Q. How was I selected and what is the first step that I must take if I receive a summons for jury duty?
A. Baltimore County citizens are selected at random from a merged Motor/Voter list in accordance with the Maryland law. No one can volunteer for jury duty. Each year, approximately 100,000 citizens are sent juror summonses. Enclosed with each summons is a questionnaire which must be completed immediately and returned to the Jury Office. The answers to all questionnaires are evaluated to make sure that each individual is eligible for jury service. If you do not qualify for service, you will receive a notice that you do not have to report. Otherwise, you must follow the call-in procedures on your jury summons.
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Q. What is the eligibility criteria for selection?
A. To be eligible for jury duty, you must be 18 years of age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of Baltimore County and be able to read, write and speak English. If you have been convicted of a felony, you must have had your civil rights restored. If you are 70 years or older and wish an exemption (an excuse) from jury service, you may indicate this on the qualification form.
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Q. What is the difference between being selected for grand jury or serving as a petit juror?
A. Grand jurors meet two (2) days a week and serve for a period of four (4) months. They are responsible for reviewing the testimony and evidence in the case to determine if there is sufficient information to indict (or charge) the accused. Petit jurors, on the other hand, determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant in criminal cases as well as determine the liability and damages of the parties in civil cases.
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Q. What is the length of service for a petit juror?
A. A citizen selected for petit jury duty serves for the length of one trial however long that trial may run. The average length of trial is two to three days, although in some cases it may run longer. If you have not been selected for a trial, your service is completed at the end of one day. An average day on jury duty lasts from 9 a.m. to approximately 5 p.m.
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Q. If I serve on petit or grand jury, how long will it be before I am called again?
A. Upon completion of jury duty, state law provides that you will not be eligible to be called again for three years.
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Q. What happens if I don't report to jury duty or I fail to respond to the Court's questionnaire?
A. If you fail to report to jury duty or do not complete the questionnaire, you may receive a summons and be required to explain to the Administrative Judge as to why this information was not provided or why you did not report. You may also be subject to arrest and possibly a fine.
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Q. What will happen when I report to jury duty?
A. Upon reporting to petit jury duty, you will report to the Jury Assembly Room (Room M-10) which is located on the mezzanine level off the main courthouse lobby. Once you are checked in, you will view a brief video on your duties as a juror. You will then have to wait in the Jury Assembly Area until it is your turn to be sent to court. When you report to court, the judge will tell you about the case, introduce the lawyers and others who may be involved with the case at hand. You will also take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully. After you are sworn in, the judge and lawyers will question you about your impartiality and knowledge of the case. This process, known as voir dire, is part of the selection process used in both criminal and civil cases.
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Q. After I am selected, what happens during the trial?
A. Although the particular order may vary by judge, the following generally represents the events in the trial as they occur:
- Opening Statements
- Presentation of Evidence
- Jury Instructions
- Closing Arguments
- Jury Deliberations
- Announcement of the Verdict
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Q. Is there a chance that I might be called but not sit on a jury?
A. Yes, sometimes parties in a case settle their differences only moments before the trial is scheduled to begin; however, it is important knowing your time in serving on jury duty is worthwhile, meaning that because you have served you have made a difference in our justice system.
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Revised January 12, 2005
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