Jury Duty Laws in Maryland (2026): Your Summons Survival Guide
Most people panic when they see a jury summons in the mail. Seriously. But jury duty in Maryland is more manageable than you think. You just need to know the rules.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll cover who has to serve, who can get out of it, what happens if you skip it, and how your employer must treat you. Let’s get into it.
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is your legal obligation to show up and possibly serve on a jury. In Maryland, juries are made up of everyday citizens like you. You help decide the outcome of criminal and civil cases.
Think of it as one of the most direct ways you get to participate in the legal system. You’re not just watching from the sidelines. You’re part of it.
Who Gets Called for Jury Duty in Maryland?
Maryland pulls names from two main lists. Those are the voter registration rolls and the Motor Vehicle Administration records for driver’s license and ID card holders.
Your name gets picked at random. There’s no formula or preference. It’s basically a lottery.
Wondering if you qualify? Here’s what makes you eligible. You must be at least 18 years old. You must be a U.S. citizen. You must live in the county that sent you the summons. And you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
That’s it. Pretty straightforward.
Who Is Disqualified from Jury Duty?
Okay, this is where things get specific.
You are automatically disqualified from serving if you cannot read, write, speak, or understand the English language. You are also disqualified if you have a disability that prevents satisfactory jury service, though this must be documented by a healthcare provider. A felony conviction that resulted in more than one year in prison also disqualifies you, unless you received a pardon.
Being disqualified is different from being exempt. Disqualified means you legally cannot serve. Exempt means you technically could, but you have the right to opt out.
Who Is Exempt from Jury Duty?
Here’s where it gets a little more interesting.
You may be exempt from jury duty if you are at least 70 years old and make a written request to your local jury office. Active duty members of the armed forces or the state militia may also be exempt, as are members of the U.S. House of Representatives or Senate.
Important: these exemptions are not automatic. An exemption is a right to decline service that an otherwise qualified individual must actively claim. You have to ask for it.
Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty?
This is the question everyone asks. And honestly, the answer is: sometimes.
Under certain very limited circumstances, you can be excused from jury service. You must show that an excusal is required because of extreme inconvenience, public necessity, or undue hardship. Being excused is intended only for the most serious of situations. It is not a way to avoid jury service because it is inconvenient or you do not want to serve.
Not sure if your situation counts? Think of it this way. A pre-scheduled surgery probably qualifies. Not wanting to miss a week of work usually does not.
Common reasons for seeking an excuse include a temporary medical issue that prevents service, for which a doctor’s note is usually required. Full-time students with conflicting academic schedules, or individuals who are the primary caregivers for a young child or a person with a disability, may also be granted a postponement.
Hold on, this part is important. Even if you’re excused, you will likely be called again later. Being excused does not mean that you will never be called for jury service. An excusal is good only for the period for which it is necessary.
The Juror Qualification Form
When you receive a jury summons, you’ll also get a Juror Qualification Form. You must fill this out and return it. No exceptions.
The law requires you to complete the form and return it to the Jury Office, generally within 10 days of receiving it. There are penalties if you lie about an important fact on the form. You can be fined up to $5,000, sent to jail for up to 30 days, or both.
So fill it out honestly. It’s not worth the risk.
Many counties let you complete this form online. Check your summons for instructions. If your county doesn’t have an online option, fill it out by hand and mail it back.
What Happens During Jury Selection?
You might assume getting a summons means you’re definitely going to be on a jury. That’s actually not true.
After you are sworn in, you and the other potential jurors go through a process called voir dire, or jury selection. During jury selection, the judge and the lawyers question you and other panel members to find out if you have any knowledge of the case, a personal interest in the outcome, or any bias that might make it hard for you to be impartial.
If you’re not selected during voir dire, you’re done. You go home. Your jury duty obligation is complete for that cycle.
Most people are surprised by how quick this can be. Many are released the same day.
How Much Does Jury Duty Pay in Maryland?
Let’s talk money. Because yes, you do get paid.
Jurors are paid $30 per day. If you are on a jury trial for more than five days, starting on the sixth day, your payment increases to $50 per day.
It’s not exactly a salary. But it’s something. Some courts also provide parking validation.
