Jury Duty Laws in Wisconsin (2026): Your Complete Civic Guide
Most people dread getting that jury summons in the mail. But here’s the thing: Wisconsin takes jury duty seriously, and ignoring it can cost you up to $500. Let’s break down exactly what you need to know about jury duty laws in the Badger State.
This guide covers who gets called, how the system works, what your employer can and can’t do, and what happens if you skip out. Stay with me here.
What Is Jury Duty in Wisconsin?
Jury duty is your legal obligation to serve on a jury when called. It’s considered a civic duty in Wisconsin. The state constitution protects the right to trial by jury, and you’re part of making that happen.
Here’s how it works. Wisconsin randomly selects potential jurors from Department of Motor Vehicles records. That includes everyone with a driver’s license or state ID card. Not from voter registration lists anymore.
The selection is totally random. No one gets special treatment. Once your name comes up, you’ll get a questionnaire in the mail. You have 10 days to complete it.
Who Has to Serve on a Jury?
You must meet these basic requirements:
You need to be at least 18 years old. You must be a U.S. citizen. You have to be a Wisconsin resident in the county that summoned you. You must understand English well enough to follow the trial.
Sound complicated? It’s actually pretty straightforward.
There’s one more rule. If you’ve been convicted of a felony, you can only serve if your civil rights have been restored. Otherwise, you qualify.
How Often Can You Be Called?
Wisconsin limits how often you can be summoned. You can only be required to serve once every four years. That’s the maximum.
Most counties use what’s called a “one day or one trial” system. Here’s what that means. You show up for jury selection. If you’re not picked for a trial, you’re done for four years. If you are picked, you serve for that one trial only.
Even if you’re selected for a trial, there’s a limit. You can’t be required to serve more than five days unless the trial runs longer. Pretty fair, right?
Your service period can’t exceed 31 consecutive days. Most counties actually use much shorter periods, often just one week or even one day.
The Selection Process
Okay, this part is important. Here’s how you actually get called.
Each year, the Director of State Courts compiles a master list. This list comes from DMV records. The clerk of circuit court then randomly selects names from this list.
At least 12 days before you need to appear, you’ll receive a jury summons. It comes by first-class mail or another method. The summons tells you when and where to report.
Before your service date, you’ll need to complete a juror qualification questionnaire. This form asks basic questions about your eligibility. You must return it within 10 days.
Wondering if you’ll actually have to show up? Many counties have a call-in system. You call a hotline the night before your service date. The recording tells you if you need to report. This saves unnecessary trips to the courthouse.
Your Employer Can’t Fire You
This one’s huge. Wisconsin law protects your job while you serve on jury duty.
Your employer must give you time off for jury service. That’s under Wisconsin Statute 756.255. They can’t count it against you. They can’t use your jury service as a reason to fire you. They can’t discipline you for it either.
For seniority and pay raises, your time on jury duty doesn’t count as a break in service. It’s like you never left.
What happens if your boss breaks this rule? They can be fined up to $200. Plus, they might have to give you full restitution. That includes back pay and reinstatement if you were fired.
Honestly, most employers understand this law. But it’s good to know your rights.
Does Your Employer Have to Pay You?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Wisconsin doesn’t require employers to pay you during jury duty. Many do anyway, especially government agencies and larger companies. But there’s no legal requirement.
If your employer does pay you, they have one option. They can require you to hand over your jury pay (but not your mileage reimbursement). Lots of employers do this.
Make sure to tell your boss as soon as you get summoned. Give them plenty of notice. It’s just courteous, and it helps them plan.
How Much Do Jurors Get Paid?
You will get paid for jury service, just not a lot. Each county sets its own rate. The minimum is $16 per day under state law.
Different counties pay different amounts. Milwaukee County pays $8 for a half day. Dane County pays $10 for up to four hours and $20 for over four hours. Eau Claire County pays $12.50 if you show up but don’t serve, or $25 if you actually serve on a trial.
You also get mileage reimbursement. The current rate is 51 cents per mile for your round trip. Some counties might pay slightly different rates.
The check usually arrives within 30 days after your service ends. No taxes are withheld from jury pay.
Getting Excused or Postponed
By law, no one is automatically exempt from jury duty. Seriously. Even doctors, lawyers, and police officers have to serve.
But you can request an excusal or postponement. The court will consider it if jury service would cause undue hardship. You need to make your request in writing to the jury clerk.
Medical issues count as valid reasons. You’ll need a note from your doctor. Attach it to your written request.
Vacations can sometimes get you postponed. Request this well in advance. The court is more flexible about rescheduling than excusing you completely.
Self-employed people and stay-at-home parents aren’t automatically excused. The court knows it’s challenging, but the system needs everyone to participate.
Not sure if you qualify for an excusal? Contact the jury clerk and explain your situation. They’ll guide you through the process.
What If You Don’t Show Up?
Don’t skip jury duty. The consequences are real.
If you fail to appear without being excused, you’re subject to contempt of court. The court can impose a fine up to $500. That’s under Wisconsin Statute 756.30.
The same penalty applies if you don’t return your qualification questionnaire within 10 days. Or if you lie on the questionnaire. These are all contempt violations.
Here’s what actually happens. The court will issue an order to show cause. That means you have to appear and explain why you shouldn’t be held in contempt. If your excuse isn’t good enough, the fine gets imposed.
Some courts will even issue a warrant for your arrest. Counties are taking this seriously because people who skip make the system harder for everyone else.
Bottom line: if you can’t make it, contact the court immediately. Work with them to reschedule. Don’t just ignore it.
