If you've received a green-and-white summons for Dallas County, you probably have a lot of questions about how it will impact your weekly budget, parking options, and work schedule. Here's a practical guide, structured in a Q&A format, written to give you exact facts about serving at the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building in downtown Dallas.
❓ What is the exact daily jury pay in Dallas County?
Dallas County pays $6 for your first day of reporting. If you are selected to serve on a trial panel, your compensation increases to $40 per day starting on Day 2. Payment is issued via a check sent to your home address, which usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to arrive after your service is complete.
❓ Where do I park, and will the county validate it?
Juror parking is provided at a discount at the Crowdus Street Garage, situated a block from the courthouse. You must pull a parking ticket when entering and present it to the jury assembly coordinator inside the courthouse to obtain a validation stamp. This reduces your parking cost significantly. Do not park in street spots; they will expire, and you cannot leave the courtroom to feed the meter.
❓ Does my employer have to pay me during Dallas jury duty?
No. Texas law does not require private employers to pay hourly or salaried employees during jury service. They are, however, strictly prohibited from firing, demoting, or harassing you under the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. Many large corporate employers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area do offer paid jury leave, so check with your HR representative as soon as you get your card.
❓ How does the "One Day or One Trial" system work?
Dallas County uses the standard "One Day or One Trial" rule. This means that if you are not chosen for a jury panel by the end of your first day, you are released from service, and your obligation is met for the next two years. If you are chosen, you serve until the trial concludes.
❓ How do I request a postponement or excuse?
If the date is a problem, you can request one postponement of up to 90 days online via the Dallas County Juror Portal. Automatic excuses are available for students, caregivers of children under 12, active military, and seniors over 75. If you need a hardship excuse because of lost wages, you'll need to explain this directly to the judge during the jury selection (voir dire) process.
What to expect on your first morning
Plan to arrive at the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building (600 Commerce Street) by 7:30 AM to clear the security metal detectors. Wear business casual clothing (shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops are not permitted). You are allowed to bring laptops, tablets, and phones to use in the assembly room while waiting, but they must be turned off when you enter a courtroom.