FAQs • Waterford, MI • CivicEngage

Why do I have to wait around to serve as a juror?: The judge and court staff work hard to reduce the time you spend waiting as a juror; however, waiting time cannot be completely eliminated. The law is complex and many steps have to happen before, during, and after the trial. Try to be patient and come prepared with reading material, etc. Court staff will explain delays when possible.

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Jury Duty

1. How was my name selected?: If you received a summons, then your name has been drawn in conformance with Michigan State statutes for a term of jury service as a juror in the 51st District Court. The Oakland County Jury Board randomly draws names from State of Michigan driver license and personal identification card holder lists as required by Michigan law.

2. What are the eligibility requirements to serve as a juror?: • Be a citizen of the United States
• Be a resident of Waterford Township
• Be 18 years or older
• Be physically and mentally able to carry out the functions of a juror. Temporary inability shall not be considered a disqualification
• Not have served as a petit or grand juror, in a court of record, during the preceding 12 months
• Not be under previous conviction of a felony at the time of jury selection
• A person 70 years of age or older may claim exemption from jury service and shall be exempt upon making the request.

3. Is jury duty mandatory?: Yes. The United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in both criminal and civil cases.

4. Can I get excused from serving on a jury?: Jury service is a civic duty that every eligible adult has. If you have a genuine scheduling conflict, such as a planned vacation, you have the ability to postpone jury service to a more convenient time. If necessary, you may submit a request to be excused in writing for the Court’s consideration. Please call the Court at (248) 674-4655 and ask for the Jury Clerk or send an email to juryclerk@waterfordmi.gov for further information about a request to be excused and the deadline to submit your request. Please be prepared to provide documentation, such as a doctor’s note or airline tickets, in support of your request to be excused. Your request will be reviewed and you will be notified of whether you are excused for that particular trial and, if so, of the rescheduled trial date.

5. How much and when will I be paid for my jury service?: You will receive some monetary compensation for your time spent at the courthouse. The rates are established by state law and start at $12.50 per half day. If employed, you may want to check with your employer about your company’s jury service and compensation policies.
• Selection Day
• $12.50/half day
• $25.00/full day
• Roundtrip mileage rate paid is .80 cents
• Trial Day
• $20.00/half day
• $40.00/full day
• Roundtrip mileage rate paid is .80 cents

6. What if I have already served in the past year?: Contact the Oakland County Clerk’s Office at 248-858-0029 and they will check the status of your service record.

7. What time do I have to report?: You are summoned for Jury Service at 8:45 A.M. The Court opens its doors at 8:30 A.M.

8. What if I need special accommodations?: Both courtrooms have the capability to assist individuals who have hearing impairments or need special seating arrangements. A handicap accessible ramp is located at the front parking lot of the courthouse. Please contact the ADA Coordinator at 248-674-4655 to let them know what type of assistance you will need.

9. Where do I park?: The courthouse is located on Civic Center Drive amongst the other Waterford Township offices. Civic Center Drive is located off of Crescent Lake Road between Hatchery Road and M-59. Parking is available in front of the courthouse and in front of Town Hall, which is located next to the courthouse. Please view the campus map for general directions. If you need more specific directions, please contact the court staff at (248) 674-4655.

10. What kind of trial will I hear and how long will the trial take?: There are two types of trials that have juries: criminal trials and civil trials. The judge knows about how long the trial is expected to take and will advise you the time. The actual length of a trial depends on the complexity of the issue(s) and how long jurors spend in deliberations.

11. Why do I have to wait around to serve as a juror?: The judge and court staff work hard to reduce the time you spend waiting as a juror; however, waiting time cannot be completely eliminated. The law is complex and many steps have to happen before, during, and after the trial. Try to be patient and come prepared with reading material, etc. Court staff will explain delays when possible.

12. Is there a consequence for my refusal to serve?: MCL 600.1346 makes refusal to serve punishable as contempt of court. You may be summoned to appear at a hearing and sentenced to contempt of court.

13. Is there a dress code?: No formal dress code exists; however, jurors are requested to dress in a manner respectful to the Court. Please do not wear jeans, shorts, halter tops, etc. Business or business casual attire is preferred. Please refer to the jury brochure.

14. Can I bring my cell phone, pager, camera, computer or food with me?: Cell phones are allowed in the building and you may bring them; however, the use of your phone will be restricted to specific times and areas of the building. Cameras, computers, video equipment and other electronic equipment are not allowed in the courtroom.
Water in a clear plastic bottle is permitted in the courtroom; no other food or drink is allowed.
Weapons are not permitted in the courthouse.

15. What happens when I get there? How long will I be there?: Upon entering the courthouse, you will have to go through security. Check in court room 1. The only items we request to bring with you on the date of selection are your jury summons and valid photo identification. You may also want to bring the jury brochure. Jury Selection is scheduled from 8:45 a.m. to noon. However, periodically, selection can go beyond the noon hour. We ask that you take this into consideration.

16. Am I able to have a cigarette break?: Smoking is prohibited in the courthouse and will have to wait until you are excused.

17. What about inclement weather conditions?: In the event of inclement weather, please call the Court’s Weather Emergency Hotline at
(248) 618-7480 for information regarding Court closings.

18. What happens after the verdict?: Once the verdict is read in court, the jury returns to the jury room. Often the judge will stop in to talk with the jurors to answer any questions and get feedback about the trial. Some jurors find it helpful, but you are free to leave once you return to the jury room. You will receive a check for your jury service in the mail approximately 3 - 5 weeks following your service

19. While serving as a juror, how can my family notify me of an emergency?: You will have access to your cell phone, but in the event, use is restricted. If there is an emergency, please have your family member call the Court at (248) 674-4655 and speak to the clerk who answers the phone. Please have them provide the name of the juror, their name and telephone number for a return phone call. The clerk will immediately get it to the jury clerk.