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Jury Qualification Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there facilities available for nursing mothers?

    Yes. Contact the jury office for more information.

  • Can my employer fire me for not being at work due to jury duty?

    Pursuant to Title 28, U.S.C. Section 1875 “No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any permanent employee by reason of such employee’s jury service, or the attendance or scheduled attendance in connection with such service, in any court of the United States.”

  • Do I need to file a certificate of service for discovery or service of subpoenas?

    No, certificates of service for discovery or the service of a subpoena are not to be filed.  Please see MDGA Local Rule 5.1.
     

  • Does my employer have to pay me my normal wages if I'm serving on a jury?

    No, there is no law enforcing employers to pay employees for the time they missed while on jury duty. Often times they will ask that you pay them your attendance fee(s) in order to maintain your salary.

    You may be allowed to keep your milage reimbursement as an expense. Please check with your employer regarding their official policy.

  • How do I check the status of my jury service?

    Call 1-800-793-7903 to check reporting instructions or to check the status of your excuse. Click here for more information.

     

  • How do I pay my Federal Ticket?

    Tickets are paid directly to CVB. The District Court does not accept payment for federal tickets. For general information regarding your ticket, telephone CVB at 800-827-2982. Click here for more information.

  • How do I request and pay for a certificate of good standing?

    Log into your CM/ECF account. Click on either Civil or Criminal and choose Pay Fees to the Court.

  • How do I request to be excused from jury duty?

    Please mail your written excuse request to the court in the enclosed postage paid envelope. If you do not have the envelope, you may mail it to the court at P.O. Box 128, Macon, GA 31202. You may also submit an excuse request by email at: jury@gamd.uscourts.gov

    Please include in detail the reason you are asking to be excused from jury service. Sending a request does not automatically excuse you from jury duty.

    You are not considered excused until notified by the court by email or letter. You may also phone the jury recording at 1-800-793-7903 to check on the status of your excuse request.

  • How do I reset my CM/ECF password?

    Users no longer have a separate password for CM/ECF. CM/ECF is accessed through PACER. If you need to reset your PACER password, visit https://pacer.uscourts.gov.

  • How much do you pay for jury duty?

    You will receive an attendance fee plus the current GSA rate for mileage.  Checks typically will be mailed within 15 business days after the last day of the term. Meals generally are not provided; you will receive a lunch period.

  • How will I know which days to report?

    You must call 1-800-793-7903 after 6:00pm the evening before you are scheduled to appear for any last-minute changes or cancellations. DO NOT appear for jury service unless you have called to confirm your reporting status.

  • I am having trouble with my PACER login and password. What should I do?

    For assistance with your PACER account, please contact the PACER Service Center at 800-676-6856.

  • I am in E-juror and have entered my participant number and date of birth, but I am getting an error message that says my participant number and date of birth do not match. What do I do?

    It is possible that you are on another court’s website.  Be sure to use the web address www.gamd.uscourts.gov as using a search engine for “E-juror” may take you to another district court’s website.  You can be sure that you are on the correct website if you see the words, “Middle District of Georgia” on your computer screen. 

  • I am trying to complete the questionnaire online, but I am locked out of the system. What do I do?

    Wait 30 minutes before trying to log back in. After 30 minutes, you should be able to get back into the system and complete the questionnaire.

  • I have a medical condition which will make it difficult for me to serve as a juror. Do you need a statement from my doctor?

    A doctors note is helpful, but not required. If you are unable to provide one you should briefly explain the medical condition when completing the supplement questionnaire and that you wish to be excused.

  • I have moved to a different address or no longer live in Georgia. What do I do?

    Please complete the questionnaire and provide your new address. Federal law requires completion of the questionnaire and avoids the possibility of being summoned to appear in person to complete the form.

  • I have never registered to vote. How did my name get selected to receive the questionnaire?

    The court uses multiple information sources for its jurors information, including voter data and department of Driver Services.

  • I received notification asking me to complete the questionnaire, but I did not complete it within the time that it was due. Can I still complete the questionnaire now?

    Yes, please do.

  • I received the summons, but it is addressed to a family member or friend who no longer lives at my address. What do I do?

    If possible, forward the summons to the new address and/or provide the online questionnaire process. The return deadline will be waived.  If it is not possible to forward the summons, please write on the questionnaire that the person no longer lives at that address and then return the questionnaire to the Court.

  • If asked to report, how many hours will I be at the courthouse each day?

    On the first day you report, you will be requested to be at the courthouse at 8:00 a.m. for jury orientation. Depending on how many cases are going that particular day, you could be at the courthouse until 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. When you are serving on a case, the hours are approximately 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (depending on the judge).

  • May I bring a cell phone, laptop, tablet or other electronic device into the courthouse?

    Please note that cell phones may not be brought into the courthouse.

    The following items are also prohibited: cameras; laptop computers; magazines; books; newspapers; pocket knives; scissors; or any recording or electronic device.

  • May I bring my children with me to jury duty?

    No. Please do not bring your children to court as there are no facilities for them.

  • My son and/or daughter received the summons, but they are away in college. What do I do?

    If the person is away in college and, if it is possible, forward the summons to them. They will need to complete the questionnaire.

  • What are the grounds for requesting a permanent excuse and how do I request one?

    There are several legal reasons for which you can be excused. All excuses must be made in writing to the U.S. District Court jury office. You can mail, fax, or email your request (If you are emailing a medical excuse, a doctor's letter will also be required). You can be excused if:

    • You are 70 years of age or older
    • You are a firefighter or Police Officer
    • You have a grave medical condition or physical disability (for which a doctor’s letter is mandatory)
  • What area does the Middle District cover?

    The Middle District of Georgia covers 70 counties that stretch as far north as Franklin County and as far south as Echols County. Our headquarters is located in Macon with staffed offices in Albany, Athens, Columbus and Valdosta. Please visit Qualifying Counties for more information.

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