Maryland Jury Duty Laws (2026): Pay, Exemptions and Employer Rules

Maryland sets the rules for state-court jury service in Title 8 of the Courts and Judicial Proceedings Article, with qualifications and disqualifications in Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-103. The state pays jurors $30 a day, plus any county supplement, rising to $50 a day after five days on one trial (§ 8-426).

Your employer may not fire, coerce or threaten you over jury service or make you use leave for it (§§ 8-501, 8-502), but those sections do not require private employers to pay your wages. A person who is at least 70 is exempt only by asking the jury commissioner in writing (§ 8-306). A new law effective October 1, 2026 changed who is disqualified by a criminal conviction.

Information last verified on October 7, 2026. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.

Jurisdiction scope: This page covers jury service in Maryland state circuit courts, which run jury service county by county and in Baltimore City. A summons from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland follows federal law, summarized on our jury duty laws by state hub.

Do you have to go? The short answer

Yes, unless you are not qualified under § 8-103, fall in one of the four exemptions in § 8-306, or a jury judge or jury commissioner excuses you or reschedules your service under § 8-402. Maryland refuses volunteers and does not accept recommendations for jury service (§ 8-102); jurors are drawn at random.

The first thing most people receive is a juror qualification form, which must be returned within 10 days. To see which category might fit your situation before you fill it out, try our jury duty exemption checker.

Who can serve on a jury in Maryland

Under § 8-103(a), "an individual qualifies for jury service for a county only if the individual: (1) Is an adult as of the day selected as a prospective juror; (2) Is a citizen of the United States; and (3) Resides in the county as of the day sworn as a juror." The statute sets no minimum length of residence. The Maryland Judiciary's FAQ states the tests as at least 18, a U.S. citizen, and living in the county or Baltimore City where you would serve, and adds that there is no "upper age limit" (Jury Service FAQs).

Juries are selected at random from a fair cross section of adult citizens, and no one may be excluded because of color, disability, economic status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity (§§ 8-102, 8-104).

Who is not qualified

Subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, § 8-103(b) says a person is not qualified who:

• cannot comprehend spoken English or speak English;
• cannot comprehend, read or write English well enough to complete a juror qualification form satisfactorily;
• has a disability that, as documented by a health care provider's certification, prevents satisfactory jury service; or
• has a charge pending, in a federal or State court of record, for a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding 1 year.

A disability claim needs documentation attached to the qualification form (§ 8-302). Separately, a trial judge may strike a person who is a party in a civil case while entitled to a jury trial in the county (§ 8-404).

Criminal convictions: the October 1, 2026 change

Senate Bill 322, enacted as 2026 Md. Laws ch. 875, rewrote the conviction rule in § 8-103(b)(4) effective October 1, 2026. A person is now not qualified if convicted, in a federal or State court of record, of:

• a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding 1 year, and the person "IS CURRENTLY SERVING THE SENTENCE IMPOSED FOR THE CONVICTION, INCLUDING A TERM OF PAROLE OR PROBATION"; or
• a crime involving or relating to perjury, witness intimidation, jury intimidation, or a crime under Title 8 of the Criminal Law Article (the fraud title), with no minimum penalty or sentence requirement in the amended text.

Under the first category, once the sentence, parole and probation are complete, that conviction no longer disqualifies you. The amended text does not attach a time limit to the second category, and we have not listed which specific offenses fall under Title 8, so if you have one of those convictions, ask the jury office how the rule applies to you.

The old rule, which disqualified anyone convicted of such a crime and sentenced to more than 1 year unless pardoned, is gone, and Chapter 875 repealed the pardon clause. As of October 7, 2026, the public Maryland Code page for § 8-103 and the Judiciary's jury FAQ still showed the old wording, and the statutory form in § 8-302 still mentions attaching pardon documentation. The chapter law controls.

Exemptions and excuses in Maryland

Maryland separates a short, closed list of exemptions from a court-discretion excusal process.

Section 8-306 opens: "An individual is exempt from jury service only if the individual" fits one of its four items. That "only if" means there is no statutory exemption by occupation, such as for teachers, students or first responders; those situations go through the hardship excusal process.

