How much do I get paid for jury duty in Arkansas?

Asked by: Chelsey Goodwin III  |  Last update: February 19, 2026
Score: 4.5/5 (38 votes)

In Arkansas, you typically get paid $50 per day if you're seated on a trial, but if you report and aren't selected, you'll receive a smaller amount set by the county, often around $15-$30, with some counties paying more, plus mileage reimbursement for federal cases, while state cases vary by county but focus on the daily fee. Payments are issued by check after your service ends, often within a few weeks, and are determined by the county's quorum court.

Do you get paid for jury duty in Arkansas?

Yes, you get paid for jury duty in Arkansas, typically $50 per day if seated on a jury, plus mileage reimbursement, while those not selected usually receive a smaller amount (around $15-$30). Payments are issued after your service term ends, usually within a few weeks, and are separate from your employer's pay, as Arkansas law doesn't mandate employers to pay you for jury service, though many do. 

Why are we paid so little for jury duty?

We're paid so little for jury duty because it's considered a civic duty, not a job, with small payments meant for expenses like gas and food, not lost wages, though this creates significant hardship, especially for low-income workers, as employer pay isn't federally required, leading to low overall compensation that struggles to match minimum wage and hinders diverse participation in the justice system.
 

Is jury duty ever just one day?

Yes, jury duty can absolutely last just one day, especially in jurisdictions that use the "one-day/one-trial" system, where your service ends if you aren't selected for a trial by the end of the day, or if you are selected, it ends when that specific trial concludes. Many jurors only serve one day during their potential two-week service period, though if seated on a trial, you must serve until it ends, which can be longer. 

How many times can you be called for jury duty in Arkansas?

Depending upon when your name was drawn in the current jury wheel, you could be summoned again in as little as a month or as long as two years. However, you do not have to serve a second time if you have served as a juror in federal or state court within the last two years and you will be excused upon request.

How Much Do You Get Paid For Jury Duty? - CountyOffice.org

18 related questions found

Is it rare to be picked for jury duty?

Yes, being chosen for a jury is relatively rare, as most people summoned are dismissed, and many never get called at all; roughly 15% of adults get a summons, but only a small fraction (around 5%) end up serving on a final jury after being questioned in voir dire. The process involves many disqualifications (ineligibility, hardship), cancellations, and lawyers removing potential jurors, meaning only a few from a large initial pool actually get sworn in. 

What is the best excuse to avoid jury duty?

The best ways to get out of jury duty involve seeking official exemptions for valid reasons like age (over 70/75), medical conditions (with a doctor's note), primary childcare (under 6), or financial hardship (demonstrable income loss), or requesting a deferral online or by mail with supporting documents. During selection (voir dire), be honest about biases or situations (like family tragedy, travel) that prevent impartiality, as attorneys often excuse jurors who openly struggle with fairness, but avoid outright lying, which can backfire. 

Is it okay to wear jeans as a juror?

You can often wear jeans to jury duty if they are dark, clean, and without holes, fitting into a "business casual" dress code, but it depends on the specific court; some federal or stricter courts prohibit them, so check your summons or the court's website for exact rules, and always avoid shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, or anything too distracting to show respect for the court. 

What if you have to pee during jury duty?

If you need to pee during jury duty, raise your hand and ask the judge for permission for a break, or quietly ask a court officer, as judges provide regular breaks and will stop proceedings for an emergency restroom need. Don't hesitate to ask, as your primary job is to pay attention, and needing to use the restroom can be distracting. 

Why is jury duty so exhausting?

It is possible you were asked to hear graphic testimony or review graphic evidence or images, and people react differently to being exposed to such materials. Additionally, to be affected by crime and violence can be very unsettling, even when the crime is not directed against you personally.

What are two things jurors should never do?

Jurors should never discuss the case with anyone outside the jury (including family/friends) or conduct their own investigation, like visiting the scene or looking up info online, as the verdict must be based solely on courtroom evidence; these actions risk introducing bias and jeopardizing the trial's fairness. Another critical "never" is to decide by chance, such as by flipping coins, which makes a verdict illegal.
 

Do I have to give my employer my jury duty check?

Answer: Most employers who pay their employees while they are on jury duty require them to return the jury service fee to them. This has been deemed to be an acceptable practice. However, this should only apply to the attendance fee, and not to the reimbursement for travel expenses.

Why do so many people hate jury duty?

People dislike jury duty due to its disruption of daily life, low pay, time commitment, and potential for emotional stress, conflicting with work, family, and personal schedules, despite it being a civic responsibility. Common complaints include financial hardship (especially for hourly workers), the inconvenience of long trials, tedious waits, and fear of difficult or emotionally draining cases, leading many to view it as a burden rather than a privilege. 

What not to say during jury selection?

DON'T oversell your case in voir dire

If a judge gives you a chance to do a mini opening before you ask the jury any questions, DON'T oversell your case. Mini-openings seem like a great way to win over your jury, but it's a huge mistake: mini-openings can be disastrous when done the wrong way!

How do you make money while on jury duty?

Juror Pay

  1. Pay of $50 a day; eligible to receive up to $60 a day after serving 10 days if the presiding judge so orders. ...
  2. Reimbursement for reasonable transportation expenses and, in some courts, parking fees.
  3. Subsistence allowances covering meals and lodging if required to stay overnight.

What happens if I fall asleep during jury duty?

If you fall asleep during jury duty, the judge can have you woken up, repeated information, or even dismiss you and replace you with an alternate juror, potentially leading to a mistrial or new trial if you missed crucial evidence, though a short nap might just result in being gently roused, while repeated offenses or missing significant testimony can lead to being removed or even facing contempt of court. 

What disqualifies you from jury duty in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, jury duty exemptions aren't automatic for most, but you can be excused by a judge for health issues, primary caregiving responsibilities (especially for children or the elderly), being 80 or older (voluntary), or undue hardship like extreme travel/financial burden; however, occupation (doctors, teachers, etc.) isn't an exemption, and you must request excusal to the court for specific conflicts or hardships. 

Can you drink water in jury duty?

Should I bring food or drink when I report for jury duty? You are welcome to bring a non-alcoholic beverage such as water, coffee, or soda. Please use a cup/bottle with a lid/cap. Meals are not provided (except during jury deliberations) but there will be a lunch break.

How do I prepare for jury duty?

Appearing for Jury Duty

Now is not the time to strike up conversations on political topics or try to educate people about jury nullification. The best policy is to appear normal and keep quiet about your beliefs. To blend into the jury pool: Wear an outfit that is clean and neat, but not overly formal.

Is anxiety an excuse for jury duty?

Yes, severe anxiety can get you out of jury duty if you provide documentation from a doctor proving it's a mental disability that prevents you from serving, often requiring a physician's note explaining how it affects concentration or causes undue hardship, though judges might offer accommodations or postponement instead of outright excusal. The key is proving it's a genuine inability to focus or function during service, not just a preference to avoid it. 

How to answer a juror questionnaire?

Juror Questionnaire

  1. Less is more. A prospective juror questionnaire may have quite a bit of blank space, implying that open-ended questions must be answered with a lengthy response. ...
  2. Answer ONLY the question that is asked—do NOT include in your answer things that were not asked for. ...
  3. Avoid extremes when possible.

What are three things that disqualify someone from being on a jury?

A person is not eligible for jury service if convicted of a felony, unless restored to civil rights; in the active military; a judge; or a person who the court or jury commissioners find incapable because of mental or physical illness.