Grand Juror - Frequently Asked Questions
Am I expected to report each day that is listed on my summons?
You are expected to attend each day that you are scheduled for the entire length of your service. You will report each Monday through Friday, Monday through Wednesday, or Wednesday through Friday, as indicated on your summons. Grand Jurors serving on a 3-day-per week panel should report to their regular place of employment on any weekday they are not required to serve.
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Do I have to report for the 2 recall days?
The two recall days, which are used to clear up any unfinished business of your grand jury panel, are mandatory. Yes, you are required to attend both sessions.
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What time will I be excused each day?
You can expect to be in session each day until 5:00 p.m.
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Can I still serve if I no longer reside in the District of Columbia?
No. You must be a resident of the District of Columbia in order to serve. Please consult the Grand Jury Specialist if you do not live in the District of Columbia, or if you moved out of the District of Columbia after you returned the juror questionnaire.
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I have a prior felony conviction. Can I still serve?
You cannot serve if it has been less than ten years since the completion of your jail term, probation or parole. You cannot serve if you have a pending criminal case. You may serve with a misdemeanor conviction. If you have concerns about your eligibility for service as a grand juror, consult the Grand Jury Specialist immediately. On the day you are sworn in as a grand juror, the United States Attorneys' Office (USAO) will conduct a nation-wide criminal background check on each member of your panel to determine and ensure eligibility.
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What should I wear?
The dress code is casual with some exceptions. You may wear jeans and athletic shoes provided that they are clean and neat. Extremes in dress may cause you to be sent home to change.
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What time is lunch?
Generally your lunch hour will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. each day. There may be some days on which a session may run into your lunch hour but grand jurors must begin their lunch hour no later than 1:00 p.m.
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Can I bring a camera phone into the building?
Camera phones are not permitted in the building. They will be collected at the security desk each morning and will be returned to jurors at the end of the day. This policy has been established by the U.S. Attorneys' Office (USAO).
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What if I need to take a short break?
There will be two fifteen-minute breaks each day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
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Will I report to Courtroom 315 of the Moultrie Courthouse each day?
No. After your enrollment and swearing in, your grand jury panel will meet at the U.S. Attorneys' Office (USAO) located at 555 4th Street, N.W. for the remainder of your service.
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Are cell phones permitted? How about a laptop computer?
All communication devices (phones, PDAs) are collected at the security desk each morning and returned to jurors at the end of the day. Pagers and laptops are allowed but they must be turned off while you are in session. This policy has been established by the U.S. Attorneys' Office (USAO).
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Can I receive the $4 travel fee daily?
No, the $4 travel fee will be dispersed in the form of a check after you have served for two and a half (2 ½) weeks. Your first check will cover the first week of Grand Jury service only. This also applies if you are entitled to the $30 juror fee. Effective 10/6/08, all grand jury payments plus proof of service will be mailed at the end of each week.
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Who is eligible to receive the $30 juror fee?
You are entitled to receive the $30 juror fee if you are unemployed, self-employed, retired, if your employer will not pay your normal salary during your service or if your employer will supplement your salary with the $30 fee.
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My job pays my normal salary, but it is my day off. How will I be paid?
You must provide written proof from your employer that it is your day off from work in order to receive the $30 jury fee. The statement you provide should be typewritten on official letterhead from your employer and signed by your immediate supervisor, Human Resources director or payroll manager. Requests for payment for each of your days off will be processed upon the completion of your grand jury service.
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What if I have a previously scheduled doctor's appointment, vacation or business trip during my term of service; can I be excused?
Please advise the Grand Jury Specialist of your need to be excused from sessions as soon as possible so that the Court can adequately plan for your absence. Approval of requests to be excused from grand jury sessions will be based on the number of jurors present to transact business in your absence. Last-minute requests to be excused must be supported by written documentation of medical appointments, travel plans, etc.
Please note that the Court may provide proof
of your attendance dates upon request from your employer.
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