Jury FAQs
How was I selected to be a juror?
What types of federal jury service are there?
What is the difference between a qualification questionnaire and a jury summons?
Do I have to respond to a qualification questionnaire or jury summons?
What should I do if I receive a juror qualification questionnaire or letter?
How do I request to be excused or have my service postponed?
I am 75 or older. Do I have to serve?
How do I request a medical excuse?
What do the dates on my summons mean?
Why was I assigned to Bangor or Portland for jury service?
How do I find out when to report?
What happens if I report without checking my status?
What should I bring with me when I report for jury duty?
What should I expect at courthouse security?
Will I be provided with lunch or refreshments?
How long should I expect to be at the courthouse?
Will I be “sequestered” and have to stay overnight?
Can I research, discuss, or post about jury service?
What if my employer wants proof that I served on jury duty?
What should I do if I suspect a jury scam?
How was I selected to be a juror?
Your name was selected at random through the Court’s electronic Jury Management System. The process begins with combined lists of Maine registered voters, active licensed drivers, and state identification card holders. Names are randomly drawn to receive qualification questionnaires and, if qualified, may later be summoned for grand or petit jury service.
What types of federal jury service are there?
There are two types of federal jury service:
- Petit jury: Decides civil and criminal trials by listening to evidence and returning a verdict (guilty or not guilty in criminal cases; for the plaintiff or defendant in civil cases).
- Grand jury: Determines whether probable cause exists that a crime was committed. If so, the grand jury will return an indictment.
What is the difference between a qualification questionnaire and a jury summons?
- A qualification questionnaire determines whether you are legally qualified for jury service. It does not require you to appear at the courthouse.
- A jury summons means you have been determined qualified and selected as a prospective juror. You must respond to the summons and check your reporting instructions to determine when to appear at the courthouse.
Do I have to respond to a qualification questionnaire or jury summons?
Yes. You must complete and return a qualification questionnaire within 10 days and follow all instructions on a jury summons. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1864 and 1866, failure to return the questionnaire or appear for jury service without good cause may result in a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to three days, community service, or a combination of these penalties.
What should I do if I receive a juror qualification questionnaire or letter?
Complete the questionnaire within 10 days, preferably online through E-Juror. If you received a paper questionnaire, you may complete and return it by mail instead. A qualification questionnaire is not a summons and does not require you to appear at the courthouse.
You must answer every question, even if you believe you are not qualified, are exempt, or should be excused. The Court will make that determination based on your responses.
How do I request to be excused or have my service postponed?
If you received a qualification questionnaire, you must complete it within 10 days. At this stage, only individuals 75 or older may request to be excused.
If you received a summons, you may submit a written request to be excused or to have your service postponed to a later date because of undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, or another applicable reasons. Requests may be submitted by mail or emailed to jury@med.uscourts.gov. Follow the instructions provided with your summons and continue checking your reporting status unless the Court approves your request.
I am 75 or older. Do I have to serve?
You may request to be excused, although your service is welcome if you are willing and able to serve.
- Qualification questionnaire: Complete the questionnaire and request an excuse under Question 14.
- Jury summons: Mail or email a written request to the Jury Office using the instructions provided with your summons.
How do I request a medical excuse?
You may request a medical excuse only after receiving a jury summons. Submit a written explanation with your supplemental questionnaire in the postage-paid envelope or email it to jury@med.uscourts.gov. Requests cannot be made by phone or in person.
If you received only a qualification questionnaire, complete and return it without submitting a separate medical excuse request.
What do the dates on my summons mean?
The dates listed on your summons are jury selection dates. Selections may be canceled or may not require the entire juror group to report. Depending on the number and complexity of cases being selected, only a portion of jurors may be needed on a particular day, while others may remain on call for later selection dates. You must call the jury phone line (844-782-9217) the evening before each scheduled date to confirm whether you need to report.
Why was I assigned to Bangor or Portland for jury service?
The District of Maine serves the entire state. Your reporting location is determined by your county of residence:
- Bangor: Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington counties.
- Portland: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, and York counties.
You do not need to live in Penobscot or Cumberland County to be assigned to that courthouse. This division is established by the District of Maine Jury Plan.
How do I find out when to report?
Follow the reporting instructions included with your summons. Complete and return the juror information form and supplemental questionnaire promptly, preferably through E-Juror, or return the paper forms by mail. To check your reporting date and time or receive updated instructions, call 844-782-9217 and enter your nine-digit participant number, which begins with 100 and appears near your name on the summons.
What happens if I report without checking my status?
Call the automated reporting line after 6:00 p.m. the evening before your scheduled jury selection date to confirm whether you must report. If you appear without checking and were not required to report, you will not be paid for that attendance.
Free parking is available at approved locations based on where you report:
- Bangor: Park in the Abbott Square lot across from the Bangor Public Library. The validation code is included with your summons.
- Portland: Park at the Cumberland County Garage, Temple Street Garage, or Top of the Old Port lot. Follow the parking validation instructions included with your summons.
The Court is not responsible for parking violations.
What should I bring with me when I report for jury duty?
A photo ID and your “Summons for Jury Service”. You cannot enter the courthouse without a valid photo ID issued by a federal or state government agency, such as a passport or driver's license. A REAL ID is not required to enter the federal courthouse. Additionally, if you have special dietary needs, you may bring your own food or snacks with you.
What should I expect at courthouse security?
All visitors must pass through two security checkpoints, including an X-ray of bags and coats and a metal detector. Leave drinks, electronics, vaping devices, weapons, and potentially dangerous items at home or in your vehicle. Cell ones are permitted only when medically necessary and may be held by Court Security during the day.
Yes. Jury selection and trial are a formal legal process, and jurors should take the seriousness of the proceeding into consideration with respect to attire and personal conduct. Appropriate dress, such as casual business attire, is required. Neat jeans are acceptable. Jurors should not wear shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, pajamas, flip-flops, or hats (except for religious purposes). Courtrooms can be cold so a sweater or jacket is recommended.
Will I be provided with lunch or refreshments?
Lunch is not provided. Bottled water and light snacks are provided for jurors appearing at jury selection or serving on a trial. If you have special dietary needs, you may bring your own food or snacks with you. Food is not permitted in the courtroom.
How long should I expect to be at the courthouse?
Jury selection begins at 8:00 a.m., and you should plan to be there for the full day. If selected for a trial, court typically runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., although some days may run later. On the day of deliberation, you will likely stay beyond 2:30 p.m.
Will I be “sequestered” and have to stay overnight?
Being required to stay overnight, also known as “sequestration” is extremely rare in federal court, and should not be a concern.
Can I research, discuss, or post about jury service?
No. Do not research or share information about jury selection, a case, or your petit or grand jury service in person, by phone, on social media, or elsewhere online. Follow all instructions from the Court. Grand jury matters remain confidential even after your service ends.
Yes. Jurors receive a $50 attendance fee for each day they are required to serve, plus automatically calculated round-trip mileage at the current federal rate. Tolls are reimbursed when reported at check-in.
Jurors traveling more than 100 miles or two hours one way may qualify for lodging at the government rate and the current federal meal allowance. Contact the Jury Office before booking to confirm the applicable government rate and for assistance securing lodging. A hotel receipt is required for reimbursement.
What if my employer wants proof that I served on jury duty?
Jurors will receive a letter of attendance from the jury clerk documenting daily attendance.
What should I do if I suspect a jury scam?
Federal courts will never call, text, or email and threaten you with arrest or demand money for missed jury service. Do not provide personal or financial information. Visit Juror Scams for more information and report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission’s online scam complaint portal.