Jury Duty Pay Connecticut 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

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

Connecticut Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Connecticut State Court	$50/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Connecticut)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Connecticut)	$50/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.24/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Connecticut pays the first 5 days through the employer, then $50/day from the court.

Mileage Reimbursement in Connecticut

The court reimburses jurors at $0.24/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 × $0.24/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Connecticut?

The answer in Connecticut: ✅ Yes — Required by Connecticut Law (5 days).

Connecticut has one of the stronger employer pay requirements. Your employer must continue your regular salary during jury service as mandated by state law. Violating this is illegal and actionable.

Your Legal Rights as a Connecticut Juror

Connecticut, 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 Connecticut?

Connecticut 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 Connecticut court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Connecticut?

Yes. Jury duty pay received from Connecticut 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 Connecticut Cities & Counties

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

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 Connecticut

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

• Registered voters in Connecticut
• 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. Connecticut law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.

Connecticut Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Connecticut, 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 Connecticut 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 Connecticut?

Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Connecticut 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.

Connecticut Judicial District Variations & Courthouses

Connecticut is unique in that it is not organized by counties for judicial purposes, but by **Judicial Districts (JDs)**. Furthermore, the state has one of the most juror-friendly employer-pay mandates in the nation, requiring companies to carry the financial burden of jury service for the first week. Navigating the historic courthouses in **Hartford** and **New Haven** requires specific knowledge of validated parking facilities.

Primary Reporting Locations

Most Connecticut jurors will report to one of these major judicial district centers:

• Hartford: Hartford Judicial District Courthouse (95 Washington St).
• New Haven: New Haven Judicial District Courthouse (235 Church Ave).
• Bridgeport: Fairfield Judicial District Courthouse (1061 Main St).
• Stamford: Stamford Judicial District Courthouse (123 Hoyt St).
• Waterbury: Waterbury Judicial District Courthouse (400 Grand St).

Notable District Differences

Navigating jury duty in Connecticut's urban districts involve these specific rules:

• Hartford Judicial District: Jurors reporting to 95 Washington Street should not park on the street or in private lots. The state provides a **dedicated Juror Parking Lot** at the corner of Washington and Grand Streets. You must present your summons to the lot attendant for free entry.
• New Haven Judicial District: For the courthouse on Church Avenue, free parking is provided via validation at the **Temple Street Garage**. You must bring your parking ticket to the Jury Assembly Room on the first floor to have it stamped; otherwise, you will be responsible for the full daily rate.
• The "5-Day Employer Rule": Under Connecticut General Statute § 51-247, full-time employees are entitled to their full regular wages from their employer for the first five days of service. The State of Connecticut does not pay a daily stipend during this first week. This ensure that most jurors see no dip in their income during a standard trial.

Real-World Case: 10-Day Trial in Hartford, CT

To help you understand Connecticut's "employer-first" pay system—where the state only starts paying after the first week—let’s look at a 10-day trial service in Hartford.

Frequently Asked Questions — Connecticut Jury Duty

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

Connecticut state courts pay jurors $50/day. Federal courts in Connecticut pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.24/mi.

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

Self-employed individuals in Connecticut 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 Connecticut require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Connecticut 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. Connecticut courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Connecticut?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Connecticut's major jury courts are located in Bridgeport, New Haven, Hartford, Stamford. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.