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Dinwiddie County Virginia

Departments: Circuit Court Clerk

 

Jury FAQs

I have been selected for jury duty and want to find out if my jury has been canceled.

YOU MUST REGULARY CALL 804-469-5386 until 6:00 pm the night before the date(s) on your Jury Summons.  If your jury has been cancelled the message will be changed as soon as this office is notified up until 5:00pm the night before your jury.  If the line is busy please keep calling.   

Listen closely to the message to see if your Jury has been cancelled.  If your Jury has been cancelled you will not need to show up for Jury Duty but please VERIFY THE DATE(S) on your summons with the date(s) from the recording.  If your Jury has not been cancelled and you fail to show up a show cause summons will be issued.  If you are unable to reach the Jury Line the night before please call the Clerk’s Office at 469-4540.

 

What is the best way to obtain answers to my questions about jury service?

Many questions can be answered by using the Answer Book for Jury Service given to you with your jury summons.  If you cannot find an answer to your question on this website or in the Answer Book please call the Dinwiddie Circuit Court at 804-469-4540 and we will be happy to answer any questions we can.

How are Dinwiddie County's jurors chosen?

Potential jurors are randomly selected using lists designated by the court. Dinwiddie County uses the driver's license list merged with the voter registration list. The selection method is designed to produce a cross section of the community. Annually approximately 1,200 Dinwiddie County residents are sent juror questionnaires used to determine eligibility for jury service.

After the questionnaires are returned to the Clerk's Office they are reviewed by Jury Commissioners to determine which citizens are qualified for jury service. Jury Commissioners are private citizens appointed by the Circuit Court Judge to assemble a Master Jury List. The qualified names are added to the Master Jury List that is submitted to the Circuit Court Judge on or before December 1 for use during the next year.

Am I required to report for jury duty?

Failure to respond to a summons for jury duty is a violation of law and may result in criminal sanctions.

Will I be reimbursed for serving on jury duty?

You will be paid $30 for each day you report to the courthouse. You should receive a check in 30 to 45 days of the last date of service.

Is it possible that I might report for jury duty, but not actually sit on a jury?

There are times when you will report for jury duty only to find that you are released early. Whenever possible, we try to avoid having any juror appear when not needed; however, if this happens, you are still entitled to payment in the amount of $30.

What about my job?

Your employer cannot fire, demote or otherwise penalize you for missing work while performing jury duty. Many employers continue to pay your salary while you are on jury duty. It is advisable to give your employer ample notice of your jury duty and to determine your employer's policy with regard to payment of wages/salary while serving as a juror to find out what the policy is at your job.

How should I dress when I report to court?

Please wear comfortable conservative clothes appropriate for a business environment. Remember you could spend a long day at court.

Is there anything I can do to make my jury service more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable?

While efforts are made to reduce delay and avoid waiting time, you may have to wait awhile at the courthouse before you find out whether you have been chosen to actually sit on a jury. You can bring a book or other quiet activity; solve a crossword puzzle; write a letter; sketch a picture; or get to know your fellow jurors. Remember that as a juror, you are a vital part of the court system. Part of the job of many court employees, such as the bailiffs and clerks, is to help make your jury service comfortable and convenient. Don't be afraid to ask them for help.

How long will the trial last?

The length of jury trials varies greatly, but the vast majority of trials are completed in one day. The Circuit Court Judge will tell you at the start of the trial the estimated length of the trial. At that time you will be given the opportunity to raise any concerns that you have about your ability to serve.

 

 

Clerk of Circuit Court

Dinwiddie County Courthouse
14008 Boydton Plank Road
3rd Floor
PO Box 63
Dinwiddie, VA  23841

Phone:  (804) 469-4540     Fax:  (804) 469-5383

Contact Us: Clerk of Circuit Court