Jury Duty Pay Virginia 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

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

Virginia Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
Virginia State Court	$30/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in Virginia)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (Virginia)	$30/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.17/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: Virginia pays $30/day. Northern VA (Fairfax, Loudoun) courts are among the busiest.

Mileage Reimbursement in Virginia

The court reimburses jurors at $0.17/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 × $30 = calculated by your state rate
• Mileage: 20 miles × $0.17/mi × 4 days
• Use our Pay Calculator for exact totals

Does Your Employer Have to Pay You in Virginia?

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

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

Virginia, 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 Virginia?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in Virginia?

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

While the state court rate of $30/day applies across Virginia, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in Virginia:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $30/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in Virginia

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

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

Virginia Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in Virginia, 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 Virginia 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 Virginia?

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

Virginia County Variations & Courthouses

While Virginia law mandates a standard daily allowance for jurors, the specific administrative procedures—particularly regarding parking and call-in status—are managed by the Circuit Court Clerk in each of Virginia's 120+ counties and independent cities. Busiest districts like Fairfax, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk have highly structured programs.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you are summoned for state-level service in Virginia, you will likely report to one of these major judicial centers:

• Virginia Beach: Virginia Beach Judicial Center (2425 Nimmo Pkwy).
• Fairfax: Fairfax County Courthouse (4110 Chain Bridge Rd).
• Norfolk: Norfolk Consolidated Courts Building (150 St. Paul's Blvd).
• Richmond: John Marshall Courts Building (400 N. 9th St).
• Arlington: Arlington County Courthouse (1425 N. Courthouse Rd).

Notable County Differences

Virginia's independent cities and counties offer varied levels of support for jurors:

• Fairfax County (Northern Virginia): Fairfax uses an advanced "eJuror" portal for online questionnaire submission and status updates. Jurors are provided free parking in the dedicated Juror Parking Garage (Garage B) directly across from the courthouse—just ensure you bring your summons for entry.
• Virginia Beach Logistics: The Virginia Beach Judicial Center is known for its high-volume jury pool. Free parking is available in the large surface lots adjacent to the courthouse. Jurors are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes early for security screening.
• Richmond City Procedures: In the state capital, jurors reporting to the John Marshall Courts Building should check the "Juror Call-in System" after 5 p.m. the day before their scheduled appearance. The $30/day rate is strictly enforced across all city courts.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Virginia Beach, VA

To help you understand how Virginia's compensation works in practice, let’s look at a typical 5-day service stint for a juror reporting to the Virginia Beach Judicial Center.

Frequently Asked Questions — Virginia Jury Duty

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

Virginia state courts pay jurors $30/day. Federal courts in Virginia pay $50/day (days 1–10) and $60/day after 10 days. Mileage reimbursement is $0.17/mi.

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

Self-employed individuals in Virginia receive only the standard court stipend of $30/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 Virginia require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in Virginia generally receive the same $30/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. Virginia courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in Virginia?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. Virginia's major jury courts are located in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Richmond, Arlington. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.