Forms and Links

The Supreme Court Answer Book for Jury Service

Grand Jury

The Grand Jury convenes the first Monday of every month.  Docket Call, to set criminal cases for trial, is also held on the same day as Grand Jury.  Criminal Docket Call begins at 9:00 a.m.

Trial (Petit) Jury

Eligible city of Richmond residents may be called upon to serve as a juror in either a criminal or civil case. Once selected as a trial (petit) juror, the juror is assigned a specific day of the week (i.e., Monday, Tuesday, etc.). The juror will be required to be available to serve on that day for the entire term of court.  Jurors are expected to call the night before their assigned day to determine if their appearance is required.  The Jury Office Duty line is (804) 646-0802.  If you have any questions relating to jury duty, you may contact the Sheriff's Office (804) 646-6501.

Trial (Petit) Jury - Frequently Asked Questions

How was I selected for jury service?

Once a year, over 30,000 prospective jurors are randomly selected from the Voter Registration List and personal property records. The lists are reviewed by jury commissioners (who have been appointed by the Court) to determine which citizens are qualified to serve as jurors. Those who qualify make up the master jury list for the following calendar year. Men and women over 18 years of age and from all walks of life have an equal opportunity to be called for jury service.

Who is exempt from jury service?

Only a limited number of persons are ineligible to serve as jurors. Code of Virginia § 8.01-341 lists those persons who are exempt from jury service and § 8.01-341.1 lists persons who may claim an exemption from jury service.

Am I required to report for jury duty?

Failure to respond to a summons for jury duty is a violation of law and may result in criminal sanctions. 

What about my job?

Your employer cannot fire, demote or otherwise penalize you for missing work while performing jury duty. Many employers continue to pay your salary while you are on jury duty. It is advisable to give your employer ample notice of your jury duty and to determine your employer's policy with regard to payment of wages/salary while serving as a juror to find out what the policy is at your job.

Will I be reimbursed for serving on jury duty?

You will be paid $50 for each day you must report to the courthouse. This amount is set by statute and is considered reimbursement for your travel and other expenses.

How long will I be on jury duty?

Jurors summoned for jury service are on call one day a week for a one-month term of court. Jurors are assigned a particular day of the week. Each week, jurors must call a recorded message the evening before their assigned day to determine whether or not they need to appear.

Jurors who are summoned and report to the courthouse for jury duty during the one-month term will not have to serve again in state court for a period of three years unless the Court has exhausted all eligible jurors for that three-year period. This applies only to state circuit courts. People may also be summonsed for federal jury duty.

What if an unexpected emergency keeps me from coming to the courthouse?

It is very important that all jurors report each day and that they be on time. Your absence may delay a trial and result in hardship on the participants or cause unnecessary costs to be borne by the litigants. If you have an emergency (sudden illness or a death in the family), immediately call the Jury Officer in the Sheriff's Office at (804) 646-6501.

How will I know what to expect during my jury service?

The morning that you arrive for jury duty you will be shown an orientation video that will explain your role as juror. In addition, the jury officer will take attendance and answer any questions you might have.

Is there anything I can do to make my jury service more comfortable?

Yes. While efforts are made to reduce delay and avoid waiting time, you may have to sit for some time before you know whether you have been chosen to actually sit on a jury. You should bring a book, a crossword puzzle, or any other activity you can do quietly while waiting.

How should I dress?

You should wear comfortable, but appropriate attire. Casual clothes such as t-shirts, shorts, halter-tops are not considered appropriate. Please keep in mind that the temperature in courtrooms is sometimes cool, so please dress accordingly.

Is it possible that I might report for jury duty, but not actually sit on a jury?

There are times when you will report for jury duty only to find that you are released early. Whenever possible, we try to avoid having any juror appear when not needed; however, if this happens, you are still entitled to payment in the amount of $50.

How long will I be in court?

It is impossible to predict how long a trial will last, but the vast majority of trials are completed in one day. You will be given a lunch break and possibly a morning and/or afternoon break as well. If you find that you need a break at another time, please notify the bailiff.