Your Employer’s Role During Jury Duty
Many people worry about their jobs when they get called for jury duty. That worry is understandable. But Maryland law has your back.
Your employer cannot fire you, coerce you, intimidate you, or threaten to fire you because you lost time from work due to jury service. Your employer also cannot require you to use your leave (annual, sick, or vacation) for jury service.
Here’s the catch though. Employers are not obligated to pay their employees while serving jury duty. Some private employers do provide full or partial compensation, and many county, state, and federal agencies provide administrative leave for employees called for jury duty.
Basically, you keep your job. You might not keep your paycheck. Check with your HR department to know where you stand.
If an employer violates these protections, they may be fined up to $1,000.
What If You Just Don’t Show Up?
You might be tempted to ignore a jury summons. Don’t do it.
If you do not appear for jury service at the date and time directed by the summons, you can be fined up to $1,000, incarcerated for up to 60 days, or both. If you do not complete jury service after it begins, you can be fined up to $1,000, incarcerated for up to 90 days, or both.
Think of it like a traffic ticket. But way more serious. Ignoring a summons is not something the court takes lightly.
Many people assume the court won’t notice. They find out the hard way. Don’t be one of them.
How Often Can You Be Called?
Good news here.
An individual cannot be required to serve as a petit juror for more than one term of court within a three-year period, though some local jury plans may reduce this to one year.
So once you’ve served, you get a break. Maryland limits how often they can pull you back into the pool.
Can You Volunteer for Jury Duty?
This one surprises a lot of people. No, you cannot volunteer.
Maryland law specifically states that volunteers for jury service must be refused. This helps ensure that the jury is selected at random and from a cross section of citizens.
The whole point of a jury is that it’s random. Volunteers would mess that up.
Types of Juries in Maryland
Not all juries are the same. There are two main types.
A Grand Jury is made up of 23 people who receive and hear evidence to determine whether probable cause exists to charge someone with a crime. A Grand Jury can also conduct its own investigations. A trial jury listens to evidence in a courtroom and determines the facts in a case. Most often, you will be called to serve on a trial jury, generally made up of 12 individuals for criminal trials and 6 for civil trials.
Most people end up called for trial jury duty. Grand juries are less common.
What to Wear to Jury Duty
This one’s simple but worth knowing.
There is no formal dress code, but you are in a courthouse and you must dress appropriately for court proceedings. No uniforms, shorts, cut-off or ripped jeans, T-shirts with logos, gym clothes, or hats are permitted, except hats for religious purposes.
Business casual is your safest bet. Slacks and a collared shirt work for most people. Think of it like a job interview. You want to look like you take it seriously.
How to Postpone Your Jury Duty
Sometimes the date just doesn’t work. Life happens. Maryland allows you to reschedule once.
Your date of jury service sometimes can be changed if there is a pressing reason, such as a previously scheduled medical procedure or travel plans.
Many counties let you do this online. Check your summons for details. You typically only get one free postponement, so use it wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be fired for going to jury duty in Maryland? No. Maryland law protects your job during jury service. Your employer can face a fine of up to $1,000 for retaliating against you.
Does my employer have to pay me during jury duty? Not necessarily. Maryland law does not require employers to pay you during jury service, though some choose to. Check your employee handbook or HR department.
What happens if I lie on the Juror Qualification Form? You can face fines up to $5,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both. Always fill it out honestly.
Can I be excused because I have a job? Generally no. Employment hardship alone is usually not enough. You would need to show extreme financial hardship, not just that missing work is inconvenient.
How long does jury duty last in Maryland? It depends. Some people are dismissed the same day. Others may serve for weeks on long trials. It varies by case.
Will I lose unemployment benefits if I serve on a jury? No. Maryland law protects your unemployment benefits during jury service.
Final Thoughts
Getting a jury summons can feel stressful. But now you know exactly what Maryland requires, what protections you have, and what happens if you skip it.
The key takeaways: respond to your summons within 10 days, dress appropriately if you report, and remember your employer cannot fire you for serving. If you have a real hardship, communicate with the jury office early.
When in doubt, call your local jury office or consult a lawyer. You’re not alone in finding this process confusing. Most people do. But now you’re better prepared than most.
