Q. Is there a dress code for jury duty?
A. Proper attire is required. Slacks and a shirt with a collar for men and dress, skirt or slacks and a blouse for ladies are acceptable. Uniforms (other than religious), shorts, tank tops, beach and athletic wear are not acceptable. Back to top
Q. Can I get excused because of my employment?
A. Jury duty is a civic obligation. Because the system in Baltimore County is one trial/one day, no excuses are permitted due to employment hardship. If sufficient justification is given, you may be able to reschedule your reporting time until another date; however, jurors are generally not excused because of their employment status. It is also important to note that Maryland law states that an employer may not deprive an employee of their employment due to time lost responding to jury service. Back to top
Q. Can I be excused for medical reasons?
A. A juror must provide a physician's verification note on a prescription pad or letterhead signed by a doctor which details why you cannot serve, and the length or duration of the illness or problem. This verification can be sent to the Jury Office with your questionnaire or can be faxed by you or the doctor to 410-887-5721. It is important to remember that you do not always have to make a doctor's appointment in order to obtain this verification. Often this can be processed by calling your physician and having it faxed directly to the Jury Office at the above number. Back to top Q. What is the reimbursement for jury duty?
A. On a daily basis, each juror is entitled to $15 for expenses plus the Court provides validated parking in a County garage. If you are impaneled on a petit jury for more than five days, starting on Day # 6, your expense stipend will increase to $50 per day. Maryland law does not state that your employer has to pay you while you serve as a juror; however, the court will provide you with certification of attendance.
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Q. What happens if I need special assistance? What should I do before serving?
A. Jurors needing accommodations for hearing, sight or mobility problems should contact the Jury Office at 410-887-3596 between 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., or use the court's TTY line for the deaf, 410-887-3018 as soon as possible after receiving their summons. Handicapped parking is also available by calling these numbers. Back to top
Q. What happens if I have other questions regarding jury duty and I need to speak to someone directly?
A. Jurors that may have general questions regarding jury duty may call the information line at 410-887-4390, or if you need to speak to someone directly, you may call the Jury Office, between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., at 410-887-3596. Back to top
Q. Where do I park when reporting to jury duty?
A. The County Courts Building is located at 401 Bosley Avenue between Pennsylvania and Chesapeake Avenues. Using 695 (Baltimore Beltway) take Exit 26A - York Road South and turn left at the end of the ramp which is West Road. At the traffic light, turn right onto York Road. Go to the second traffic light and turn right onto Bosley Avenue (Towson By-Pass.) Continue along Bosley Avenue through five traffic lights and turn left at Susquehanna Avenue (first street past fifth light.) Enter the garage from the Susquehanna Avenue entrance. If your vehicle is higher than 6 foot 8 inches, go to Ware Avenue and park across from garage # 3 at a meter. See the cashier in garage # 3's ticket booth after 9:00 A.M., who will give you a parking pass to put on the dash of your vehicle. After parking your vehicle, you should bring the garage ticket with you for validation. Back to top
Q. What should I do prior to reporting and what is the Court's policy on inclement weather?
A. After 4:30 p.m. on the day before you are to report, you must call 410 887-4390 and listen to see if you need to report by checking the "call in" number found on your summons. This telephone message will also advise you about the Court's inclement weather policy.
Back to top Q. Can I go home during the trial?
A. Yes, jurors routinely go home at the end of each day. Back to top
Q. What if I have an emergency during the trial?
A. Because your absence could delay a trial, it is important that you report each day you are required. If an emergency arises, such as, a sudden illness, accident or death in the family, contact the judge's staff immediately.
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Q. May I bring a cell phone and/or laptop with me to court?
A. Although cell phones are allowed in the courthouse, it is recommended that jurors not bring them unless absolutely necessary. If jurors do bring cell phones, they will be secured before they are sent to court by court staff and returned to them at the end of the day. Laptops are permitted in the Jury Assembly Area but must be turned off and secured in their carrying cases before you report to the courtroom for selection. Back to top
Revised September 14, 2009 | 
Courthouse 