General Information
IDENTITY THEFT WARNING: The NYS Court System does not ask prospective jurors for financial information such as credit card or bank account numbers or personal information such as the names and ages of your family members. Do not provide this kind of information to anyone claiming to represent the court system. If you receive this type of request, please contact our office during normal business hours of 8 AM to 5 PM at 439-7239.
Court Hours:
For greatest convenience, the Office of the Commissioner of Jurors is open daily from 8:00 a.m. til 5:00 p.m. However, normal courthouse hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A lunch break lasting 1-2 hours is given and usually starts between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Other shorter breaks may also be taken throughout the day. Court sessions rarely extend beyond 5:00 p.m. except for deliberating jurors who may be required to stay past that time.
Telephone Standby:
Individuals summoned for jury service in Niagara County are on standby status and should only report for service to Lockport or Niagara Falls if instructed to do so by means of our automated juror alert system. The alert message will generally refer to jurors by their juror number. The juror number is noted on the summons form along with instructions for calling. There are two juror call-in numbers: 439-7195 or 439-7271. Jurors who fail to call as instructed, will not be compensated if they appear for court unnecessarily.
Closings Due to Weather or Other Emergencies:
Jurors are instructed to listen to local radio station and/or television stations for closing information due to inclement weather. Should the courts be closed due to weather or any other emergencies, announcements will be made in this manner as soon as information becomes available.
Court Security:
Deputies are on duty at all times and stationed in or near the courtrooms. All weapons or dangerous instruments are prohibited in court buildings. A magnetometer is in place at both locations and visitors should expect to be screened and any suspected harmful items will be confiscated. Your full cooperation and patience is appreciated in our sincere effort to keep our facility safe.
Meals:
Meals are provided for deliberating jurors only. Meals prior to deliberation are the responsibility of the juror. Snack foods are available for purchase in both buildings and local food establishments may be visited at lunchtime. Court personnel will be happy to assist you with directions.
Attendance Verification:
Jurors must sign-in each day they appear. An attendance verification form will be completed and provided by court personnel at the conclusion of a person's service that will indicate the dates court was attended.
niagara.nyjuror.gov
