Youngstown FAQ

CAN I BRING A CELL PHONE OR LAPTOP INTO THE COURTHOUSE?

Cell phones are allowed in the court, however they must be turned off. Do not bring cameras or recording devices into the court. Desktop computer workstations are available in the Jury Assembly Area, with internet access. Wireless access to the internet is available for jurors to use with their own wireless enabled laptops. Jurors must check-in with a jury clerk to obtain a User ID and Password.

WHAT IS PROPER COURT ATTIRE?

When appearing at the courthouse for jury service, you are expected to conduct yourself with reserve and courtesy. Please do not wear jeans, sandals, sneakers or t-shirts, as to preserve the dignity of the Court.

HOW WAS MY NAME SELECTED?

Your name was randomly selected from the voter registration list of your county. (The U.S. District Court summons jurors from three counties in Northern Ohio to serve in Youngstown.) You were then mailed a qualification questionnaire to complete. On the basis of your answers to the questions on that form, you were found to be qualified to serve and were again randomly selected to be summoned as a prospective juror.

HOW LONG WILL I SERVE?

Prospective Petit jurors are subject to on-call service for a period of no longer than 30 days or service on one trial, absent exceptional circumstances. An average trial lasts three to five days, but some may be longer. Court is usually in session from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

If you are summoned for Grand Jury selection, the selection process will take one day. If you are selected to serve on a Grand Jury panel, you will serve approximately one to three days every month for an 18 month period.

WHEN SHOULD I REPORT FOR JURY DUTY?

You will receive a "Notice to Report" instructing you to report on a certain day and time and assigning you to a jury group. The date on the Notice to Report that you receive will begin your 30-day service term. On rare occasions, you may be telephoned by a jury clerk with instructions to report. The Notice to Report will have instructions about calling our automated message system before reporting. Sometimes the trial for which you have been called will settle or be rescheduled. When this occurs, your jury group will receive a recorded message to either not report or report on a different date with further instructions.

HOW DO I GET TO THE COURTHOUSE?

We are located at Thomas D. Lambros Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, 125 Market Street in Downtown Youngstown. Directions and nearby parking.

WHERE DO I REPORT FOR JURY DUTY?

After entering through the Court's security screening station (where you may be asked for a photo I.D.), report to the Jury Assembly Area on the third floor, Room 337. You will report to the Jury Assembly Area each morning of your jury service.

WILL I RECEIVE PAYMENT FOR JURY SERVICE?

You will receive an attendance fee of $40.00 per day for the first ten days, after which you will receive $50.00 per day. In addition, you are reimbursed for mileage at 56.5 cents per mile roundtrip from your home, turnpike tolls and parking expenses. Checks will be mailed to you within two weeks of your service.

Jurors who receive more than $600.00 in attendance fees will be sent an IRS form 1099 at the end of the year. Refer to a qualified tax advisor for questions regarding taxability of attendance fees.

WILL I HAVE TO STAY OVERNIGHT?

It is very rare for a jury to have to remain overnight. If this should happen, the government will pay all expenses for food and lodging. If you live more than 60 miles from the courthouse, you are entitled to stay at an area hotel and receive a subsistence allowance up to the maximum per diem rate. (Nearby Hotels)

WHAT IF I HAVE A CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER?

Any such changes should be noted in writing on your Qualification Questionnaire or Juror Information Form. You may also submit the changes online through the eJuror web page.

WILL I RECEIVE DOCUMENTATION OF MY SERVICE?

You will receive an attendance certificate for each day that you report for jury service.

HOW DO I REQUEST AN EXCUSE OR POSTPONEMENT OF MY JURY SERVICE?

Due to the short term of service, only requests for excuses because of extreme hardship will be considered by the Court. Upon receipt of your Notice to Report, immediately notify the Jury Department of any extreme hardship which poses a conflict with your term of jury service. You may submit your request for an excuse or temporary postponement of your service online through the eJuror web page or submit it in writing. You will receive written confirmation of the Court's ruling on your hardship request.

WHAT IF I FAIL TO REPORT FOR JURY DUTY?

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 1866 (G): Any person who fails to show good cause for noncompliance with a summons may be fined not more than $1,000.00, imprisoned not more than three days, ordered to perform community service, or any combination thereof.

WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS REGARDING EMPLOYMENT?

Pursuant to 28 U.S.C. Section 1875 (B)(3): Any employer who retaliates against employees who serve on jury duty, or who are scheduled to attend in connection with such service, may be fined $5,000.00, ordered to perform community service, or any combination thereof.