Court Jury Clerk

Welcome to the Eaton County Court Jury Clerk. Your Circuit, Probate, and District Court Judges wish to thank you and all jurors for giving generously of your time and for taking jury duty seriously.

Jury Administration/Selection

At the beginning  of each quarter the jury board looks over the list of random names supplied by the Secretary of State Driver's License and State ID. Then the Jury Clerk sends questionnaires to potential jurors residing in Eaton County.  The Jury Clerk screens these questionnaires and prepares them for final review and qualification. Prospective Jurors who fail to return a questionnaire will receive follow-up letters from the Clerk and, if you still fail to return your questionnaire you will then receive a show cause hearing and will go in front of the Judge.  

After qualification, the Jury Clerk coordinates the drawing of panels for the Circuit, District, and Probate Courts. If selected, qualified jurors are summoned to appear. Any questions or concerns about service should be addressed to the jury clerk. 

Get Involved

Without you the jury system can not work. We know that jury service means rearranging schedules, canceling appointments, and even missing work. But if you were on trial, wouldn't you want someone like you to make the sacrifices necessary to be a part of your jury? Your public service as a juror protects our right to have a trial by an impartial jury.

Entering the Courthouse

If you are serving as a juror, please keep in mind that because of security reasons jury members will not be able to enter the courthouse prior to business hours. The courthouse is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please arrive at the courthouse at the appropriate time so you are not locked outside prior to the courthouse opening.

Qualifications to Serve as a Juror

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• You must speak and understand the English language.
• You must be a resident of Eaton County.
• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must no longer be attending high school.
• You must not have been convicted of a felony.

Deferring Jury Duty

In the State of Michigan, everyone who meets the qualifications is eligible for jury duty. The courts are happy to work with you on any scheduling problems or conditions you may have that would make your attendance impossible. 

Please email the Jury Clerk at: juryclerk@eatoncounty.org  or call 517-543-4318 as soon as possible in order to discuss scheduling. Do not wait until the day your group is called.

How Do I Know When To Report For Jury Duty

Two Weeks before your term of service begins you will receive a summons indicating your month of service and a notice of the tentative jury trial dates for that month.  You will be assigned a group number which is located at the top of your summons.  The evening before each of the tentative trial dates please call the jury information number, 1-800-722-4790, to determine whether your group is to report for jury duty.  The recorded message will be available on weeknights from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., and between 5:00 P.M. Friday and 8:00 a.m. Monday.   

Please note that you will not be asked to report on each of the tentative trial dates as approximately 250 jurors have been summoned for the month.

How Am I Compensated For My Service?

You will be paid $15.00 plus mileage at the rate of $.20 a mile for the first half day of service.  Full day service is $30.00 plus mileage for the first day.  Subsequent days of service paid at the rate of $22.50 per half day or $45.00 per full day along with round-trip mileage.

What Should I bring?

Please bring your picture ID and your summons.  You may also want to bring something to read while you are waiting.

What Should I Wear?

Please wear clothing that is conservative, clean and comfortable.  Dress as if you were going to church or a job interview.  Unacceptable items of clothing are: shirts with inappropriate language, depicting violence or sexual acts, or promoting drug or alcohol use; shorts; tank tops; bare midriffs; muscle shirts; halter tops; baggy pants falling below the hips; mini-skirts; pants with holes; or hats (unless worn for religious purposes).

How Long Do Trials Last? How Long Will I Be There

The judges try to seat their juries in the morning, therefore, if you are not seated on a case you are normally released before noon.  If you are a juror on a particular trial, you should plan on being at the courthouse until about 5:00 p.m.  The average trial length is one day in District Court, one day in Probate Court and three days in Circuit Court.  Occasionally a case will last longer.  The judge will inform you of the expected length of the trial during jury selection.

Can I Bring Food With Me?

Sodas, juice and snacks are available in vending machines near the jury assembly room.  You may bring your own food especially if you are diabetic or on a special diet.  Open food and beverages are not allowed in the courtrooms.

Where should I park?

Please park in the public lot on the East side of the courthouse and enter the courthouse through the doors nearest the chimes.  Use the stairs or elevator to go to the lower level and follow the signs to the jury assembly room.

What If My Group Is Never Called In During The Month?

 You do not have to report and your term of service is over.