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Location: Judicial Center, Jury Assembly Room (to the right of the elevators when exiting on the third floor), 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, Virginia 20110
Juror Parking Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays
Phone: 703-792-6047 E-mail: courts@pwcgov.org
Jury Duty Information Line: 703-792-6032
The Circuit Court Clerk's Office Court Administration Jury Section works with Juries.
Beware Jury Duty Scam
The Jury Duty Scam has been posted on the FBI, U.S. Courts and Prince William County Police Web sites. We do not ask you personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth or credit card numbers over the phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is entitled to a Jury Trial?
Generally, any person charged with a criminal offense and parties in some civil cases have a right to a jury trial. All parties are equal before the law and each is entitled to the same fair treatment. Who is qualified to serve on Jury Duty?
Jurors must:
How are Jurors selected?
Am I required to report for jury duty? Yes. FAILURE TO APPEAR WHEN SUMMONED COULD RESULT IN LEGAL ACTION AGAINST YOU BY THE COURT and contempt sanctions. A Show Cause will be issued and posted by the Sheriff for those who fail to report. If you believe you are exempt or need to be excused, please read the following. If you still have questions, contact the Jury Clerk at 703-792-6047.
Who is exempt from jury service?
Only a limited number of persons are ineligible to serve as jurors. Virginia Code § 8.01-341 lists those persons who are exempt from jury service and Virginia Code § 8.01-341.1 lists persons who may claim an exemption from jury service. How can someone be excused from Jury Service?
What about my job?
Your employer cannot fire, demote or otherwise penalize you for missing work while performing jury duty. Many employers continue to pay your salary while you are on jury duty. It is advisable to give your employer ample notice of your jury duty and to determine your employer's policy with regard to payment of wages/salary while serving as a juror to find out what the policy is at your job. (Virginia Code § 18.2-465.1) Prospective jurors, who are not paid by their employer when on jury duty, will NOT be excused. You may, however, request a postponement to a later time. What if an unexpected emergency keeps me from coming to the courthouse?
It is very important that all jurors report each day and that they be on time. Your absence may delay a trial and result in hardship on the participants or cause unnecessary costs to be borne by the litigants. If you have an emergency (sudden illness or a death in the family), immediately call the Jury Clerk at 703-792-6047 or send an e-mail to courts@pwcgov.org. How do I know if I have to report the next day?
Jurors call the jury recording at 703-792-6032 or go to Groups Reporting for Jury Duty and click on “Reporting Group Numbers” the evening before their assigned day indicated on the summons to determine if they are needed the next day. On average, jurors will only be required to come in for jury duty two days out of the time period assigned. How will I know what to expect during my jury service? The morning that you arrive for jury duty you will be shown an orientation video that will explain your role as juror. In addition, the Jury Clerk will take attendance and answer any questions you might have. How long will I be on jury duty? Jurors summoned for jury service are on call one day a week for one-month. Jurors are assigned a particular day of the week. Many jury trials are only a day; very few are more than 2. Each week, jurors must call a recorded message the evening before their assigned day to determine whether or not they need to appear. On average we have 6 juries a month for a total of 10 days of service. Once you have completed your one-month service, you are ineligible under state law to serve again for a period of three years. This applies only to state circuit courts. You may still be eligible for jury service in a federal court. How are jurors selected for a particular trial? Each day, jurors report to the Jury Assembly Room and their attendance is taken. When a judge is ready to begin the jury trial, the jurors needed for the case are selected from those persons in attendance for that day. The jurors’ names are called and the panel of jurors is escorted to the courtroom.
Once the jury panel reaches the designated courtroom, the jurors are questioned under the supervision of the judge. During this questioning, some jurors may be excused from the case. Once all of the questioning has been completed, each attorney in the case is allowed to remove a certain number of jurors from the panel. The trial jury will consist of the jurors remaining on the panel. Jurors not selected may return to the Jury Assembly room or may return to their vehicles. Their service will be complete.
Once all of the jury panels have been selected for the day, the remaining jurors, if any, in the assembly room will be excused and their service will be complete.
Is it possible that I might report for jury duty, but not actually sit on a jury?
There are times when you will report for jury duty only to be released early in the morning. When this happens it means the parties have reached a settlement or entered a plea, and the case will not be tried. We try to avoid having you come in when not needed, but if there is a last minute settlement or plea, you may be released without hearing a case. If this happens you are still reimbursed $30 for travel, and the defendant or parties will still bear the cost of a jury trial. How long will I be in Court? It is impossible to predict how long a trial will last. Most trials are completed in one day, but a few cases require two or more days to complete. You will be given a lunch break and possibly a morning and/or afternoon break as well. If you find that you need a break at another time, please notify the bailiff (sheriff’s deputy).
Will I be reimbursed for serving on jury duty? You will be paid $30 for each day you must report to the courthouse and do. This amount is set by statute and is considered reimbursement for your travel and other expenses. Approximately three weeks after the end of service, you will be mailed a check for jury duty. Is there anything I can do to make my jury service more comfortable? Yes. While efforts are made to reduce delay and avoid waiting time, you may have to sit for some time before you know whether you have been chosen to actually sit on a jury. You should bring a book, a crossword puzzle, or any other activity you can do quietly while waiting. What may jurors wear to jury service?
What about lunch?
You will be given time for lunch each day. A cafeteria is located on the lower level of the Judicial Center, which serves both hot and cold lunches. If you prefer you may bring your lunch, there is a refrigerator and microwave available for juror use. Grand Jury
The Grand Jury determines whether the accused will be indicted and held for trial in Circuit Court. It meets the first Monday of each month at 8:45 a.m. When the first Monday falls on a holiday, the Grand Jury will meet on the first day following the holiday that the Court is open. To view when the Grand Jury meets, click here. Links
Please notify the Circuit Court Clerk's Office by e-mail if you find that any of the links on this page do not work.
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