I was scheduled for Trial Jury Duty towards the en...

I was scheduled for Trial Jury Duty towards the end of April 2018. I actually had mixed feelings about the entire jury duty ordeal, but I digress.

This was my second time being notified of jury duty (you normally receive a summons every three years). The first time I was granted a legitimate exemption.

I opted to park my car at the Equestrian Center & take the free shuttle bus that runs every five minutes or so from about 6am to 5pm. This was a very seamless process. There are also 2 hour maximum metered parking spaces located closer to the courthouse, but I highly discourage this because you will not have time to go out every two hours to feed the meter. If your car is towed, tough luck, you re responsible for all expenses. (*If you are selected as a primary juror & your case lasts more than a day, you will be given a parking pass to park in the covered garage, right next to the courthouse).

Jurors have to report by 7:30am. All jurors & potential jurors, w/their summons in hand, will be allowed to proceed through security first. I alerted every time I walked through the metal detector due to bobby pins in my hair, but this was never an issue. Food & closed container drinks are allowed through security, but absolutely restricted inside the courtrooms.

The jury duty room (M2400) is located on the second floor, on the left hand side. You must check in each day, w/your summons, in order to receive credit for being present. The staff will place a red stamp on your summons (Applicable Date and Year) each day that you are a juror.

Please keep and make a copy of your summons---very, very important, I actually emailed a copy to myself. Should the great state of Maryland and the magnificent county of Prince George ever notify you of juror duty before your three year window, this summons will serve as proof you ve already accomplished your civic duty. :)

On the day that I arrived there were over 400 potential jurors that showed. The juror supervisor, the awesome Ms. Magella "Bug Kincade, along with her superior team, will talk and walk all jurors through the day s procedures. Potential jurors are divided randomly into colored groups, w/your own unique juror number assigned, for that exact group.

My particular group included 83 jurors. Once all the jurors have been assigned there is a short waiting period for the judge to call your specific group. Once your group is called an assigned bailiff will walk all the jurors to the judge s courtroom. While in the courtroom you are now addressed as your juror number; no names allowed.

The courtroom includes the judge, clerk administrator, court reporter (stenographer), bailiff, prosecutor, defense lawyer, defendant (if applicable) and police (security) officers. Let me interject and mention that our particular judge was absolutely amazing (professional, but witty, in a non-condescending manner) not sure if I m allowed to say their name, so I'll refrain.

The judge will explain the case (mine was a murder trial) & go through a series of questions. If the particular question applies, you will stand up, say your juror number & explain, if asked. The last set of questions asked (I.e., have you ever committed a particular crime, been witness to a particular crime, etc.) will be answered at the judge s bench, under the strict confidentiality of only the judge, prosecutor, defense lawyer & stenographer, hearing and recording your answer.

I don t know how, but I was selected as a primary juror for the case & trial, go figure, lol, which lasted more than a day (and which I shall not divulge any of the proceedings).

Overall jury duty was not bad, more of an inconvenience, if anything. I actually enjoyed it once I knew my role and expectations & our bailiff was super cool, hilarious, but most importantly, helpful.

You will be paid $15 per day for jury duty & will receive your check in the mail within 6 weeks, I believe. Or you can opt to donate your earnings to the Generous Juror Program to help needy children.

I hope I ve answered all of your questions and concerns! Good Luck!