I got a jury summons in the mail; what is the next step?
After receiving the post card in the mail, please follow the instructions on the post card. There is a website listed for you (the potential juror) to log in and fill out questionnaire. Please use the badge number listed and your birthday to get logged in.
How long does jury duty last?
In Butler County Court, jurors are selected for a 2-week term of service. You may be called to serve at any time during that term. You may also be called more than once during your term. It is also possible that your services will not be needed at all during your term.
Do I need to call in every day?
Yes you will need to call in everyday after 3:30pm to phone number (513) 887-3550; it is recorded line letting the juror know whether or not to report the following business day. The recorded line will list off a series of juror numbers (not the badge number). Please listen for your juror number, if you don’t hear your juror number, you do not report.
As a potential juror, you can also check your status online by logging into your profile at https://jury.bcohio.gov. The top blue box gives instructions to follow during your two week jury pool. That blue box will only change if you are summoned to appear the following day. As a potential juror, please check the website anytime after 3:30pm each day. Keep in mind if you "opt" in for emails and / or text messages, you will be automatically updated on the status of your service.
Will I be excused for vacations, medical issues, etc?
Yes you will be excused. You must provide proper documentation for vacation and / or travel, for example, airline tickets, car rentals, hotel reservation, Airbnb bookings, things along that nature. If you have a medical condition, you must get a note from your physician stating that the medical condition prohibits you from providing jury service. All documentations must be uploaded to your jury questionnaire online. Please “opt” in on the juror questionnaire to receive text messages or emails, detailing your status.
What should I do if I have an unexpected event come up after my questionnaire has been uploaded and need additional days?
Please log in to your portal and request the additional days off with proper documentation.
What if I have moved out of the county or state?
Please log in to the website listed on the postcard and select “Not a Butler County Resident” and list your new address. You may upload any information securing that you a no longer a resident of Butler County, for example, utility bill, new driver’s license, any mailings etc. Once that information is received, the court will remove you as a potential juror.
What should I do if I have received a jury summons for a deceased family member?
Please fill out the questionnaire online and state that this juror is deceased. At that time to court will remove their name from the potential pool of jurors.
What should I do if I have received a jury summons for a previous resident of my home?
Please return the post card and state “person does not live here” and you’re done.
What if a family member is away at college or in the military and they have received a summons for jury duty?
Please if possible forward the post card to the potential juror or take a picture of the front of the card and send it to them, so that they can do the questionnaire online and provide documentation that they are away during their two week term of being a potential juror.
What should I wear if called for service?
Please wear comfortable clothing that also reflects the seriousness of your responsibility. Business-casual attire is encouraged. Shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, shirts with suggestive language or logos, and hats are all considered to be inappropriate attire for the courtroom. The temperatures from the jury room and the courtroom may vary, so you may bring a sweater or jacket with you.
Can I volunteer for jury service or send someone in my place if I am unable to serve?
Unfortunately, it is not that simple. State law requires that all prospective jurors be selected at random using the source listed.
Do I have to respond to the jury summons?
Yes. Your jury summons is an official court order. If anyone fails to report for jury duty without a lawful excuse from the court, they may be brought before the court for contempt of court proceedings.
Without jurors, the jury system cannot work the way the Constitution intended it to. We realize the sacrifice we are asking you to make and understand that you may be apprehensive about serving. However, the majority of people say they find the experience rewarding and wouldn't mind doing it again.
What if my employer requires me to turn in a statement that verifies my attendance at jury duty? Once you sign in on the day you are to report, you can log back in to your jury portal and print off “service certificate” which is located on left hand side of the portal.
Where do I park?
The parking garage is located behind the Government Services Center on Court Street. Please have your post card on the day you arrive. That post card will get you out of the garage at no cost to the juror.
Will my family be able to contact me at the courthouse in the event of an emergency?
Yes. The Court Administration office phone number is (513) 785-6550. If you are in trial, we will get a message to you through the bailiff in the courtroom in the event of an emergency only.
What happens when I report for jury duty?
When you arrive, there will be signs directing you to where you need to be. The clerk’s office will assist juror on checking in. Shortly after your arrival, the bailiff will bring you up to the courtroom. Please note that you will be entering a secured area where you will be required to pass through security checkpoints, including metal detectors. Therefore, please leave all unnecessary personal items at home or in your vehicle.
What happens during jury selection on the trial date?
There is no guarantee that you will be seated on a jury the following morning. The court has the responsibility to examine jurors under oath or affirmation as to the individual juror's qualifications to serve. The judge will ask all jurors questions and will permit both the plaintiff and defense council to ask questions of the jurors. Jurors may ask questions of the judge or either party regarding their responsibilities as juror. At this time you can voice any care, concerns or issues that you feel prevent you from serving on a jury.
The court and opposing parties seek a jury who will be impartial and have open minds. Your honest answer to each question is extremely important. The court and opposing parties will select jurors who will hear the case. No prospective juror shall fail to answer any legal and pertinent question posed to the prospective juror by the court.
If any question is asked that you would prefer not to answer in front of the entire jury pool, you may ask the court to answer privately on the record.
Why hasn't anyone called to let me know that I have been excused from jury duty?
The court WILL NOT call you to inform you if you have been excused. When filling out the questionnaire online, you must “opt in” to receive text messages and/or email to know the status of your jury service.