Contacting the Boone County Jury Personnel:

How can I reach the Boone County Jury Coordinator?

The jury coordinator is responsible for preparation of all jury lists, conducting jury check-in and orientation, and providing juror information to the Court. The Jury Coordinator is available Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m until 4:30 p.m. and can be reached at (815) 544-0371. The Jury office is closed on all legal holidays.

Jury Selection:

How does the Jury Management obtain names of prospective jurors?

All jurors are selected for service by a computer system that randomly selects individuals from a list of county residents who hold a drivers license, a voters registration card, a state identification card, a disabled persons identification card, or who are receiving unemployment compensation.

I can no longer fulfill my duties as a juror. I would like your office to remove my name from your records.

Under no circumstances is the Jury Coordinator allowed to remove an individual's name without judicial approval. If you feel you are not qualified you may wish to contact the Jury Commission.  When you complete the questionnaire you will be given an opportunity to inform the Court of reasons you should be disqualified as a juror.  You may also direct a letter to the Court requesting to be removed from the jury selection system.

I am not a resident of Boone County or a citizen of the United States, may I serve?

No. You must be a Boone County resident to serve as a juror in Boone County. The law automatically disqualifies residents that are non-citizens.

Jury Service:

Why is jury service important?

The United States Constitution guarantees all people, regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin or economic status the right to trial by an impartial jury of one's peers. In order to uphold this guarantee, we need those summoned to participate in the jury process to ensure every citizen's right to have their case decided by an impartial jury selected from a representative pool of their peers.

Who is entitled to a jury trial?

Any person charged with a criminal offense or any party in a civil case has the right to a trial by jury. All parties are equal before the law and each is given the same fair and impartial treatment.

What are my duties as a juror?

Your duty as a juror is to weigh all of the evidence and testimony presented to you and to decide the outcome of the case based upon the law and the evidence. Your decision must be fair, impartial and free of any bias or prejudice. Jury service is the basis of our judicial system and is essential to the administration of justice.

How are jurors selected for a trial?

After your panel is selected and reports to a courtroom, a process known as voir dire begins. During voir dire, the judge and possibly the attorneys will ask you questions to see if you can keep an open mind and be fair. After you have been questioned, you will either be selected or excused from that particular case. If you are selected, you and the other selected jurors will receive instructions from the judge. If you are not selected, you will receive instructions as to whether you are to return to the jury room or released and asked to check on your status later in the day.

How long does jury service usually last?

Jury service in Boone County is usually 1-3 days.

What type of trials may I be selected to serve on as a juror?

There are basically two types of jury trials, criminal and civil. In a Criminal trial, the jury decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. In a Civil trial, the jury decides whether any monetary damages should be awarded.

Is jury service mandatory?

The United States Constitution and the Illinois State Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury. Failure to respond to a jury summons may subject you to penalties provided by law. All Boone County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they are:

• Not a United States citizen

• Not a resident of Boone County, Illinois

• Not 18 years of age or older

What is the proper dress attire for jury service?

Jurors should dress comfortably, but properly for a courtroom.

What am I allowed to bring to jury service?

Jury service can require a potential juror to wait a considerable length of time. You may bring reading material or writing material to occupy your out-of-courtroom time.  Free Wi-Fi is available in the jury assembly room.  However, you will NOT BE ALLOWED TO ACCESS ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES INLCLUDING CELL PHONES IN ANY COURTROOM OR JURY DELIBERATION ROOMS.

What happens if you fail to appear for jury service?

Failure to appear for jury service when summoned is a serious matter. You may be held in contempt of court and could be fined. It is in your best interest to appear if you are summoned to avoid any further court action.

Parking:

Jurors may park along the streets next to the Courthouse or in the adjacent lot South of the Courthouse. 

Work Issues:

Are employers required to pay employees while on jury service?

No. An employer is NOT required by law to pay employees who are on jury service. However, many employers do. You need to check with your company's human resources department before serving to see if your company pays your salary for days you are a juror. If you DO receive your salary, your company may require a letter of attendance from the jury clerks.

How soon will I receive my juror pay?

Jury compensation is set by Boone County Ordinance at $12.00 per day and $0.10 per mile. Some employers will continue to compensate their employees on jury duty in exchange for receiving the employee's jury service payment. Please discuss your employer's policy with your employer. You will receive a check approximately 3 to 4 weeks after your service is completed. You may obtain a work slip for your employer upon the completion of your jury service from the Circuit Clerk's office.

Does my employer have the right to terminate or penalize me for performing my American right as a juror?

No. Illinois law prohibits an employer from terminating or otherwise penalizing an employee because the employee serves as a juror.

Excuse from Service:

May I request an excuse from jury service?

A prospective juror may be excused if he/she: (1) has a physical or mental disability that would prevent him/her from serving;  or (2) is member of the active military service.

Each request is individually reviewed. A prospective juror may be required to provide documentation verifying illness/disability and/or military service. Potential jurors are encouraged to express their request truthfully and to the best of their knowledge. Failure to do so is against the law. Jury service is a citizen's civic duty and responsibility.

I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused?

Illinois law does not provide for an excuse from jury service for moral or religious beliefs. You are still required to appear for jury service. During the voir dire, the trial judge will decide.

I know that I will not be selected to be on a jury because of my career, my relatives and or my friends. May I be excused?

You are still required to report for jury service. A trial judge will decide if you should be excused.

Hopefully, we have been able to provide you with the information that you have needed. However, if you feel your individual question has not been addressed call the Boone County Jury Coordinator at (815) 544-0371 for further advice and assistance.