•  Residents
  •  Visitors
  •  Businesses
  •  County Government
  •  Online Services
  • Información en Español

    • Circuit Court – 17th Judicial Circuit

    Jury Duty

     

     

    Get the answers to most frequently asked questions about jury duty.

    What is Jury Duty about?

    The Arlington Circuit Court covers both Arlington County and the City of Falls Church (not Falls Church residents who live in Fairfax County).  Lawsuits are filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court as well as indictments for crimes. Jurors play an essential role in the trial of civil (between parties) and criminal cases (Commonwealth bringing criminal charges against a party).  Trials begin with jury selection. Names are randomly selected from those on jury service to form a panel from which the trial jury will be selected.  Learn the facts about jury service >>>

    You can also find more information at: Supreme Court of Virginia

    I received a Summons to appear for Jury Duty from the Sheriff.  What are the next steps?

            1.    Read the summons carefully, front and back, to learn about the process for determining which days you report during your one-week term (Monday through Thursday; no trials are scheduled on Fridays).  Learn the facts about jury duty.    
            2.    Visit the juror website or juror hotline using the Candidate ID printed on your summons and your zip code and update your profile with your email address, phone number, and occupation.  The contact information is very important as it will help the court provide updates to you during your term.
            3.    Immediately confirm receipt of the summons by visiting the juror website and clicking the "Confirm" tab or the juror hotline at 703-228-0533 (you may hang-up after entering your candidate ID and zip code as the system automatically will confirm you).
            4.    The Friday before your jury duty term begins, after 5 p.m., check the juror website (click the "Profile" tab to view your "Next Reporting Date") or juror hotline to find out whether or not you report on Monday (Tuesday if Monday is a holiday).

            Failure to respond or appear to the summons may result in a fine and/or the Court contacting the Sheriff to command your appearance.

    Serving a few months from now might be better for me.  How do I request a Postponement / Deferral?

    The Court will make every effort to assist you in performing your responsibilities as a juror and to make your service as convenient as possible, while understanding that the court must function swiftly and efficiently.  If serving on the date you were summoned truly presents a hardship, there are a few options.  You may request a one-time Postponement / Deferral from serving at this time.  You must use the juror website or hotline at 703-228-0533 to make the request.  A detailed explanation is required with each request.  Documentation that is required to support your request can be emailed or faxed to 703-228-7079.  If the supporting documentation is not supplied at the time of request, it will be automatically denied.  Only a certain number of deferrals may be requested from the pool of summoned individuals.  It is first-come, first-served, so get your request in early.  Learn the facts.

    Serving would present a "significant hardship" so I'd like to request to be Excused from jury duty.

    If serving jury duty the week you have been summoned to appear would present a significant hardship, the Court may consider your request to be excused for certain reasons.  A detailed explanation is required with each request and can be emailed or faxed to 703-228-7079.  Failure to supply any required documentation will result in an automatic denial.  Requests will be denied and you will be expected to report on your summons date if no or little explanation accompanies the request.  Requests to be excused when postponement / deferral is an option will be denied.

    Are certain individuals Exempt from serving jury duty?

    Some individuals are exempt from serving, such as licensed practicing attorneys, sworn law enforcement officers, certain elected officials, any person over age 70 who does not wish to serve (although we hope you will choose to serve), persons performing essential services where the business would cease to function, etc.  Learn the facts and requirements to request an exemption.  An explanation must accompany all requests.  Requests must be made at the juror website or hotline at 703-228-0533.  Supporting documentation can be emailed or faxed to 703-228-7079.

    Am I qualified to serve Jury Duty in Arlington County or the City of Falls Church?

    Read about some of the reasons you may not be eligible to serve jury duty.  Requests for Disqualification should be made at the juror website or voice system at 703-228-0533.  An explanation must accompany all requests.  If you have moved out of Arlington County or the City of Falls Church, your full new address must be entered at the website or in the voice system in order to process your request.  Learn the facts.

    How do I know if my request to be deferred, excused or disqualified has been approved?

    After you have made the request, go back to the juror website or hotline at 703-228-0533 to check the status of your request.  Wait at least 48 hours for your request to be processed.  You may not be automatically contacted so it is up to you to check your status.

     


    Last Modified: May 15, 2013
    2100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: 703-228-3000 TTY: 703-228-4611