Navigating to a New York courthouse can be stressful, whether you're taking the subway in Manhattan or driving through snowy roads in upstate NY. Does the state cover these travel costs?
New York State operates under a unified court system, but when it comes to travel expenses, the policy is rather blunt: New York State does not provide a separate mileage or travel reimbursement.
The state legislature views the mandatory $40 per day juror fee as an all-inclusive stipend. This $40 is meant to cover your time, your lunch, and your travel (whether that's subway swipes, gas, or parking).
If your employer is legally required to pay your wages for the first three days (which applies to any NY company with more than 10 employees), you do not receive the $40 fee from the state for those days. In this scenario, you are essentially paying for your commute out of your own pocket for the first three days.
While cash reimbursements for mileage are non-existent, some specific county courts in NYC may offer complimentary MetroCards or transit vouchers for jurors on extended trials. You should ask the jury clerk on your first day of orientation if any transit assistance is available.
NY State does not pay a per-mile reimbursement. You must use your $40 daily court fee (or your own money, if your employer is paying your wages) to cover your travel expenses.