⚡ Maryland Jury Duty Pay — Quick Facts
If you've received a jury summons in Maryland, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything Maryland jurors need to know about jury duty compensation in 2026 — from the state court's daily fee schedule to mileage reimbursement and employer obligations.
✅ Quick Answer: Maryland state courts pay jurors $15/day. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.15/mi. Employer pay is NOT required. You cannot be fired for serving jury duty in Maryland.
Maryland Jury Duty Pay Schedule
Maryland's jury duty pay is set by state statute and applies to all state-level courts. Federal courts operating in Maryland follow the federal pay schedule ($50/day for days 1–10, $60/day thereafter), which is separate.
| Service Type | Daily Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland State Court | $15/day | Standard state rate |
| Federal Court (in Maryland) | $50–$60/day | Separate from state court |
| Grand Jury (Maryland) | $15/day | Same rate, longer duration |
| Mileage Reimbursement | $0.15/mi | Travel to courthouse |
Important note: Maryland pays $15/day. Montgomery County courts often handle high-profile federal cases.
Mileage Reimbursement in Maryland
The court reimburses jurors at $0.15/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 × $0.15/mi × 4 days
- Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals
Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Maryland?
The answer in Maryland: ❌ Not Required by state law (employer's discretion).
While not legally required, many large employers in Maryland voluntarily provide full or partial pay during jury duty. Always check your employee handbook or HR policy before assuming you won't be compensated.
💡 Pro Tip: Even though Maryland doesn't require it, many large companies and government employers provide full jury duty pay voluntarily. Always ask HR or check your handbook before your service begins.
Your Legal Rights as a Maryland Juror
Maryland, 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 Maryland?
Maryland 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 Maryland court or check your jury summons for the specific postponement process.
Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Maryland?
Yes. Jury duty pay received from Maryland 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.
📋 Tax Tip: Keep all jury duty payment receipts from the Maryland courthouse. The court may issue a 1099-G or similar document if your total pay exceeds certain thresholds.
Jury Duty Pay in Major Maryland Cities & Counties
While the state court rate of $15/day applies across Maryland, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Maryland:
🏙️ Major Cities Covered
🗺️ County Courts in Maryland
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 Maryland
Like most states, Maryland uses a randomized selection process to pull juror pools. The court primarily draws names from:
- Registered voters in Maryland
- 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. Maryland law ensures that the juror pool represents a fair cross-section of the community.
Maryland Courthouse Dress Code & Rules
When reporting for jury duty in Maryland, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland?
Jury duty is a legal obligation. Ignoring a jury summons in Maryland 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.
Maryland County Variations & Courthouses
Maryland’s judicial system is managed through its Circuit Courts, with each county (and Baltimore City) overseeing its own juror recruitment and logistics. While the $15.00 daily rate is a statewide minimum, the "amenities"—such as parking and the ease of reporting—differ significantly between the urban center of Baltimore City and suburban hubs like Montgomery County.
Primary Reporting Locations
Most Maryland jurors will report to one of these primary judicial complexes:
- Baltimore City: Mitchell Courthouse (100 N Calvert St).
- Rockville: Montgomery County Circuit Court (50 Maryland Ave).
- Upper Marlboro: Prince George's County Courthouse (14735 Main St).
- Frederick: Frederick County Courthouse (100 W Patrick St).
- Annapolis: Anne Arundel County Courthouse (8 Church Cir).
Notable County Differences
Where you serve in Maryland determines your commuting strategy:
- Baltimore City: Jurors report to the historic Mitchell Courthouse. Parking downtown is expensive, so the court provides validated parking at the Lexington Street Garage and the Fayette Street Garage. Always bring your parking ticket to the jury assembly room for validation. Alternatively, the free "Charm City Circulator" (Purple Route) stops directly near the courthouse.
- Montgomery County (Rockville): Jurors report to the South Tower of the Circuit Court. Montgomery County offers a dedicated **Jury Parking Lot (Lot 13)** at the corner of Fleet and Monroe Streets. Identification (your summons) is required for free entry. The facility is also a short walk from the Rockville Metro Station (Red Line).
- "One Day or One Trial": Most Maryland counties, including Prince George's and Montgomery, operate on this system. If you are not selected for a jury on your first day of reporting, your service is usually considered complete for the next three years.
Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Baltimore, MD
To help you understand how Maryland's compensation works in practice, let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service for a juror reporting to the Mitchell Courthouse in Baltimore City.
Scenario: 5 full days of attendance, 20-mile round-trip daily commute, utilizing personal vehicle.
- Attendance Pay from Court: $75.00 (5 days × $15.00/day state rate)
- Mileage Reimbursement: $15.00 (20 miles × $0.15/mi × 5 days)
- Total Estimated Payment: $90.00
*Note: In Baltimore, your $90.00 check is protected because the court validates your parking. Without validation, downtown parking could cost you $20/day, which would wipe out your entire attendance pay and mileage stipend.
Frequently Asked Questions — Maryland Jury Duty
How much do you get paid for jury duty in Maryland?
Maryland state courts pay jurors $15/day. Federal courts in Maryland pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.15/mi.
What if I'm self-employed and called for jury duty in Maryland?
Self-employed individuals in Maryland 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 Maryland require grand jury pay?
Grand jurors in Maryland 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. Maryland courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.
Where do I report for jury duty in Maryland?
Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Maryland's major jury courts are located in Baltimore, Frederick, Rockville, Gaithersburg. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.
⚖️ Protect Your Job and Your Pay
Under federal and state law, you are protected from retaliation for serving jury duty. If you're having trouble with your employer, get an expert legal consultation today.
Talk to a Labor Lawyer →Calculate Your Maryland Jury Duty Pay
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