Juror Information
Please read your juror letter, summons, and questionnaire in detail. Your reporting dates and juror number are on the jury summons - you'll need them to determine whether you must report for jury duty.
Do I have to report?
Call the Jury Service line after 4:30 p.m. the day before your reporting date. If Monday is a holiday, the message is available after 4:30 p.m. the previous Friday through Tuesday morning.
What did I just get in the mail?
Please read all of the paperwork in your juror packet. Your reporting dates and juror number are indicated on the jury summons - you'll need this information to determine whether you actually have to report.
Also included is a Juror Questionnaire. This must be completed (front and back) and returned to the Court by mail within 7 days of receiving it. Send your completed questionnaire to Court Services Coordinator Kelly Starkey at 224 East Main Street, Room 211, Lancaster, Ohio 43130. Remember to include your contact information on the front. Please do not fax your questionnaire - we need the original.
You should also have received a Juror Excuse Form. If you believe you qualify for an exemption, complete this form and mail it with your completed Juror Questionnaire. Copies of the Questionnaire and Juror Excuse Form can be found here.
Am I eligible to be a juror?
To serve, you must be at least 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, and a current resident of Fairfield County. Other than that, you do not need any special skills, training, or legal knowledge. You do need to be able to listen carefully, follow instructions, keep an open mind, and make a decision free from personal feelings or biases.
If you believe you are ineligible, complete the applicable section of the Juror Excuse Form included in your packet and return it with your completed Juror Questionnaire. Questions about eligibility? Contact Court Services Coordinator Kelly Starkey at 740-652-7433 or 614-322-5275, or kelly.starkey@fairfieldcountyohio.gov.
Frequently asked questions
If I'm eligible, how will I know if I actually have to report?
Call the Jury Service number at 740-652-7433 or 614-322-5275 after 4:30 p.m. the day before your reporting date. If Monday is a holiday, the message can be accessed after 4:30 p.m. the previous Friday, and remains available until Tuesday morning. The message will tell you whether you are required to report or are excused for the week. If called in, you must be at the Hall of Justice (224 E. Main Street, Lancaster, Ohio 43130, 2nd Floor) by 9:00 a.m. Bring a valid driver's license or picture I.D.
How long will I have to serve as a juror?
Starting with your first reporting date, you will be "on call" as a juror for a period of three weeks. If seated on a jury panel, you must appear that day and each day thereafter until the trial concludes. Trial length varies from one day to over a week, but most are 2-3 days. Trials typically begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. Please keep this in mind when scheduling around your report dates.
What if I have a scheduling conflict with jury service?
A temporary deferral can be granted under certain circumstances such as a pre-scheduled vacation, medical procedure, or other hardship. Submit your request in writing by completing the Jury Excuse Form from your packet. Include details of your conflict and any supporting documentation.
How much will I get paid for jury service?
You will receive $30.00 for each day you report in person for jury service. Jurors are paid regardless of whether they are ultimately selected to serve during trial. A check will be mailed 2-3 weeks after the completion of your jury service.
Where should I park?
The Court, General Division, is located on the second floor of the Hall of Justice at 224 East Main Street in Lancaster. Arrive with ample time to find parking. Parking directly in front of the Hall of Justice is limited to a half hour and strictly enforced - you'll be here longer, so please don't park there. We recommend parking at the beginning of the next block, on side streets, or in the public parking lot directly across from the Hall of Justice.
What should I wear?
While there is no formal dress code, please use good judgment and dress appropriately. Since you may be seated for a considerable length of time, dress comfortably. It is also recommended that you dress in layers or bring a sweater.
What should I expect?
To better understand what to expect as a potential juror, watch these informational videos:
I received a summons for a deceased family member. What should I do?
The Court apologizes for any undue hardship this has caused. Please mark the summons "DECEASED" and return it to the Court. We will remove the name from our system and forward the information to the Board of Elections; otherwise the name remains on record and another summons could be issued in the future.
I received a summons for the previous resident of my home. What should I do?
Treat the summons as you would any other piece of mail that does not belong to you. Write "NOT AT THIS ADDRESS - RETURN TO SENDER" on the outside of the envelope and put it back in the mail. We will process it as an undelivered summons.
What happens if I don't show up?
Your jury summons is an official court order. If you fail to report for jury duty without a lawful excuse from the Court, you may be held in contempt of Court. If found in contempt by the Judge, the Judge may impose a fine and/or other punishment as provided by Ohio law.