Age 70 and older

Under § 8-306(1), a person "Is at least 70 years old and asks the jury commissioner, in writing, for an exemption." The request can be made on the juror qualification form. Without a written request, a person over 70 is treated like anyone else, and the Judiciary says there is no upper age limit for serving.

Hardship excusals and how often they can be granted

A jury judge, or the jury commissioner if the county's jury plan allows, may disqualify, excuse or exempt a summoned person or reschedule service (§ 8-402(a)). To be excused, you must show, "on a juror questionnaire, during an interview, or by other competent evidence," that "Extreme inconvenience, public necessity, or undue hardship requires excusal." The Judiciary's FAQ says excusal is intended only for the most serious situations, not as a way out of service because it is inconvenient.

The breast-feeding and child-under-3 grounds were added by 2025 Md. Laws ch. 137, effective October 1, 2025. Both are discretionary: "A jury judge or jury commissioner may, but is not required to, excuse an individual" on those grounds.

An excusal lasts only for the period the judge or commissioner considers necessary, and may be granted "Not more than twice unless the jury judge finds that the individual has shown an extraordinary circumstance that requires an additional excuse." When the period ends, the jury commissioner summons you again (§ 8-402(c)(3)-(4)).

Military service members

Section 8-306(3) builds the federal rule into Maryland law. Under 10 U.S.C. § 982, an active-duty member may not be required to serve on a state or local jury if the member's branch Secretary determines that service would unreasonably interfere with military duties or adversely affect unit readiness, and that determination is conclusive. It is a determination, not an automatic pass.

For the organized militia, the Military Department must adopt regulations exempting members from State jury service that would unreasonably interfere with military duties or adversely affect readiness (Pub. Safety § 13-218). The form requires documentation for either exemption; the Judiciary's Juror Resources page carries a military exemption certification form.

Rescheduling your service date

The Judiciary says "Your date of jury service sometimes can be changed if there is a pressing reason, for example, a previously scheduled medical procedure or travel plans." In counties with the online jury system, you can reschedule your service date online one time; otherwise, contact your local jury office.

How much does jury duty pay in Maryland?

Section 8-426(a) entitles you, "for each day that an individual is required to be in attendance at or proximity to a circuit court for a county for jury service," to "A State per diem of $30" and "The supplement, if any, authorized by the county." Each county may set a supplement by ordinance and must budget the money to pay jurors, with the State per diem later reimbursed by the Administrative Office of the Courts (§ 8-427).

The Judiciary puts the total this way: "The amount generally varies from $30 to $40 per day, depending on the jurisdiction. If you serve on one trial jury for more than 5 days, the per diem becomes $50 to $60 beginning on the 6th day of jury service. Contact your local jury office for more information." We did not compile each county's supplement.

The pay sections we reviewed (§§ 8-426 to 8-430) do not set a separate mileage, parking or meal allowance; ask your county jury office whether its plan provides one. You may donate your per diem and supplement through a program your county's jury plan authorizes (§ 8-430); the Judiciary describes a Generous Juror Program in some counties that donates to the local department of social services.

The jury commissioner must give each juror a signed certificate documenting the days the juror was required to attend (§ 8-429), which you can give an employer that wants proof.

Maryland employer rules for jury duty

Your job is protected

Under § 8-501(a), "An employer may not deprive an individual of employment or coerce, intimidate, or threaten to discharge an individual because the individual: (1) Loses employment time in responding to a summons under this title or attending, or being in proximity to, a circuit court for jury service under this title; or (2) Exercises a right to refrain from work under subsection (b) of this section." The section states no minimum employer size and no advance-notice requirement, though the Judiciary suggests telling your employer promptly.

No forced leave

"An employer may not require an employee to use the employee's annual, sick, or vacation leave to respond to a summons under this title for jury service" (§ 8-502(a)).

Evening and overnight shifts

Under § 8-501(b), an employer may not require a person "who is summoned and appears for jury service for 4 or more hours, including traveling time, to work an employment shift that begins: (1) On or after 5 p.m. on the day of the individual's appearance for jury service; or (2) Before 3 a.m. on the day following the individual's appearance for jury service."

