Jury Duty Pay Arkansas 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in Arkansas, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Arkansas jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 — from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.

Arkansas Jury Duty Pay Schedule

Arkansas's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Arkansas follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Arkansas State Court	$50/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Arkansas)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Arkansas)	$50/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.25/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Arkansas ties for the highest state court pay in the nation at $50/day.

Mileage Reimbursement in Arkansas

The court reimburses jurors at $0.25/mi for travel to the courthouse. You must track your mileage each day and submit a mileage log to the jury clerk at the end of your service. Keep all parking receipts as many courts reimburse parking separately.

Example Calculation

If you live 20 miles from the courthouse and serve for 4 days:

• Court pay: 4 × $50 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.25/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Arkansas?

The answer in Arkansas: ❌ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).

While not legally required, many large employers in Arkansas voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.

Your Legal Rights as a Arkansas Juror

Arkansas, like all US states, has anti-retaliation laws protecting jurors from employment consequences:

• Your employer cannot fire you for serving on a jury
• Your employer cannot threaten, demote, or penalize you
• You are entitled to return to your same position after service ends
• Benefits (health insurance, retirement) continue during your service period
• If retaliated against, you can seek legal remedies including reinstatement and back pay

Can You Get Excused from Jury Duty in Arkansas?

Arkansas courts allow jurors to request postponement or hardship exemptions. Generally accepted reasons include:

• Extreme financial hardship (especially self-employed individuals with documented income loss)
• Primary caregiver with no alternative childcare arrangements
• Medical conditions verified by a physician's letter
• Pre-scheduled travel that cannot be reasonably postponed
• Prior jury service within a disqualifying period

Contact your local Arkansas court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Arkansas?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Arkansas courts is taxable ordinary income and must be reported on your federal tax return (Form 1040). If your state has an income tax, it is likely taxable at the state level as well.

Exception: if your employer requires you to remit your court stipend to them because they are paying your full salary, you can deduct the amount you return from your federal taxable income.

Jury Duty Pay in Major Arkansas Cities & Counties

While the state court rate of $50/day applies across Arkansas, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Arkansas:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $50/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Arkansas

Like most states, Arkansas uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:

• Registered voters in Arkansas
• Licensed drivers and state ID holders from the DMV

If your name belongs to either of these databases, you are eligible to be randomly summoned. Arkansas law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.

Arkansas Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Arkansas, you must adhere to the court's dress code. Courts enforce a business casual policy.

• Do not wear: Shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, hats, or clothing with offensive messaging.
• Security: All Arkansas courthouses have security screening. Do not bring pocket knives, mace, or weapons of any kind.
• Electronics: Most courts allow cell phones in the jury assembly room, but they must be completely turned off when entering a courtroom.

What Happens if You Skip Jury Duty in Arkansas?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Arkansas can result in serious legal consequences, including:

• Being held in Contempt of Court
• Fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on the specific judge and county
• A new summons to appear in court and explain your absence

If you genuinely cannot attend, always follow the proper postponement or excuse procedures outlined on your summons rather than simply failing to appear.

Arkansas County Variations & Courthouses

Arkansas is known for having one of the highest juror attendance fees in the United States once a juror is seated for a trial. While the initial reporting fee is modest, the jump to $50.00 per day for seated jurors ensures that those serving on longer criminal or civil cases in the Natural State are fairly compensated for their time.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you receive a summons in Arkansas, you will likely report to one of these major circuit courts:

• Little Rock: Pulaski County Courthouse (401 W Markham St).
• Fayetteville: Washington County Courthouse (280 N College Ave).
• Fort Smith: Sebastian County Courthouse (35 S 6th St).
• Jonesboro: Craighead County Courthouse (511 S Main St).
• Bentonville: Benton County Courthouse (102 NE A St).

Notable County Differences

Navigating jury duty in Arkansas's major population centers involves these specific parking and pay rules:

• Pulaski County (Little Rock): Serving at the Pulaski County Courthouse in downtown Little Rock requires advance planning for parking. The county provides a **designated Juror Parking Lot** at the corner of Broadway and Markham Street. You must display your summons on your dashboard to receive free parking; otherwise, you may be ticketed in city-monitored zones.
• Washington County (Fayetteville): Jurors reporting to the Fayetteville courthouse can utilize the **parking deck located directly across the street** from the courthouse building. Bring your parking ticket to the jury clerk’s desk as soon as you arrive to receive validation.
• The "Reporting vs. Seated" Pay Structure: Under AR Code § 16-34-103, Arkansas uses a tiered system. You receive **$15.00** just for reporting for selection. However, if you are **seated as a juror**, your pay increases to **$50.00 per day** for the duration of the trial.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Little Rock, AR

Arkansas’s high trial-pay rate makes it one of the more favorable states for long-term service. Let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service in Pulaski County.

Frequently Asked Questions — Arkansas Jury Duty

How much do you get paid for jury duty in Arkansas?

Arkansas state courts pay jurors $50/day. Federal courts in Arkansas pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.25/mi.

What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Arkansas?

Self-employed individuals in Arkansas receive only the standard court stipend of $50/day — there is no employer to supplement it. If your business income will be significantly impacted, you may apply for a financial hardship exemption. Document your income loss carefully for the court.

Does Arkansas require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Arkansas generally receive the same $50/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Arkansas courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Arkansas?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Arkansas's major jury courts are located in Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, Jonesboro. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.