Accommodations for Disabilities
Wisconsin courts provide accommodations if you have a disability. This is required by law. No one can be excluded based on disability.
Contact the jury clerk as soon as you receive your summons. Explain what accommodations you need. The court will work with you.
Common accommodations include wheelchair access, sign language interpreters, and extended breaks. Nursing mothers also get accommodations.
The court won’t consider building limitations when deciding if you can serve. If you need something, they’ll make it happen.
What to Expect During Jury Duty
Let’s talk about the actual experience. Most people have no idea what happens.
You’ll report to the courthouse at the time listed on your summons. Usually around 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. Bring a photo ID.
Dress appropriately. Business casual works great. Avoid shorts, tank tops, or anything with offensive writing. You’re not in a courtroom yet, but show respect.
Parking can be tough in downtown areas. Some counties reserve spaces for jurors. Check your summons or the county website for details.
Once you arrive, you’ll check in at the jury assembly room. Then you wait. Bring a book or something to do. You might be there a while.
If you’re selected for a trial, you’ll go through voir dire. That’s the questioning process where lawyers decide if you’ll be on the jury. They’ll ask about your background and possible biases.
If selected, you’ll hear the case and deliberate with other jurors. Most trials last one to two days. Complex cases can take longer.
Jury Scams to Watch Out For
Hold on, this part is important. Scammers are targeting people about jury duty.
Here’s how the scam works. Someone calls claiming to be a sheriff’s deputy or court official. They say you missed jury duty. They demand payment over the phone or by gift cards to avoid arrest.
Don’t fall for it. Courts never demand payment over the phone. They never ask for gift cards. Period.
Real notices about missed jury duty come by mail. If you get a suspicious call, hang up. Call your county clerk of courts directly to verify.
Jury Service Tips
Want to make your jury duty easier? Here are some insider tips.
Call the jury hotline the night before. Many counties use this system. You might not even need to show up.
Bring snacks and water. Courthouse food options can be limited. You’ll be glad you packed something.
Charge your phone. But remember, you can’t use it during the trial or deliberations.
Plan for the whole day. Even if you think you’ll be done quickly, trials can run long. Clear your schedule.
Ask questions if you’re confused. The bailiff and court staff are there to help you.
Special Rules During Trials
If you’re selected for a jury, follow these rules carefully. They exist for a reason.
Don’t discuss the case with anyone. Not even other jurors until deliberations start. This includes family members.
Avoid media coverage of the case. Don’t read news articles or watch TV reports about it. You need to base your decision only on evidence presented in court.
Don’t do your own investigation. No visiting the scene of an incident. No googling the defendant. Seriously, this can cause a mistrial.
Control your reactions during testimony. Don’t make faces or sounds that show your opinion. Stay neutral.
If someone tries to contact you about the case, report it immediately to the bailiff.
Recent Changes and Updates
Wisconsin jury duty laws haven’t changed dramatically in recent years. The basic system established in 1997 still applies.
But counties have improved their processes. More use electronic questionnaires now. Call-in systems are common. These changes reduce unnecessary trips to the courthouse.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to some temporary adjustments. Most counties are now back to normal operations. But check with your specific county for any local procedures.
Jury pay rates are set by each county board. These can change annually. The state minimum remains $16 per day.
How to Contact Your County Court
Each county handles jury service slightly differently. Contact your local clerk of circuit court with questions.
Most county websites have detailed jury information. You can usually find the jury hotline number, parking instructions, and FAQs.
The Wisconsin Court System also has a statewide juror information page. It includes helpful videos and general guidance.
Don’t wait until the last minute to ask questions. If something is unclear, reach out early.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have a vacation planned during my jury service date?
Contact the jury clerk immediately after receiving your summons. You can usually get postponed to a different month. But you need to request this in writing as soon as possible.
Can I bring my phone to the courthouse?
Yes, you can bring your phone. But you can’t use it during the trial or deliberations. Some courtrooms don’t allow phones at all, so check with the bailiff.
What if I don’t speak English well?
You must understand English to serve on a Wisconsin jury. This is a legal requirement. If you can’t understand English well enough to follow trial proceedings, you won’t be selected.
Do students have to serve on juries?
Yes. Being a student doesn’t automatically excuse you. However, you can request a postponement if jury duty conflicts with exams. Make your request in writing with documentation from your school.
What if I have childcare issues?
Wisconsin courts don’t provide childcare. You need to arrange care before your service date. While this can be difficult, it’s not usually grounds for excusal, though you can request a postponement.
Final Thoughts
Jury duty is a fundamental part of our justice system. Yep, it’s inconvenient. But it’s also important.
Wisconsin’s laws protect your job and provide fair compensation. The system tries to minimize the burden on jurors. Most people serve just one or two days.
If you get summoned, take it seriously. Respond promptly to questionnaires. Show up on time if required. Work with the court if you have legitimate conflicts.
And remember, you’re only required to do this once every four years. That’s not too bad when you think about it.
Now you know the basics. Stay informed, know your rights, and when in doubt, contact your county clerk of courts.
References
- Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 756 – Juries (Official state statute)
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/756 - Wisconsin Court System – Juror Information (Official court system resource)
https://www.wicourts.gov/services/juror/general.htm - Wisconsin Statute 756.255 – Leave of Absence for Jury Service (Employer obligations)
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/756/255 - Wisconsin Statute 756.30 – Penalties for Non-Compliance (Legal penalties)
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/756/30 - Wisconsin Court System – Information for Employers (Employer guidance)
https://www.wicourts.gov/services/juror/employers.htm