Does your employer have to pay you?

Maryland's jury statutes do not require private employers to keep paying you while you serve; §§ 8-501 and 8-502 protect your job and your leave balances, not your wages. The Judiciary's FAQ says some employers pay employees for time on jury service, and its employer fact sheet urges employers to consider it. Maryland State employees covered by the State Personnel regulations get leave with pay for jury service that falls on a scheduled workday, must notify their agency without delay, and must return to work if dismissed for the day with time left (COMAR 17.04.11.12). School and local government employees should check their own employer's leave rules.

If you are out of work, jury duty does not cost you unemployment benefits: a person may not be denied benefits for failing to be able, available and actively seeking work if the failure results from "a summons to appear for jury duty" (Lab. & Empl. § 8-907).

If your employer violates the law

"A person who violates any provision of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000" (§ 8-501(c)); § 8-502(b) sets the same penalty for forced leave use. Those sections do not themselves provide for a lawsuit, reinstatement or back pay. Whether other Maryland law gives you a claim is outside what we reviewed, so if you were fired or disciplined over jury duty, talk to a Maryland employment lawyer promptly. For how this fits with other limits on firing, see our page on Maryland at-will employment laws.

What happens if you miss jury duty in Maryland

For not returning the form, not appearing or not completing service, a jury judge may order you to appear and show cause, and the penalty applies only if you fail to show good cause. Lying on the qualification form is a separate misdemeanor, punished only on conviction.

Section 8-504 reads: "(a) A person may not fail to appear for jury service as summoned under this title. (b) A jury judge may order a person who violates any provision of this section to appear and show cause for each violation. (c) A person who fails to show good cause for a violation of this section is subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or both." The statute does not say that paying a penalty ends your obligation to serve.

The qualification form is signed under the penalties of perjury (§ 8-302), and a jury commissioner may summon a person who does not return it to appear. If you missed your date, call your county's jury office right away.

How long jury duty lasts in Maryland

"The length of jury service is established by each Circuit Court. Your local jury office can tell you how long you will have to serve" (Jury Service FAQ #10). The Judiciary's employer fact sheet says some counties and Baltimore City use one day or one trial, while other counties have longer terms.

There is a frequency limit. Under § 8-310(c)(2), "Except as needed to complete service in a particular case or as otherwise provided in a jury plan, an individual may not be required, in any 3-year period, to serve or attend court for jury service more than once." A county jury plan may provide that a person who served fewer than 5 days in a 3-year period can be summoned again after 1 year (§ 8-216). The qualification form asks about prior service in the preceding 3 years, with documentation attached.

How to respond to a Maryland jury summons

Each circuit court runs its own jury office under its own jury plan. Here is the process the statutes and the Judiciary describe:

1. Return the juror qualification form within 10 days. Section 8-302 says the form "must be completed, signed, and returned to the jury commissioner within 10 days after receipt."
2. Use the online system if your county has one. The Judiciary's Juror Qualification Form page lists Baltimore City and every county except Garrett. Online you can complete the form, confirm your report date, reschedule your service date one time only, and update your contact information.
3. Mail any documentation. Documentation for a disability, a military or militia exemption, or prior jury service must be attached; the Judiciary says it must be mailed even if you complete the form online.
4. Ask in writing for the age 70 exemption if you want it, on the form or to the jury commissioner.
5. Call your jury office for anything else. Numbers and jury plans are on the Judiciary's Jury Offices and Plans page, for example Baltimore City Circuit Court 410-333-3775, Montgomery County Circuit Court 240-777-9090, and Prince George's County Circuit Court 301-952-4385.

Watch for jury duty scam calls

The Maryland Judiciary warns of callers posing as sheriff or court staff who claim you missed jury duty, have a bench warrant, and must pay. Its Jury Service page states: "Maryland Courts, Sheriff's Offices, and Jury Offices do not call citizens to get payment over the phone for a fine for missing jury duty and they do not take payments through a machine for missing jury duty."

