What Is Jury Service?
Jury service is when people from the community help decide what’s fair in a court case. If you are chosen, you will be part of a jury – a group that listens to the facts and helps make a decision.
Types of Juries
There are two types of juries in D.C.:
- Petit Jury: Decides the outcome of a trial.
- Grand Jury: Decides if there's enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.
- It helps make sure every person gets a fair trial.
- It lets everyday people have a say in how justice works.
- It protects the rights of all people in the community — including you!
When you serve on a jury, you help make sure the court treats everyone fairly and equally. That’s how you help make justice happen.
You may receive a summons if you:
- Vote in D.C.
- Have a D.C. driver’s license or ID
- Get D.C. public benefits
- File taxes in D.C
This depends on what type of jury you’re summoned for.
| Type of Jury | Length of Service | Schedule | Additional Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petit Jury | 1 day or 1 trial | Report for 1 day | If you’re not picked for a trial, your service ends. Trials usually last 3–5 days. |
| Grand Jury | 25 workdays | Monday -- Friday, 8:30 a.m. | You must report every weekday until your service is complete. |
After your service is over, you will not be picked for 2 years.
Request a Deferral or to be Excused:
You can postpone your date once for any reason (this is called a deferral).
You may be excused from jury service if you:
- Are not a D.C. resident
- Are under 18
- Have a serious illness or disability
- Are caring for a child under 2.5 years
- Are 70 or older
- Have already served in the last 2 years
- Would face extreme hardship
To request a new date or be excused:
- Log in to eJuror
- Email jurorhelp [at] dcsc.gov
- Call the Juror Office
If you have a salaried job:
Your employer must pay you your usual salary for jury duty. Your employer cannot fire or punish you for serving. It’s the law.
If you are unemployed, retired or an hourly worker:
The D.C. Courts pay you for your service by debit card. Petit jurors are paid daily. Grand jurors are paid weekly.
How much?
- $57 per day if you’re not paid by your job
- $7 travel stipend if you’re paid your usual salary
- All visitors must go through security.
- No weapons, cameras, or sharp items are allowed.
- If there’s an emergency in the courthouse, staff will guide you to safety.
Log in to eJuror and print your attendance letter.
Understanding Implicit Bias
In every jury trial, the D.C. Superior Court works to make sure everyone gets a fair trial. That means jurors must listen to the facts and decide the case without any unfair opinions or personal feelings.
This short video explains what implicit bias (also called unconscious bias) means. It helps jurors understand how bias can affect decisions and why it’s important to be fair and open-minded in the courtroom.
The video is shown to jurors before the trial starts.
You may not share, copy, or use this video in any other way without written permission from the D.C. Superior Court. To request permission, email: EOCommunications [at] dccsystem.gov
Courthouse Amenities
We offer several services to make your visit more comfortable
Juror Business Center
While you wait to be called, you can use the Juror Business Center to read, work, or go online. This space is available to all petit and grand jurors during their jury service.
Location: Inside the Jurors’ Lounge at the Moultrie Courthouse
The center includes:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Workstations with desks and chairs
- A quiet space to use your laptop or device
Accessibility and Jury Service
The court wants all jurors to be able to serve, including people with disabilities. If you have a disability or special need, please let us know on your juror questionnaire. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, we can provide a sign language interpreter or other help.
You should also contact the Juror Office at least 2 weeks before your report date so we have time to help.
Examples of Accommodations We Can Provide
We can offer:
- A sign language interpreter
- Real-time captions (called CART) that appear on a screen
- An assistive listening device or someone to read aloud
- Large print versions of documents
- An escort to assist blind jurors
- Other help as needed
We are here to support you. Please reach out so we can make sure you are comfortable and ready to serve.
If you have limited English skills or are deaf or hard-of-hearing, the Courts will provide an interpreter at no cost. To request an interpreter, contact the Juror Office.
Thank You for Serving!
Thank you for helping make justice fair in D.C. Your service matters!