Consumers Alerted to Jury Duty
Identity Scam
Jury service in the Superior Court in New Hampshire is both a right and a privilege.  Most people who serve on juries find the experience to be interesting and educational. Although at first it may seem to be an imposition on your daily life, you will find that the responsibility of being on a jury is well worth the time invested.
It is important that you read this information carefully, as it will answer  many of your questions about jury service. Each court location also has a jury page that gives detailed information such as how to get to the court, where to park.
Please keep in mind that it is important for you to take this jury notice seriously and return your juror questionnaire when it is due as well as report to the court at the time indicated. The court will make every effort to make your service as a juror as comfortable as possible.
If you fail to return your juror questionnaire to the court, or fail to report to court on the date indicated, you may face contempt of court charges.
OVERVIEW OF JURY SERVICE
Who qualifies as a juror?
Who is required to serve?
What is a "petit jury"?
What is a "grand jury"?
What if I have medical or physical disabilities?
What if I have moved?
What if I served before?
How long is jury service?
Are jurors paid?
What can I expect on the first day?
Who qualifies as a juror?
Jurors must be 18 years old or older; a U.S. citizen; and a resident of the county in which you have been asked to serve. Jurors must be able to read, speak and understand English, they must not have a physical or mental disability that would prevent them from serving. A person convicted of a felony that has not been annulled cannot serve as a juror.
Who is required to serve on a jury?
In New Hampshire, all individuals who are summoned must serve on a jury with a few exceptions:
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Persons 70 years old or older are not required to serve and may ask to be excused.
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Members of the state legislature who receive a notice for jury service when the legislature is in session may ask to be excused from jury duty.
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No one will be asked to serve as a juror if they have a case pending that could be tried at the same time that they would be serving as a juror.
All requests for exemptions and postponements must be in writing and received by the court, along with your juror questionnaire by the date specified in your letter from the court.
You can request that your jury service be postponed if for some reason the month you were selected will create an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience. All courts normally try to accommodate requests for postponement of jury service. However, you must make this request in writing to the court and send it with your completed juror questionnaire.
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What is a "petit jury?"
A petit jury hears testimony and views evidence in individual cases and then deliberates and reaches a verdict.
What is a "grand jury?"
A grand jury hears evidence presented by the county attorney in criminal cases and decides whether or not there is enough evidence to formally charge a person with a crime. They do not decide guilt or innocence.
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What if I have a medical condition or disability?
If you have a medical condition or disability that might prevent you from serving as a juror, you should still complete the questionnaire and send it in with a not to the court about your concern. The court will make reasonable accommodations for any persons who have a disability if they would like to serve as a juror.
What if I have moved?
If you no longer live in the state or the county where you have been asked to serve as a juror, please notify the court in writing and include your new address.
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What if I have served as a juror in past? Do I have to serve again?
Yes. But, if you have served on jury duty in a state court within the last three years, let the court know in writing as soon as possible.
How long is jury service?
It is difficult to say how long you will be required to be available for jury service. You will not be required to sit on a jury for more than 30 days (6, five week periods) unless you are in the middle of a trial.
Most trials last less than a week but some can go longer. Even if you sit for one trial, you will have to come back to court to see if you are picked for another case. It is important that you make arrangements in your schedule to be available during the time the court has identified.
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Are jurors paid?
Jurors are paid $10 for a half day and $20 for a full day. Those persons living outside the town or city where the courthouse is located will be paid .20 cents per mile round trip. Jurors who live in the town where the courthouse is located do not receive mileage. You should keep track of your mileage. Checks will be mailed directly to your home from the State Treasurer’s Office in Concord.
You can obtain a certificate of attendance from the jury clerk if you need one for your employer. Your employer is not obligated to pay you for your time spent on jury service. However, your employer is prohibited by law from threatening, coercing or dismissing you because of your jury service. You should speak to someone immediately at the Clerk’s office if you think your employer is discriminating against you because of your jury service.
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What to expect on your first day of jury service:
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You will be asked to show a photo i.d. such as a driver's license.
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There is a dress code for jurors. Do not wear torn clothing, shorts, cut-offs, tee shirts, tank tops or clothing with slogans or written expressions. The court has the discretion to find inappropriate clothing unacceptable. The proceedings in any courtroom around the state are conducted in a dignified and respectful manner; jurors clothing should reflect the seriousness of the situation.
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Do not bring guns, knives, pocket knives, knitting needles or other items that could be used as a weapon. The court building is a secure environment. You can expect to go through a metal detector and possibly be searched.
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Lunch will be on your own. There are usually coffee and soda machines in most court houses. When you are deliberating on a case, lunch will be brought in for the jury.
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Each court may have different policies regarding the use of lap tops, cell phones, etc. You should make sure to check with the court before you arrive.
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You should be prepared to spend time waiting. Judges conduct many other court proceedings that do not need jurors. You may bring reading materials or other items that will occupy you during waiting periods.
- Courts do not have any facilities for children. You should make arrangements for your children during the day.
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Superior Court locations, parking and
other essential facts for jurors
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