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Can I switch from from criminal to civil?
People are summoned at random to serve either at criminal or civil court. If a juror has a legitimate reason for serving on one type of case, they can seek a transfer from the appropriate clerk of the jury division.
Can I switch from grand jury to petit jury service?
This is generally not permitted in Manhattan, but exceptions are made in certain circumstances. The juror must establish that serving would be a hardship to obtain approval to switch.
 Do I have to go through the metal detectors?
Jurors who are pregnant or have another valid reason for not wanting to pass through the magnetic metal detectors should speak with the clerks or court personnel.
Where can I smoke?
Smoking is prohibited in all public buildings in New York City, including courthouses. Jurors may go outside to have a cigarette. They may need to sign-out before leaving the building.
How long does jury service last?
Jurors who are not selected in Manhattan should expect to serve a minimum of two full days. In all other counties there is generally a minimum one day commitment.
Those who are selected to serve as panelists on a jury are required to serve on only one trial. On average, the length of a civil trial ranges from three to five days. Criminal trials average from five to ten days, though some trials may last longer. The judge or attorneys will inform the prospective jurors of the expected length of the trial.
Requirements for Grand Jury service are different.
How often can I be called?
These rules have recently been changed, although the general rule was and is that jurors cannot serve more than every six years. In Bronx and Queens, jurors should not be summoned more than once every 6 years. Effective summer 2007, in Brooklyn, jurors should not be summoned more than once every 8 years. In New York County, how often a juror serves is now determined by the length of time a juror actually serves. For example, a juror who served for only 1-2 days, a juror can technically be re-called to serve in two years - although more commonly it will be three to four years before they will be summoned again. If a New York County juror served three days or more, they will be exempt from serving for another six years. In addition, although most jurors don't serve for this long, if a juror has served for ten days or more, they are exempt from service for eight years. If a juror believes that they are being re-summoned too early, and they have proof of their prior service, they should bring proof of service to the clerk's office and explain their situation.
Can I volunteer for jury duty?
Yes, provided you have not served in the past two years. Contact the clerks office in your county of residence. This information can be found at http://www.nyjuror.gov/county-information.
Do the courts have free wi-fi access?
Yes.
What is the pay for jurors?
$40/day.
Where do I voice a complaint about my jury service?
If you would like to obtain assistance with a problem or would like to ask a question, please visit http://www.juryproject.org/cjp/Helpline/ombudservice.html or call 212-541-6741 extension 10.
What is the Fund for Modern Courts?
The Fund for Modern Courts was founded in 1955 as a nonpartisan, not for profit, statewide organization dedicated to improving the courts in New York State through advocacy, public education and court monitoring. The Citizens Jury Project was developed as a result of a recommendation made by Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye's blue-ribbon panel that conducted a statewide study on the jury system. The Citizens Jury Project is independent of the court system, but we are working within it to improve the jury system.
Who is funding the Citizen Jury Project?
The Citizens Jury Project is funded by contract with the Unified Court System.
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