Jury Duty Information

 

This message is for Eau Claire County residents who are serving on jury duty from November 11th through November 22nd, 2024

At this time there are no more trials on the schedule for the rest of this two week timeframe.

Jurors should still check this message daily after 4:30 p.m. for further updates until your timeframe has been completed.

Jury service is the obligation of every citizen. “Forgetting” to show up is not an excuse.  In fairness to jurors who do show up for jury duty, we are holding those who do not appear accountable for their actions.  Consequently, the court will issue a warrant for the arrest of those jurors who fail to appear.

THANK YOU!

 

The Wisconsin Jury Handbook

 

HOW WAS I SELECTED?

Each year, juror names are selected at random from the listing provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles in accordance with your driver’s license and/or identification card. It is not associated with voter registration.

The five qualification requirements are:

  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must be a resident of Eau Claire County
  • Must be a United States citizen
  • Must be able to understand the English language
  • Must not be a convicted felon if conditions of your sentence are not yet completed

 

JUROR QUESTIONNAIRE

Potential jurors will receive a questionnaire that must be completed and returned to Eau Claire County Clerk of Court by the due date stated on the Questionnaire. You may return the questionnaire by mail to:

Eau Claire County Clerk of Court
721 Oxford Ave, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703

Or you may complete the questionnaire here.

If you are selected, a Summons will be mailed 12 days before your two-week term begins.

 

EXCUSALS AND POSTPONEMENTS

You must provide conflicts with jury service at the time of completion of your questionnaire. Only a medical emergency will excuse you after the Summons has been mailed. You must contact the Clerk of Courts jury department if you:

  • Need to update your contact information.
  • Are no longer an Eau Claire County resident.
  • Are a full time student.
  • Have a vacation planned: if you request to be excused for a vacation, you must proof of vacation such as airline tickets, hotel reservation, etc.
  • Have a pre-approved travel/training for work: if you request to be excused for a work conflict, you must provide a letter from your employer indicating dates of training and/or travel.
  • Have a medical condition or appointment: if you request to be excused for a health condition, you must submit a doctor’s excuse stating how your medical condition will prevent you from serving and how long the condition will last.

Proof and/or letters can be submitted by email, mail, fax, or in person.

 

LENGTH & FREQUENCY OF SERVICE

Jury duty in Eau Claire County is for a two-week term. Jurors can be summoned every four years.

 

EMPLOYMENT ISSUES & PROOF OF JURY SERVICE

The law provides that an employer must grant an employee a leave of absence, without loss of time in service for the period of jury duty. No employer may use absence due to jury duty as a basis for discharging an employee or for any disciplinary action against the employee.

Jurors should inform their employer of the possibility of being selected.

Upon the juror’s request, the Clerk of Court can provide documentation for employers verifying the juror reported and if selected for trial.

Additional information for employers can be found here.

 

DO I GET PAID FOR JURY DUTY?

Yes, jury service attendance is paid an amount set by the County Board. Jurors who serve are paid $25.00 for each day of attendance. Jurors who appear but do not serve on a trial will be paid $12.50. The mileage rate is 51 cents per mile for round trip mileage. This is the total miles from your home to the courthouse and then back home.

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Remember that as a juror you will be performing one of the highest duties in our democratic system of government, and therefore you should dress appropriately for the occasion. Do not wear tank tops, cut-off shorts, sweatpants, halter tops or similar clothing. The Courtrooms have a tendency to be rather cool, you may wish to bring a sweater or light jacket. Please note that HATS are not allowed to be worn in the courtrooms.

 

ITEMS TO LEAVE AT HOME

Please do not bring to court with you any electronic devices. If you bring an electronic device, it will be secured by staff for the duration of the time you are at the courthouse. No gum, food, or drinks are permitted in the courtroom. Jurors selected to service will be provided lunch and water. If you have dietary restrictions, you can bring your own food that must be in a cooler and will be placed in the back of the courtroom prior to selection to sit as a juror. If you prefer a beverage other than water, you may bring an unopened can or bottle marked with your name that will also be placed in the back of the courtroom until jury selection is complete.

Please be advised that you will be required to show a picture ID at the time you check in for jury duty.

 

GIVE FEEDBACK

If you would like to share your input about your experience, you may print and complete the Jury Service Questionnaire. Please mail, fax or hand deliver to the Clerk of Courts office.

Jury Duty Article by B.J. Hollars

CONTACT US

EauClaire.Info@wicourts.gov (Attn: Jury)

Phone: 715/839-1868
Fax: 715/839-4817

In person or by mail:

Eau Claire County Clerk of Courts
721 Oxford Ave, Suite 2220
Eau Claire, WI 54703