Contact Jury Management

Dakota County Justice Center
1560 Hwy 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 377-7970
Juror Reporting Instructions: (651) 377-7170

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Jury Service in Dakota County District Court

The Dakota County District Court has made two significant improvements to jury service to make the process more efficient and convenient for you:

• Call-in System for Jury Service: We've implemented a call-in system for summoned jurors. This helps reduce the amount of time you spend physically waiting at the courthouse for a jury trial.
• Online Qualification Questionnaire: Summoned jurors can now complete the required Qualification Questionnaire online, making the process faster and easier.

If you've received a Jury Summons and are no longer a resident of Dakota County, you must update your address online or by calling the Jury Office at (651) 377-7970, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Once your address is updated, you will be excused from jury service in Dakota County.

Directions and Information

Reporting Information

To find out when you need to report for jury service, please check your Group Number located on the top right-hand side of your Summons. Then, after 5:00 p.m. each evening throughout your 2-week jury service term, use one of the following methods:

• Call the court’s recorded message line: (651) 377-7170
• Check the jury website: mncourts.gov/Dakota-Jurors

Do not report UNLESS instructed to do so. If you are using the juror recorded message line, please listen to the entire message for future call-in instructions. You will not receive a call or text with reporting instructions.

Where to Report

If you've been instructed to report for jury service by the juror recorded message line (651-377-7179) or the juror website (http://mncourts.gov/Dakota-Jurors), please come to the:

Once you've gone through security, the jury assembly room is located on the lower level of the Judicial Center.

Parking

The public parking lot is designated for visitors and jurors of the Dakota County Judicial Center. Handicap parking spaces are also available; please ensure your applicable handicap permit is displayed. Please do not park in areas identified as "Permit Parking." All parking is free.

Courtroom Decorum

Casual or comfortable dress is acceptable. However, shorts and hats are not allowed. There is no talking, chewing gum, or reading of newspapers, books, or magazines in the courtroom. You may bring personal electronics to use while waiting in the jury assembly room, but these items will not be allowed in the courtroom or deliberation room while the jury is deliberating.

What to Expect

You will receive information on your responsibilities on the first day you report for jury service. If you have a disability or anticipate needing an accommodation, please contact the Jury Office at (651) 377-7970, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Length of Jury Service

Jurors are on call for 2 weeks. If you are serving on a trial that lasts longer, you will be required to serve until the trial concludes.

Juror Hours

Typical hours for jurors are Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Lunch breaks are on your own unless you are deliberating on a case. The Dakota Judicial Center does not have a cafeteria, but there is a refrigerator available for you to store lunches.

Snacks and Beverages

You are welcome to bring snacks and beverages. These will only be allowed in the jury assembly and deliberation rooms. There are vending machines with snacks and beverages by the jury assembly room; however, you will not be allowed to leave the deliberation room while in deliberations.

Security Screening

Please DO NOT bring any item that could be used as a weapon to any courthouse. Those items will not be allowed in areas beyond screening checkpoints, and illegal weapons will be confiscated. There may be a line at the security checkpoint, so please allow yourself enough time to get to the courthouse. Do not bring sharp objects such as scissors, pocketknives, or knitting needles as they may be confiscated. Please refer to Dakota County Point of Entry Security Screening Information.

Cell Phones and Other Personal Items

• Cell phones are allowed in the jury assembly room. However, if you are called to a courtroom, you must be sure to turn off your cell phone.
• Magazines and other reading material are permitted.
• Laptop computers or tablets: There is wireless internet in the jury assembly room and limited electrical outlets for your use.

Important Information for Jurors

For more details about jury service, please review our Frequently Asked Questions - Jurors.