Washtenaw Jury Duty (2024)

FAQs

Can I wear jeans to jury duty in Michigan? ›

Business casual attire is acceptable. Clothing such as tank or halter tops, plunging necklines, shorts, t-shirts, blue jeans, sweatpants, flip-flops, or sneakers is not appropriate wear while you are sitting as a juror.

Payment. In accordance with State Law, you will be compensated at the rate of $24.00 for the first half day of service and $39.00 for the first full day of jury service. Subsequent days (if any) will be compensated at a rate of $32.00 for half-days and $54.00 for full-days.

People older than 70 may request an age exemption. The court decides whether to excuse a person from jury duty or postpone their service. Lack of transportation, excessive travel, extreme financial burden and a potential juror's absence affecting another's care could be a few situations where a person could be excused.

What if I don't show up? You can be held in contempt of court, fined, or even jailed.

You will have access to your cell phone, but in the event, use is restricted. If there is an emergency, please have your family member call the Court at (248) 674-4655 and speak to the clerk who answers the phone. Please have them provide the name of the juror, their name and telephone number for a return phone call.

For women, heels or flats are appropriate as long as they are not too flashy. For men, a pair of clean, polished loafers or dress shoes works well. Remember, comfort is key, especially considering you might be seated for extended periods or need to stand for a while.

State law does not require employers to compensate their employees while they are on jury duty, however, many employers support the jury system and provide jury duty benefits and will continue employee wages while they serve as a juror.

If you are selected to serve on a trial, you will serve only for the duration of that one trial. Average length of a trial is three (3) or four (4) days. Jurors not selected or not involved in a continuing selection at the end of the day will complete their service at the end of the day they report.

Trial length depends on how complex the issues are and how long jurors spend in deliberations. Most trials last 3-7 days, but some may go longer. The judge knows approximately how long the trial will take and he or she will give you an idea when your group is called for jury selection.

At what age can you decline jury duty in Michigan? ›

If you are age 70 or older, or if you have a medical or other condition that prevents you from serving on a jury, you may request to be excused. If you are excused, your jury service is canceled and you will not have to appear in this jury term.

The phrase "Voir Dire" literally means, "to speak the truth." In court, it refers to a process of determining whether a juror can serve fairly and impartially in a given case by asking the juror various questions.

Jury service is a civic duty which every citizen must perform. Every citizen who has either a Michigan driver's license or State ID card is eligible to serve. There are no longer any categories of employment that result in an automatic deferral from jury service.

A government issued photo ID and your summons form are required to enter the Courthouse. There is no food service in the courthouse, so feel free to bring a snack or lunch with you.

Certain clothing items like jeans, shorts, sandals, and other overly casual attire are considered inappropriate for court. These items can reflect a lack of seriousness or respect for the court when individuals wear jeans or other casual clothing.

If you are selected to serve on a trial, you will serve only for the duration of that one trial. Average length of a trial is three (3) or four (4) days. Jurors not selected or not involved in a continuing selection at the end of the day will complete their service at the end of the day they report.

Yes, you can wear leggings to jury duty, but it's best to dress professionally and conservatively. Leggings can be seen as too casual for this kind of formal setting. It's better to wear a dress, a skirt or pants with a blouse, a collared shirt, or a blazer.