THE IMPORTANCE OF JURY SERVICE 

Jury service fulfills a high civic obligation.  In addition to voting, the average citizen can render no more valuable service in support of our government than the full and honest discharge of jury duty. 

 GENERAL INFORMATION 
 
Petit Jurors: 
Most jurors serve on a Petit Jury, which hears and decides individual cases.  Petit Juries are comprised of eight jurors in civil cases and twelve jurors in criminal cases.  If a trial is expected to last longer than one day, judges often select alternate jurors. 
 
Each Petit Juror's term lasts two weeks. During this time, he or she is on call for service. You may inquire whether you are to serve the following day by: 

• Click the "Juror Number Search" on our website and enter the master juror number (located on top left-hand corner of Summons,)  every day after 3:30 p.m. EST.  If the number is listed on the website, he or she must serve the following day; OR 
  

• Call the "Juror Line" at (513) 887-3550 or (800) 548-2818 every day after 3:30 p.m. EST.  If the juror number(located on top right-hand corner of Summons) is listed on the recording, he or she must serve the following day. 
   
  Jurors may have to serve more than once during their term. Therefore, it is important for them to check the website or call the juror line every day, even if they have served once already. 

Grand Jurors: 
Unlike Petit Juries, Grand Juries do not decide cases. Grand juries hear evidence presented by the Prosecutor and decide whether the accused should be indicted and tried for committing a crime. 
 
Those who receive a summons to serve as Grand Jurors must appear and serve on the dates indicated on the summons. A Grand Jury term lasts for a period of three months.  During this time, jurors can expect to serve one week of each month. 
 
COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRE 
Prospective jurors must complete the questionnaire enclosed with their summons and return it to Court Administration in the self-addressed, postage-paid envelope. 

PLEASE READ THROUGH ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CONTACT THE COURT.  

REPORTING FOR SERVICE 
Jurors are selected at random by computer from the voter registration list.  A juror must be a citizen of the United States, a resident of Butler County and at least eighteen years of age.   
 
Parking is available in the adjacent parking garage on Court Street.  The commissioners provide jurors with complimentary daily parking passes.   
 
When reporting for service, Jurors may request work certification slips to provide to their employers.  The Ohio Revised Code prohibits employers from discharging, laying off, denying advancement or otherwise penalizing employees who miss work because of jury service.   
 
Jurors are compensated at a rate of $5.00 a day when not seated, or $10.00 per day when seated.   
 
Jurors may have to serve more than once during their term.  Therefore, it is important for them to check the website or call the Juror Line every day, even if they have already served.   
 
Jury service fulfills a high civic obligation.  In addition to voting, the average citizen can render no more valuable service in support of our government than the full and honest discharge of jury duty. 

Location Directions 

Most jury trials are held in the General Division of Common Pleas Court, located on the third and fourth floors of the Government Services Center. Probate Court is located in the Historic Courthouse.  Juvenile Court is located in the Juvenile Justice Center.

Government Services Center (GSC)      
315 High Street
Hamilton, Ohio  45011
(513) 785-6550                                    
General Division Judges Haughey, Howard, Muench-McElfresh, Oster, Powers, Spaeth and Stephens

Historic Courthouse                             
101 High Street                                                
Hamilton, Ohio  45011
Probate Division Judge Rogers

Juvenile Justice Center                                     
280 North Fair Avenue                         
Hamilton, Ohio  45011
Juvenile Judges Craft and Romans

Parking for the GSC is available in the adjacent garage.  Enter from Court Street.  Take the garage elevator to Level G3, proceed across the skywalk.  Take the escalator down to the first floor, turn left at the bottom of the escalator, and follow signs.  A deputy Clerk of Courts will greet you and provide further instructions.

The Judges and the Clerk of Courts sincerely appreciate your service.