Juror Frequently Asked Questions

  • 21. How will I know when to report?

    You will receive a summons giving the first day of your reporting term. The summons will tell you to begin calling the toll-free automated jury message system after 3:00 p.m. Central Time on the Friday before your reporting date, and each Friday throughout your service, or as instructed. When you call the automated jury message system at 1-866-534-5317, it will ask you to enter your 9-digit participant number shown on your summons. The message system will tell you whether or not you are scheduled to report for jury service. If you are not scheduled to report, the message will tell you when to call again.

  • 22. Will I receive advance notice to report?

    Yes, you will receive calls from the court's automated jury message system or a letter from the court giving you advance notice of upcoming trials.

  • 23. Why must I call the evening before I appear for jury duty?

    The court's schedule occasionally changes at the last minute. For this reason, you must call the automated jury message system the evening before you are to report to the courthouse. The message may tell you to report or tell you that your appearance is not necessary. If you report to the courthouse when you have been told not to report, you will not be paid or given credit for that day's attendance.

  • 24. Where do I report?
    Omaha: First Floor, Jury Assembly Room
    Room 1126
    Roman L. Hruska U. S. Courthouse (west entrance)
    111 South 18th Plaza
    Omaha, Nebraska
    Lincoln: Fifth Floor, Jury Assembly Room
    Room 598
    Robert V. Denney Federal Building
    100 Centennial Mall North (16th & 'O' Streets)
    Lincoln, Nebraska
    North Platte: Third Floor
    U. S. Post Office and Federal Building
    300 East 3rd Street
    North Platte, Nebraska
  • 25. Where do I park?
    Omaha: Do not park at a meter or in a reserved parking space.  You will not have an opportunity to move your vehicle, and the court cannot reimburse parking fines.  Reasonable parking fees are reimbursed, but you will need to be prepared to pay to park.  Please park at one of the following parking garages when you report for jury service:
    1. Central City Parking.  This facility is located at 17th and Capitol Avenue.  Please enter from Capitol Avenue and park on levels 1 through 4 only.  Do not park in a space with a sign posted below the space number.  The garage opens at 6:00 a.m., with no deadline to exit.

      Take the elevator to level three and cross Dodge Street to get to the courthouse.

      Exit the garage on level 3 onto 18th Street.  The parking fee is $1.00 per 30 minutes, with a maximum of $7.00 per day for a 24 hour period.  Pay for parking in the room with the glass door that says "PAY HERE" just inside the 18th Street entrance/exit before returning to your vehicle.

    2. 17th Street Garage.  There is daily parking at this facility, which is located on Douglas Street between 17th and 18th Street.  The parking fee may vary.
    3. Tower Parking.  Parking is available at this facility, which is located at 1805 Douglas Street.  Their hours are 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.  The parking fee is $1 per hour.
    Lincoln: Limited visitor parking is available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the federal parking garage in spaces 1-55, which include four handicapped spaces.  Enter visitor parking between 16th and Centennial Mall Streets on "N" Street.  All other parking spaces in the garage are reserved, so your car may be towed if you park anywhere except in spaces 1-55.  If you park in the visitor parking, write your name, license plate number, and parking stall number in the record book near the security station on the first floor of the federal building.

    Do not park at a parking meter. You will not be able to move your vehicle throughout the day, and the court cannot reimburse parking fines if you should get a ticket or be towed.  The court will mail you additional parking information before your jury service begins.
    North Platte: A parking lot is available across the street from the U.S. Post Office and Federal Building on the south side, along East 2nd Street between North Bailey Avenue and North Chestnut Street. Do not park along the street in a two-hour parking space.  You will not be able to move your vehicle throughout the day, and the court cannot reimburse parking fines if you should get a ticket or be towed.
  • 26. May I stay overnight?

    You may stay overnight the night before any day that you are required to report to the courthouse if you live approximately 60 miles or more (one-way) from the courthouse.  This includes the night before your first reporting date.  You must have your own money or a credit card to cover the first night because the court will not be able to reimburse you on the first day you report.  The court will mail you a list of hotels before the date you are to report.  You may stay wherever you wish near the courthouse.  When making your reservation, ask if they have a government rate that would apply to federal jurors.  If verification is requested when you check in, present your summons.  If you have a problem finding a room please contact the jury clerk.

  • 27. What should or shouldn't I bring with me when I report for jury duty?

    Required:

    • Photo ID (required to enter the building);
    • Jury summons (you may be asked to identify yourself as a juror); and
    • Enough clothing and personal items to accommodate a stay of up to five days if you live 60 or more miles away (one-way) and are staying overnight.

     

    Allowed personal items:

    • Newspaper, book, magazine, etc.;
    • Laptop computer (if you present your summons upon entering the building; free wireless Internet access is available in Omaha and Lincoln);
    • Food, snacks, or items for special dietary needs (refrigerators and microwaves are available); and
    • Cellular phone (if you present your summons upon entering the building; must be turned off or silenced in courtroom).

     

    Not allowed:

    • Weapons;
    • Cameras and other image/video devices;
    • Mace or pepper spray;
    • Portable TVs; and
    • Radios.
  • 28. What should I wear?

    Either casual or professional dress is acceptable. Bring a sweater or light jacket because the courtroom temperatures may vary.

  • 29. If I am selected to report, does that mean I will serve as a juror on a case?

    Not necessarily. A jury will be selected from the large group of people who are summoned to report.

  • 30. How long will I be there the first day?

    A jury will be picked on the first day you report for jury duty. If you report in the morning and are not chosen as a juror, you could be dismissed by noon or early afternoon. If you are chosen to serve as a juror, you will be finished by approximately 5:00 p.m.

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