Jury Duty Pay Maine 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

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

Maine Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Maine State Court	$15/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Maine)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Maine)	$15/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.22/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Maine pays $15/day with standard mileage reimbursement.

Mileage Reimbursement in Maine

The court reimburses jurors at $0.22/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 × $15 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.22/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Maine?

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

While not legally required, many large employers in Maine 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 Maine Juror

Maine, 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 Maine?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Maine?

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

While the state court rate of $15/day applies across Maine, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Maine:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $15/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Maine

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

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

Maine Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Maine, 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 Maine 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 Maine?

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

Maine County Variations & Courthouses

Jury duty in Maine is organized primarily by county superior courts. While the state's daily attendance fee is set at a modest $15.00, Maine stands out for providing reimbursement for travel at the full federal mileage rate, acknowledging the significant distances many rural Mainers must travel to reach their county seat.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you receive a summons in the Pine Tree State, you will likely report to one of these major judicial centers:

• Portland: Cumberland County Courthouse (142 Federal St).
• Augusta: Kennebec County Courthouse (95 State St).
• Bangor: Penobscot County Courthouse (78 Exchange St).
• Lewiston/Auburn: Androscoggin County Superior Court (2 Turner St).
• Alfred: York County Superior Court (45 Kennebunk Rd).

Notable County Differences

Navigating jury service in Maine’s most populous counties requires understanding these specific parking and logistics rules:

• Cumberland County (Portland): Serving at the courthouse on Federal Street in downtown Portland can be difficult due to limited street parking. However, the court provides **dedicated free parking** for jurors at the corner of **Newbury and Pearl Streets**. To avoid a ticket, you must display the "Juror Parking Permit" found in your original summons packet clearly on your dashboard.
• Penobscot County (Bangor): Jurors reporting to the Penobscot Judicial Center should utilize the **special juror lot** located directly behind the courthouse building. Access is via Exchange Street. If this lot is full, the court generally provides validation for the nearby Pickering Square parking garage.
• The IRS Mileage Rate: Under Maine Title 4 § 1201, jurors are entitled to mileage reimbursement at the **standard IRS rate**, which is currently **$0.67 per mile**. For a juror commuting from a town like Brunswick to Portland daily, the mileage reimbursement often exceeds the $15.00 daily attendance fee.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Portland, ME

Maine’s compensation structure relies heavily on your commute. Let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service in Cumberland County for a resident commuting from Windham.

Frequently Asked Questions — Maine Jury Duty

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

Maine state courts pay jurors $15/day. Federal courts in Maine pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.22/mi.

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

Self-employed individuals in Maine receive only the standard court stipend of $15/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 Maine require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Maine generally receive the same $15/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Maine courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Maine?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Maine's major jury courts are located in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, South Portland. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.