Juror's Handbook

Employer Information

Reporting Instructions | Excuses | Postponements | Disabled & Hearing Impaired

REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Everyone entering the Court building is required to pass through the Court magnetometer. Cell Phones, Pagers, Computers, Cameras, food and beverages are not permitted in the Courtroom.

TELEPHONE STAND-BY:
All jurors are required to contact the Commissioner of Jurors Office by phone (518-761-6505) after 5:30 p.m. on the evening before you are due to report. Final reporting instructions (time and place) will be available by phone at that time. For example, if you are scheduled to report on a Monday, you may call any time after 5:30 p.m. the preceding Friday. A pre-recorded message will give you instructions.

PLEASE LISTEN TO THE COMPLETE RECORDED MESSAGE:
Although the message begins at 5:30 p.m. you may call anytime up to 8:00 a.m. the next business day. A failure to call will subject you to the same sanctions as if you had not reported for jury service.

If your presence is not required on a given day, you are expected to continue to report to your work or to school, etc., as is your normal routine. New York State only reimburses (if entitled) for days in actual attendance. A record of attendance kept by the Court reflects actual attendance.

EMERGENCY FAILURE TO APPEAR:
If you cannot report for jury duty at any time during your term, due to an emergency such as illness, please contact the Commissioner of Jurors at (518) 761-6505

EXCUSES:

CARE GIVER
Children: Their ages and an explanation as to why childcare is not an option for you, and if you are employed, provide documentation verifying your work hours.

Elderly/Infirm: A statement from the physician describing patient's diagnosis and verification of care giver's services

MEDICAL
An original signed statement from a licensed physician that indicates a condition which renders you incapable of performing jury service, and how long it is expected to exist.

FINANCIAL
An excuse from jury service may be granted if you can prove that if you serve, you will suffer a financial hardship which will significantly compromise your ability to support yourself or your dependents. An excuse from service will not be granted solely for loss of income. You will be asked to provide further documentation to prove hardship.

POSTPONEMENTS:
If you have not requested a postponement in the past and you are unable to serve you must contact the Commissioner's office (518-761-6505) at least five (5) days in advance of your scheduled jury service and explain your problem. You will receive information concerning documentation that will be required to support your postponement request. All jurors are entitled to one postponement up to six months from your first reporting date.

HEARING IMPAIRED & DISABLED JURORS:
The Commissioner will be able to provide an American Sign Language Interpreter or a listening device can be provided. Please contact the Commissioner's office upon receipt of your Jury Notice (518-761-6505), or contact Relay Calls at 1-800-662-1220.

If you are disabled and require special accommodations, please contact the Commissioner's Office at 518-761-6505 upon receipt of your Jury Notice.