Contacting the Macon County Jury Commission:

How can I reach the Macon County Jury Commission?
The Macon County Jury Management office is open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m until 4:30 p.m.  Typically the office is closed on all legal holidays.  Office phone 217-424-1355.  The Assembly room for jurors is located on the third floor of the Macon County Courthouse Room 315.  Juror information management system phone 217-424-1355:

Macon County Courthouse
Macon County Jury Management Office
253 E. Wood Street, Room 317
Decatur, IL 62523

 

Jury Selection:

How does the Jury Management obtain names of prospective jurors?

The list of names that is used for jury service is created by a combined list of Macon County residents who hold a drivers license, voters registration card, state identification card and/or a disabled persons identification card. Names are randomly selected from the master list.

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 Management allowed to remove an individuals name.  If you feel you are not qualified you may wish to call the Jury Manager.

I am not a resident of Macon County or a citizen of the United States, may I serve?
No. You must be a Macon County resident to serve as a juror in Macon 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 prospective jurors.

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 return to the jury room and may be sent to another courtroom.

How long does jury service usually last? 
Jury service in Macon County is one week or length of trial, whichever is longer.

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 Macon County residents are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they are:

  • Not a United States citizen
  • Not a resident of Macon 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.

SECURITY: What am I allowed to bring to jury service? 
Jury service can require a potential juror to wait a considerable length of time. For this reason, you may want to bring reading material.  The following items will Not be permitted: Cell Phones, Weapons, Knives, Chemical Agents, Scissors, and any electronic device capable of video or sound recordings, internet access, or communication via voice, text or other means.

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:

The Decatur City Parking Lot (Garage C) at the Northeast corner of Franklin (Rt. 51) and Wood has free juror parking. Use the entrance on Franklin Street. Enter lot, immediately turn right, go to the last two aisles on the south side of the lot, park at the meters on either side of the aisle. Do not pay meter. If these two rows are full, additional overflow juror parking is available on the east side of the lot and in the eastern portion of the aisles to the north. Obey signs for overflow parking. Place enclosed parking permit in your front window.

 

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 Management Office.  

Certificate of Service: 
If your employer requires proof of attendance, you may obtain a certificate in the Jury Manager Office. Please wait until your service has been completed before requesting a certificate.

How soon after jury service will I receive my juror pay? 
Jurors will be paid $20.00 per day plus mileage.  Payment is generally paid within 30 days after completion of your jury service.  Your employer may require you to turn in your jury pay.

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;  (2) is unable to read and or understand the English language;  or (3) 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.

  

Deferment:

Is deferment of jury service an option?
The Jury Management Office realizes prospective jurors may have been summoned at an inconvenient time.  Our office is willing to defer service to a more convenient time in most instances.  Jurors may request a Onetime deferment after being summoned.  Subsequent deferments are not allowed unless it is an extreme emergency.

 

 

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 Macon County Jury Management for further advice and assistance.