Most Frequently Asked Questions on the Jury Line

1. When do I get paid?
   Jurors are paid within 7-10 business days of the end of the one-week term in the Eastern Division and within 2 weeks after their first appearance in the Western Division.

2. May I still mail in my summons even though my five days to return it to your office have elapsed?
   Yes, you may return your information sheet after the five days have passed; however, this will give the Court less time to process your request. If you are requesting to be excused or postponed, please fax your completed information sheet and written request to (312) 554-8673 for Chicago and (815) 987-4291 for Rockford. Why did I receive a follow-up letter, if I returned my information sheet to your office as requested? You were ordered to appear and did not follow instructions. A follow-up letter is automatically sent out to all jurors who are absent on their reporting dates. You are expected to appear UNLESS after you called 1 (800) 572-4210 you were excused, postponed or told not to appear. If qualified, you must call 1 (800) 572-4210 after 5:00 P.M. the night before your reporting date and every evening during the one-week term for Chicago or every Friday before your possible reporting date in Rockford. Failure to abide by the reporting instructions will result in a follow-up letter. Failure to abide by the follow-up letter may result in a $100.00 fine, 3 days in prison or both [28USC 1886(g)].
   
   

3. May I change my jury service to another court?
   Requests to be transferred to a closer location (County Court) cannot be accommodated. There are two divisions in the Northern District of Illinois. They are located in Chicago and Rockford. In most situations you have been summoned to appear at the Federal Court closest to your home.
   
   

4. May I request an excuse or postponement over the telephone?

   No. In order to maintain an official record, requests to be excused or postponed must be submitted in writing.
   Email: jury_ilnd@ilnd.uscourts.gov
   Fax: 312-554-8673
   Mail: U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois
   219 S. Dearborn Street
   Room 250
   Chicago, IL 60604

   
   
   

    

5. If I serve on a trial, is my service over after the trial is completed?
   Yes. If you serve as a juror on a trial, at the end of the trial (regardless of its duration), your service will be concluded for the one-week term for Chicago.
   
   

6. What time will I leave at the end of the day?
   A typical jury day begins at 9:00 A.M. and ends at 5:00 P.M. Your schedule will depend on the Court's schedule.
   
   

7. What should a juror do if they cannot make it to jury duty on the day he was required to appear?
   For Chicago, you are expected to contact the jury department at (312) 435-5684, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. so that we may be aware of your situation. For Rockford call (815) 987-4354. If you are a juror on a specific trial you will be given a least one emergency contact number. It is absolutely necessary that you call if you are going to be late or absent. A trial cannot proceed unless all jurors are present. Failure to appear as scheduled may result in a bench warrant.
   
   

8. May I request an accommodation if I am deaf, hearing impaired or have a communications disability?
   The court will provide reasonable accommodations to jurors who are deaf, hearing impaired or have communications disabilities and are deemed legally qualified to serve the court. For more information or to request an accommodation after receiving a jury summons, visit the court’s Accessibility Information page.
   
   

9. What is aLive5?
   The Court utilizes aLive5 chat to provide instant chat support to the public. Simply click the "Let's Chat" icon located in the lower right corner of the webpage to start a conversation. Our team is available to answer your questions and provide assistance in real-time, ensuring you receive prompt and accurate information.