessions after 12 noon will not receive credit or payment for service unless they received specific instructions to report for sessions after the lunch hour.
I am a nursing mother. Is there a room where I can nurse or express?

The Health Unit staff in Room C330 will provide a private room for nursing mothers during your service. If you plan to visit the Health Unit, please alert a member of the Juror Office.

Can I eat or drink in the Jurors' Lounge?

Yes.

I AM A CONTRACTED OR PART-TIME WORKER FOR THE GOVERNMENT. HOW WILL I BE PAID?

If you are selected for trial, you must provide written proof from your agency that you will not receive your normal salary in order to be issued the full jury fees during your service.

I cannot serve on jury duty due to medical reasons. How can I be excused from service?

Submit a statement from your health care provider on official letterhead stating you are unable to serve due to your medical condition. Send the letter to: jurorhelp [at] dcsc.gov (petit jurors), grandjurorhelp [at] dcsc.gov (grand jurors), via eFax to 2028790012 [at] fax2mail.com, or via eJuror Services at www.dccourts.gov/jurorservices.