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. If we find you are ineligible, or grant you a deferral, or if you claim an exemption, we will still need a completed questionnaire.
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?" Be sure to answer that with a YES, and if your date of birth on record indicates you are at least 75, 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 to juror@elkhartcounty.com.
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?
You will be taken off the list once you have submitted your questionnaire.
What if the person summoned is serving in the military?
A person in active duty is not eligible to serve on a jury. We will remove them from the list for this year once their jury questionnaire is submitted to us.
Are college students exempt from jury service?
You may request a different reporting date to the summer months, but you must still complete your questionnaire. You may do this by explaining that you are a student in the remarks at the bottom of your questionnaire, or by emailing us with your Juror ID at 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.
Will I be paid for my service?
Potential jurors will be paid $30 for their first day of service plus mileage. Those who have been seated on a jury will be paid $80 daily.
Where is the courthouse located?
There is a new courthouse for Elkhart County! 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.
I cannot drive and have no way to get to the courthouse.
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. No tank tops or shorts, please. You may wish to bring a sweater or jacket as parts of the building could be cold.
Can I bring my phone?
All electronic devices & cell phones will be locked and placed in a pouch that remains with you throughout your stay. These pouches may be unlocked by courthouse employee while you are in the building.
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 day or one trial. Meaning you will serve for only one day, or for one trial, where you will serve for a complete trial.
Your service is complete if you are released from jury selection, which typically lasts one day.
If you are selected as a juror your service is completed when the trial is concluded. The judge will advise you as to the estimate of the trial's length.
Your jury service date may be rescheduled up to a year beyond your original summons date at the discretion of Jury Management.
What about Courthouse security?
You will be required to pass through a metal detector prior to entering the building.
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
- 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 be powered down and placed in Yondr bags prior to security screening. (Except for those using cell phones or devices to monitor medical conditions)
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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