JURY SERVICE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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MAY I POSTPONE OR DEFER MY ATTENDANCE FOR JURY SERVICE?
Answer: A temporary deferral of jury duty can be granted under certain circumstances.
You must submit all requests in writing to your assigned Judge. You must submit your request
for deferral as early as possible following receipt of your summons for jury duty.
- If you have a medical excuse, you must submit a doctor’s
statement containing condition and prognosis.
- Remember, in most cases, this is not an exemption, but
only a temporary postponement of jury duty.
- If you believe you may be exempt from serving, you should
note the reason on the back of your jury summons and return it to the Judge.
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WHO IS EXEMPT OR DISQUALIFIED FROM JURY DUTY?
Answer: Under Ohio Law, only cloistered members of religious organizations and persons
over 75 years of age are exempt from jury service. Previously, attorneys, physicians, dentists,
elected public officials, and persons over the age of 70 were exempt from jury service; however,
they now may be called for jury duty. (Ohio Revised Code §2313.06)
The following are disqualified, and thus, may not serve as jurors:
- Persons who are no longer residents of Ashtabula County; persons who have been convicted
of a felony, and whose rights have not been restored. (Ohio Revised Code §2961.01)
- If you believe you may be exempt from serving, you should note the reason on a separate
sheet of paper and return it to the Court.
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I HAVE MOVED FROM ASHTABULA COUNTY, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Answer: If you are not currently a resident of Ashtabula County, please return your summons to your assigned Judge showing your current address. You also need to notify the Board
of Elections that you no longer reside in Ashtabula County.
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HOW LONG IS JURY SERVICE?
Answer: Your length of jury duty is normally two to three days. However, if you are serving on a jury, you will be required to continue to report until the trial is concluded.
You will be advised as to the estimated duration of the trial, so that you may make appropriate
arrangements.
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WHAT IS THE PROPER ATTIRE?
Answer: You should use your judgment and report for jury duty properly dressed.
Since you may be sitting in place for a considerable length of time, you should dress casually
and comfortably. No hats are allowed to be worn when court is in session.
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WHEN SHOULD I BE IN COURT FOR MY JURY DUTY?
Answer: On your first day, you should report to your assigned Judge’s courtroom at the time indicated on your summons. Court hours are normally 9:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Monday through
Friday. Lunch break is approximately 12:00 P.M. to 1:00 P.M. You will be excused for the day
at approximately 4:30 P.M., and the trial Judge will then advise you of the time to report the
next day.
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WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Answer: You should plan on spending most of your stay in the courtroom.
You may bring reading material or other appropriate items to occupy your time when you are not
in trial. Electronic pagers and cellular telephones are to be turned off or on vibrate.
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HOW MUCH WILL I BE PAID?
Answer: Jurors are paid at the rate of $15.00 per day. Payment is made by check,
2 to 3 weeks after the completion of jury service. You are expected to provide your own
meals, transportation, and child care. If you need a letter to your employer confirming
your time on jury duty, you can obtain this at the Clerk of Court’s office, either at the
completion of your service or on a daily basis.
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HOW WILL I BE ADVISED IF THE COURT IS CLOSED DUE TO A WEATHER EMERGENCY?
Answer: Announcements of closings of government offices, including the
Justice Center, are made over radio and television stations, the same as with school closings.
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