Jury Duty
The United States Constitution outlines the right to a jury trial in the Sixth and Seventh Amendments and in Article III, Sec. 2. The Ohio Constitution also provides for a right to a trial by jury in Article 1, Section 5. Everyone is granted the right to a trial by a jury of their peers in both criminal and civil cases.
Toledo Municipal Court hears misdemeanor criminal and traffic cases and civil cases involving requests for money damages up to $15,000. Criminal and traffic misdemeanor cases must be punishable by up to six (6) months in jail to be eligible for a trial by jury. Civil jury trials involve disputes regarding money, property, or contracts.
Jurors are randomly chosen to receive a jury summons from a list compiled from voter registrations. The requisites to be able to sit on a jury panel involve the juror to be at least 18 years of age, a U.S. citizen, and a resident of the court’s jurisdiction.
After a juror is summoned to report for jury duty, prospective jurors are asked questions posed by the attorneys representing both parties. This questioning continues until eight (8) jurors and one (1) alternate juror have been selected to serve.
Reporting Instructions
If you received a jury summons, please follow the instructions listed on the summons or follow the steps below:
Please call (419) 213-4288 after 5pm the evening before your service dates, or click here.
Please note: you will need to have your group number readily available to determine if you are required to report.
If you are not required to report for the dates of service listed on your summons, your jury service is completed.
If you are directed to report to jury duty, please report to Toledo Municipal Court at the time stated on the recorded message or website above. Jurors are asked to bring their postcard summons with them when serving on a jury. This will assist with simplifying the check-in process. Please note, a picture of the jury summons will not suffice.
If you are requesting a postponement excuse from jury service, or need to reschedule, please follow the instructions on your summons.
For additional information, please contact the Office of the Jury Commission at (419) 213-4790 or click here.
Failure to report as instructed may subject you to a penalty for contempt of court.
What to do Before You Arrive?
Jurors will need to register online here. You will be required to sign in using the badge/barcode number located on your jury summons and your date of birth.
Parking
There is very limited metered street parking near the court building. The time permitted by meters ranges from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Most of the meters in the immediate vicinity permit only one hour of parking. Metered parking is $1.00 per hour.
There is a pay parking garage across the street from the court and several pay parking lots in the general vicinity. Parking lot fees range from $1 for one-half hour to $5 for the day.
Please click here for a map of the available parking in downtown Toledo as well as additional information.
Court Security
Building regulations for the court are outlined here.
Cell Phone Use
Although cell phones are permitted in the building, cellphones must be put on silent while in the courtroom. If an emergency arises and a juror needs to use their cellphone, the juror must notify a court staff member.
Please remember while performing jury service, the following is prohibited:
Texting
Checking/updating social media
Playing games
Use of headphones or earbuds
Video recording in the courthouse is strictly prohibited.
Special Accommodations
If a juror requires an accommodation, please click here.
Breaks
Breaks will be given to jurors, including a lunch break as determined by courtroom personnel. Jurors will be notified of the time they are to report back to the court after lunch. For information on restaurants within walking distance of the courthouse, please click here.
Upon Arrival at Toledo Municipal Court
Jurors will be directed where to report upon entry of Toledo Municipal Court. Jurors will check in for jury duty at a kiosk located in the jury assembly room. The jury assembly room is located on the first floor of the courthouse. Court staff members will be present to assist jurors with the check-in process. Upon checking in, jurors will be given a juror questionnaire to complete and will be provided information and instructions regarding the jury process. Jurors will then be escorted to a courtroom where further instruction will be provided by the judge.
Tips to Manage Juror Stress
Serving on a jury can be stressful, whether it’s finding parking or not knowing what to expect. Toledo Municipal Court would like jury duty to be a pleasant experience for everyone. Below are some tips to assist with reducing stress and anxiety when preparing to serve. Additionally, you can download an informative flyer below.
Planning ahead: Cancel any appointments that may be on the same day as the jury trial. Make any necessary arrangements for childcare or elder care ahead of time.
Arrive at the courthouse early. Finding parking near the courthouse can sometimes prove to be difficult. Running late or rushing can be a source of stress and anxiety. The jury assemble room opens 30 minutes prior to your scheduled arrival time.
Pack items to bring the night before. This includes snacks, drinks, reading materials, and your summons for jury duty.
Ask questions. If serving on a jury is causing feelings of anxiousness or stress, talk to court personnel regarding the jury process. Knowing what to expect may help to reduce anxiety and/or stress.
Appointed Counsel
The Court Services Department assist with the processing of payments for guardian ad litem and appointed counsel personnel. For additional information please click here.
