Jury Duty Pay West Virginia 2026
Complete Compensation Guide

If you've received a jury summons in West Virginia, you're probably wondering: how much will I actually get paid? This guide covers everything West 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.

West Virginia Jury Duty Pay Schedule

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

Service Type	Daily Pay	Notes
West Virginia State Court	$40/day	Standard state rate
Federal Court (in West Virginia)	$50–$60/day	Separate from state court
Grand Jury (West Virginia)	$40/day	Same rate, longer duration
Mileage Reimbursement	$0.17/mi	Travel to courthouse

Important note: West Virginia pays a surprisingly high $40/day — tied with NJ, TX, and NV.

Mileage Reimbursement in West 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 × $40 = 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 West Virginia?

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

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

West 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 West Virginia?

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

Is Jury Duty Pay Taxable in West Virginia?

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

While the state court rate of $40/day applies across West Virginia, the specific courthouse you report to depends on your county of residence. Here are the most active jury courts in West Virginia:

Regardless of which county or city you serve in, the base state compensation is $40/day. Some counties may have slightly different parking reimbursement policies — always verify with your summons.

How Jurors are Selected in West Virginia

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

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

West Virginia Courthouse Dress Code & Rules

When reporting for jury duty in West 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 West 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 West Virginia?

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

West Virginia County Variations & Courthouses

West Virginia provides a consistent $40.00 daily attendance fee across all 55 counties, a rate that holds its own against many larger states. However, the rugged geography of the Mountain State means that travel reimbursement—recalculate annually based on state employee travel rates—is often the most significant portion of a juror's compensation check.

Primary Reporting Locations

If you receive a summons in West Virginia, you will likely report to one of these major circuit courts:

• Charleston: Kanawha County Courthouse (409 Virginia St E).
• Huntington: Cabell County Courthouse (750 5th Ave).
• Morgantown: Monongalia County Courthouse (243 High St).
• Wheeling: Ohio County Courthouse (1500 Chapline St).
• Parkersburg: Wood County Courthouse (1 Court Sq).

Notable County Differences

Navigating jury duty in West Virginia's urban centers involves these specific parking and logistics rules:

• Kanawha County (Charleston): Serving at the Judicial Building in downtown Charleston requires utilizing the county’s parking partnership. Jurors are instructed to park in the **Shanklin Parking Garage**, located at 501 Kanawha Blvd E. You must bring your parking ticket to the jury assembly room to receive a validation stamp; without this stamp, you will be responsible for the full hourly rate.
• Cabell County (Huntington): Jurors reporting to the Huntington courthouse have access to a **dedicated Juror Parking Lot** located directly behind the courthouse building. Entry is granted via 8th Street, and you must display your "Juror" placard (sent with your summons) on your dashboard to avoid being towed.
• The State Employee Mileage Rate: Under West Virginia Code § 52-1-17, mileage is not a fixed number but is tied to the official rate set by the Governor’s Office for state employees. For 2024, this rate is **$0.67 per mile**, ensuring that jurors commuting from rural areas are fairly reimbursed for their fuel and vehicle wear-and-tear.

Real-World Case: 5-Day Trial in Charleston, WV

West Virginia’s $40.00 base rate combined with the high mileage reimbursement creates a substantial payment for multi-day trials. Let’s look at a typical 5-day trial service in Kanawha County.

Frequently Asked Questions — West Virginia Jury Duty

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

West Virginia state courts pay jurors $40/day. Federal courts in West 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 West Virginia?

Self-employed individuals in West Virginia receive only the standard court stipend of $40/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 West Virginia require grand jury pay?

Grand jurors in West Virginia generally receive the same $40/day rate as regular trial jurors. However, since grand jury service can last many months, it creates more significant financial impact. West Virginia courts may offer additional hardship considerations for extended grand jury service.

Where do I report for jury duty in West Virginia?

Your summons specifies the exact courthouse. West Virginia's major jury courts are located in Charleston, Huntington, Parkersburg, Morgantown. Always confirm your reporting location on your official summons document — never assume based on proximity.