If you’ve been summoned for Brooklyn jury duty, you’ll report to one of three Kings County courthouses in downtown Brooklyn, earn $72 for each day you attend, and usually finish quickly under New York’s one-day or one-trial rule. The Kings County Commissioner of Jurors runs the process and is also the office to contact if you need to postpone.
Where to Report
Your summons names one of three buildings. Check it before you leave the house, because showing up at the wrong address will delay your check-in.
- Kings County Supreme Court, Civil Term — 360 Adams Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Kings County Supreme Court, Criminal Term — 320 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
- Kings County Civil Court — 141 Livingston Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Grand jurors also report to 320 Jay Street.1NYC.gov. Jury Duty – NYC311 Every building has metal detectors and bag inspections run by New York State Court Officers, so leave extra electronics and unnecessary metal at home. You can usually bring one device, though you may be asked to check your phone with security during proceedings.
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID. A driver’s license, passport, or non-driver ID card all work.
Responding to Your Summons
You can confirm your date, request a postponement, or update your information through the state courts’ online juror portal at nycourts.gov/juror. The Brooklyn Commissioner of Jurors also takes calls at (347) 404-9904, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.1NYC.gov. Jury Duty – NYC311
Fill out the barcoded questionnaire clearly before you arrive; staff scan it at check-in.
Who Has to Serve
Under New York Judiciary Law § 510, you must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Kings County, at least 18, and able to understand and communicate in English. A felony conviction disqualifies you.2New York State Senate. New York Judiciary Law 510 – Qualifications
If you’ve already served on a jury in any New York State or federal court, you’re normally exempt for at least six years. Jurors who served more than ten days are exempt for at least eight years.3New York Courts. Juror Questions and Answers FAQs Note the prior service on your questionnaire so the Commissioner can confirm it before scheduling you.
What Your Service Day Looks Like
After security, you check in at the juror assembly room and staff scan your barcoded summons. First-time jurors watch a short orientation video. Then you wait in the general pool until a courtroom calls for jurors.
New York uses a one-day or one-trial rule. If you aren’t picked for a panel, your obligation may end after a day or two. The court can ask you to remain on call for up to five business days, but most people who aren’t selected finish quickly. If you are seated on a trial, the judge estimates the length and you serve through the verdict.3New York Courts. Juror Questions and Answers FAQs
Selection happens through voir dire, where the judge and attorneys ask questions to identify bias or conflicts. Answer honestly. Attorneys can dismiss jurors for cause or use a limited number of peremptory challenges to remove someone without giving a reason.
Postponing or Being Excused
Under Judiciary Law § 517, the Commissioner of Jurors can postpone your service or excuse you. A first postponement request is granted almost automatically as long as the new date falls within six months of the original summons. Breastfeeding mothers can postpone up to two years.4New York State Senate. New York Judiciary Law 517 – Excuses and Postponements
Hardship excusals are handled case by case. A medical excusal needs a signed doctor’s note describing the condition and how long it’s expected to last. Financial hardship requests must show genuine economic distress, not just inconvenience. Vague requests rarely succeed.
Pay and Your Job
New York pays jurors $72 for each day of physical attendance.5New York State Senate. New York Judiciary Law 521 – Fees and Travel Expenses of Jurors The state pays that fee unless your employer continues your full wages during service, in which case you don’t collect the $72 on top.
Employers with more than ten employees cannot withhold the first $72 of your daily wages for the first three days of service. Smaller employers aren’t bound by that three-day wage guarantee, but the state’s $72 daily allowance still applies. Regardless of company size, no employer can fire you, penalize you, or dock your benefits for missing work to serve. Violations are criminal contempt of court.6New York State Senate. New York Judiciary Law 519 – Right of Juror to Be Absent From Employment
Tell your employer before your service starts and give them a copy of the summons. After service, the court can issue a certificate of attendance if your employer needs proof.
If You Don’t Show Up
Under Judiciary Law § 527, the Commissioner of Jurors can bring a noncompliance proceeding against anyone who fails to return the qualification questionnaire or doesn’t appear after being summoned. The civil penalty runs up to $250.7New York State Senate. New York Judiciary Law 527 – Noncompliance
The fine isn’t automatic. The court must confirm you actually received the questionnaire or summons, then serve a formal noncompliance notice giving you a chance to admit the failure or request a hearing. Ignoring the notice counts as an admission and the court can enter a default judgment.7New York State Senate. New York Judiciary Law 527 – Noncompliance Anyone who skips service also gets rescheduled to a new mandatory date,3New York Courts. Juror Questions and Answers FAQs and repeated noncompliance can escalate to criminal contempt.
If Your Summons Is for a Grand Jury
A grand jury summons is a different commitment. Brooklyn grand jurors report to 320 Jay Street and serve for two weeks to a month or longer, though you may only appear a few days per week during that stretch.3New York Courts. Juror Questions and Answers FAQs A grand jury doesn’t decide guilt or innocence. It reviews evidence from the prosecutor and decides whether there’s enough basis to formally charge someone with a felony. Proceedings are private, the defendant is generally not present, and no judge presides over the evidence review.