Frequently Asked Questions
Jury administration must abide by state law therefore we have limited authority for the acceptance of exemptions, disqualifications and the granting of deferrals. Jury service is a privilege as well as a responsibility.
What if I believe jury service is not applicable to me? Or that I do not qualify?
You are still required to complete and submit the questionnaire. The information on the questionnaire is what we need to determine whether or not you qualify for service. It is the legal documentation that we need in order to excuse or defer you. Make sure you leave comments in the remarks section, if you think that you have a reason to be disqualified, that is not covered by the questions listed.
Is there an exemption for senior citizens?
If you are 75 years or older and wish to be exempted from jury service, please complete the questionnaire. There is a question that reads, “Are you an individual 75 years of age or older that does not wish to serve?" If you answer that question with a "Yes," and if your date of birth on record indicates you are at least 75 years old, you will be granted the age exemption for that year. Please note that this is not a permanent exemption in the State of Indiana.
What if I cannot serve due to a medical reason?
If you have a medical reason for which you believe you cannot serve jury duty, you need to complete a Medical Exemption Request in addition to your questionnaire. This form must be completed by both yourself, and your healthcare provider.
The form is available here: Medical Exemption Request
What if I need special assistance in order to fulfill jury service?
If you require assistance, such as an auxiliary hearing device, either explain your condition through the online questionnaire, or complete your questionnaire by phone and provide explanation by email (juror@elkhartcounty.com). If you require your cell phone to monitor a medical condition, please e-mail us to gain prior approval to bring your cell phone in to the courthouse.
What if the summons is for someone who no longer lives at this address?
Please write “return to sender, not at this address” on the postcard and put it back in your mailbox as you would do for regular mail.
What if I no longer live in Elkhart County?
We need documentation of you residing outside of the county, so we will need you to fill out our questionnaire. There is a question about whether or not you live in Elkhart County. If you answer this question with a "No," it will flag your profile, and we will then excuse you from service. It is also helpful if you leave your new address in the "Remarks" section so that we can update your profile.
What if the person summoned is serving in the military?
We need documentation of you being in the armed services, so we will need you to fill out the questionnaire. Your "signature" on the questionnaire is your legal affirmation that the information provided is true. There is not a specific question about military service, but if you give us details about your service in the "Remarks" section or e-mail us with details (juror@elkhartcounty.com), we will be able to excuse you from jury duty service.
Are college students exempt from jury service?
We do not automatically excuse college students. In order to be excused or deferred, you must complete your questionnaire. We can reschedule your service to a time when you will be home on break, or excuse you if you will be gone for an entire year. In order to do this, you can leave remarks at the bottom of your questionnaire, or submit a request via e-mail with your Juror ID (juror@elkhartcounty.com).
Can I reschedule my jury service?
We can reschedule your report date for your convenience only once. You may do this through the juror portal after completing your questionnaire. There is a button on the juror profile page that says Reschedule Service. It will be available after you submit your questionnaire.
What about my employment?
You may request a work verification letter for your employer from the bailiff upon completion of your service. Your employer is not legally allowed to penalize you for appearing for jury duty.
Where is the courthouse located?
There is a new courthouse for Elkhart County as of September of 2025! It is located at 1905 Reliance Rd, Goshen, IN 46526, which is at the western edge of Goshen – immediately southwest of the intersection at U.S. 33 and Reliance Road.
What if I cannot drive?
You will need to make arrangements for a friend or family member to bring you to jury duty, just as you would for other necessary travel. Also, the Interurban Trolley (Red Line) serves the Elkhart and Goshen areas and stops at the new Elkhart County Courthouse on Reliance Road in Goshen.
What should I wear?
You should wear comfortable, business casual clothes. According to Local Rule 102.3, "Every person who enters a court complex in Elkhart County should be appropriately dressed. Examples of clothing that are inappropriate and are prohibited from being worn during court proceedings include, but are not limited to:
(1) Hats or caps (2) Outer garments such as topcoats, overcoats, jackets, or overshoes (3) Clothing that exposes the midriff (4) Shorts of any kind (5) Sleeveless shirts (that is "muscle shirts" and "tank tops") (6) Shower shoes (that is rubber "flip-flops") (8) Suggestive or otherwise inappropriate clothing (that is, poorly fitting, slovenly, or unclean) (8) Pajamas"
Can I bring my phone?
There are no electronic devices, including phones, allowed inside of the courthouse unless you have gotten permission from jury management. There are lockers available for your cell phones at the door if needed. If you need your cell phone to monitor a medical condition, please contact jury management to obtain approval prior to your service date (juror@elkhartcounty.com).
How was I selected for jury service?
Our master lists are comprised of records approved by the Indiana Supreme Court, which include tax records and records from the BMV.
How will my information on my questionnaire be used?
Questionnaires are confidential. Attorneys in the case will be provided access to the questionnaires by the judge.
Will meals be provided?
Recesses will be taken for lunch and rest periods. Meals are only provided when the seated jurors are in deliberation. This is near the end of the trial, when jurors decide the outcome of the case.
Does the county provide childcare?
No. Please do not bring children with you to jury service.
How long is my term of jury service?
One's term of service varies. Anyone who is summoned and is qualified to serve is at least required to appear on the date summoned, which will be the day of jury selection for the trial. You should make arrangements to be unavailable for the entire day.
During jury selection, the judge will communicate the predicted length of the trial. Every potential juror will have a chance to communicate to the court, any potential scheduling conflicts, before they are seated as a juror. If you are not chosen as a juror for the trial after sitting in the jury box for questioning, you will be released immediately. If you are chosen, your service is complete when the trial is concluded.
Trials in Elkhart County typically last one to five days, although they can last longer.
What about Courthouse security?
You will be required to pass through a metal detector prior to entering the building. See list below of items that are not allowed to enter the courthouse.
Do I get paid for jury duty service?
You will be paid $30 a day plus mileage for appearing for jury selection. If you are chosen as a juror in the case, you will get $80 a day plus mileage. If the trial goes past 5 days, pay will be $90 a day plus mileage for days 6 and beyond.
Restricted Items for New Courthouse:
- Firearms and ammunition
- Knives (anything with a blade or razor blades)
- Box cutters
- Scissors
- Pepper spray
- Handcuff keys
- Kubaton sticks
- Ropes/Chains
- Aerosol cans
- Laser pointers
- Knitting needles
- Electronic Devices (laptops, tablets, cameras, recording devices)
- Tools (Hammer, screwdrivers, multi tool, paint scrapers, etc.)
- Any type of Conductive energy weapon (CEW - taser, stun gun, etc.)
- Outside food and beverages (empty tumblers and water bottles are permitted)
- Any other item that could be considered a weapon or security threat
- Cell phones / smart watches will not be allowed in the building. (Except for those using cell phones or devices to monitor medical conditions, who have gained prior permission by e-mailing or calling jury management)
Still have questions? Please contact our office by calling 574-538-3601 or by emailing your concerns to: juror@elkhartcounty.com.
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