If you live in Austin and received a summons to the Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center or the Civil Courthouse, here is what you need to know about compensation in Travis County.
The Texas Two-Tier Pay System
Travis County follows the standard Texas state rules. Your first day of service pays just $20. If you are selected to serve on a jury and return for a second day, the pay increases significantly to $58 per day.
Parking in Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin parking is notoriously tight. Fortunately, Travis County provides free parking for jurors in the San Antonio Garage (located at 1000 San Antonio Street). Make sure you bring your parking ticket into the courthouse to have it validated. Do not park at street meters, as you will not be able to leave the courtroom to feed them, and parking tickets are not reimbursed!
Donating Your Pay
Travis County makes it very easy to donate your juror pay. When you fill out your questionnaire online, you are given the option to donate your $20 or $58 to local Austin charities, such as crime victims' funds or local child welfare boards. Many Austinites choose this option since the first-day pay is so low.