A separate scam alert notice adds: "No Judiciary employee will ever ask you for your Social Security Number. No one from the Jury Office will call (or email) you and ask for your Social Security Number or personal financial information (such as bank information or a credit card number)." Our guide to government impersonation scams explains how these schemes work, and our page on Maryland scam and fraud laws covers where to report.

Recent changes

• October 1, 2026: 2026 Md. Laws ch. 875 (SB 322) replaced the conviction disqualification in § 8-103(b)(4) and repealed the pardon clause, as described above. The chapter states it was enacted under Article II, Section 17(c) of the Maryland Constitution on May 31, 2026.
• October 1, 2025: 2025 Md. Laws ch. 137 (HB 1440) added the breast-feeding and child-under-3 excusal grounds to § 8-402.

Disclaimer: This page is general legal information about Maryland jury service, not legal advice. The jury judge or jury commissioner of the court that summoned you decides every exemption, excusal and rescheduling request. Information verified October 7, 2026. For questions about your summons, contact the jury office listed on it; for an employment dispute, consult a lawyer licensed in Maryland.

Related pages

• Jury duty laws by state
• Maryland at-will employment laws
• Maryland court records
• Maryland scam and fraud laws
• Virginia jury duty laws
• District of Columbia jury duty laws

Last updated: October 7, 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does jury duty pay in Maryland?

The State pays $30 for each day you must attend circuit court, plus any county supplement, and a trial juror gets $50 a day after the first 5 days of one trial (Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-426). The Judiciary says the total generally runs $30 to $40 a day depending on the county.

Can I get out of jury duty in Maryland if I am over 70?

A person at least 70 years old is exempt only by asking the jury commissioner in writing, which can be done on the juror qualification form (§ 8-306(1)). It is not automatic, and the court says there is no upper age limit for serving.

Does my employer have to pay me for jury duty in Maryland?

Maryland's jury statutes do not require private employers to pay you while you serve, though some employers do. Your employer may not make you use annual, sick or vacation leave for it (§ 8-502). Maryland State employees covered by the State Personnel regulations get paid leave for jury service on a scheduled workday (COMAR 17.04.11.12); school and local government employees should check their own leave rules.

Can I be fired for jury duty in Maryland?

No. Under § 8-501 an employer may not deprive you of employment or coerce, intimidate or threaten to discharge you because of jury service. A violating employer is subject to a fine of up to $1,000.

Can a felon serve on a jury in Maryland?

Since October 1, 2026, a conviction for a crime punishable by more than 1 year disqualifies you only while you are serving the sentence, including parole or probation (2026 Md. Laws ch. 875). A conviction involving perjury, witness or jury intimidation, or a Title 8 Criminal Law crime disqualifies regardless of the sentence or whether it has been completed; the amended text sets no minimum penalty for these. A pending charge for a crime punishable by more than 1 year also disqualifies (§ 8-103(b)(5)).

Can I be excused from jury duty in Maryland for childcare or breastfeeding?

A breast-feeding mother, or a person with custody of and personal responsibility for a child under 3 who needs continuous care during court hours, may be excused, but the judge or jury commissioner is not required to grant it (§ 8-402(c)). Other hardships must show extreme inconvenience, public necessity or undue hardship.

What happens if I miss jury duty in Maryland?

A jury judge may order you to appear and show cause. If you cannot show good cause, the penalty is a fine of up to $1,000, up to 60 days in jail, or both (§ 8-504).

How often can you be called for jury duty in Maryland?

Except to finish a case or as a county jury plan provides, you cannot be required to serve more than once in any 3-year period (§ 8-310(c)(2)). A jury plan may allow someone who served fewer than 5 days to be summoned again after 1 year (§ 8-216).

Can I postpone jury duty in Maryland?

The Judiciary says your date can sometimes be changed for a pressing reason, such as a scheduled medical procedure or travel, and counties with the online system allow one online reschedule. Excusals for hardship can be granted no more than twice unless a judge finds an extraordinary circumstance (§ 8-402(c)(3)).