⚑ Berks Jury Duty β€” Quick Facts

State Court Pay
$9/day
Court of Common Pleas
Federal Court Pay
$50/day
Eastern District of PA
SEPTA Reimbursement
Available
Highly recommended option
Employer Pay
Not Required
Pennsylvania State Law

βœ… Quick Summary: Summoned to Reading, PA? Berks County jurors earn $9 a day. Read our guide to figure out parking at the downtown garages, navigating the courthouse, and understanding your employer rights.

What to Expect Financially

As a Berks County juror reporting to the courthouse in Reading, you will receive the standard compensation mandated by the Pennsylvania legislature. This pay is not taxable, but it is also quite low.

For your first three days, you will earn $9.00 a day. If a trial requires your presence for four days or more, the county will pay you $25.00 a day. Additionally, you will receive $0.17 per mile for your daily commute to Reading.

Parking in Downtown Reading

The Berks County Courthouse complex is large, and parking is strictly managed. You will receive detailed instructions with your summons.

  • Juror Parking Facilities: Jurors are generally directed to park in the designated county garages nearby.
  • Free Parking Procedure: Bring your parking stub into the courthouse with you. The jury lounge staff will validate it so that you don't have to pay when you leave the garage at the end of the day.

Employer Leave Policies

You cannot be penalized at work for serving on a jury in Berks County. Your employer must give you the time off. However, they are under no legal obligation to pay your regular wages. While many professional jobs do offer paid jury duty leave, hourly workers often bear the brunt of the financial loss. Check your employee handbook immediately upon receiving your summons.