Receiving a court summons can be nerve-wracking, especially in these uncertain times. Rest assured that the Elkhart County Courts are taking many precautions to keep staff and visitors safe. Below, you will find frequently asked questions and informational videos about what you will experience as a juror at our Goshen or Elkhart Courthouse.
Yes. A face mask will be required to enter the building and should be worn over the nose and mouth at all times, unless a Judge tells you that it may be removed. We would ask that you wear your own face covering. If you do not have your own mask, one will be provided for you.
We assure you that every reasonable precaution will be taken to protect the health and safety of prospective jurors, the jury, the parties , the attorneys and the court staff during jury selection and the jury trial to follow. Masks and social distancing will be enforced at all times throughout the courthouse. Everyone who enters the courthouse will have their temperature taken, and no one with an elevated temperature will be permitted into the secure area. Each courtroom and the common areas will be cleaned regularly throughout the day and during all recesses. Additionally, hand sanitizer will be available throughout the courthouse.
Please follow the red markings along the sidewalk to help with social distancing. Once you reach the top of the steps and enter the courthouse, your temperature will be taken with a non-invasive, no-contact thermometer. You will also be asked to provide your COVID-19 questionnaire before proceeding through the security screening. Once you have entered the secure area, a member of the Court staff will direct you to the proper room. Please have your summons available, as it contains your juror number.
In the event that you answer one of the questions on the COVID-19 questionnaire in a manner that you have an increased risk for spreading coronavirus and you should be excused, you should immediately advise the court bailiff by contacting the respective court.
Elkhart Courthouse:
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 1 (Judge Kristine Osterday): 574-523-2231
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 2 (Judge Stephen Bowers): 574-523-2340
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 5 (Judge Charles Wicks): 574-523-2245
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 6 (Judge David Bonfiglio): 574-523-2374
MAGISTRATE DEAN BURTON: 574-523-2380
MAGISTRATE ERIC DITTON: 574-535-6735
JUVENILE MAGISTRATE DEBORAH DOMINE: 574-523-2244
IV-D COMMISSIONER James Fox: 574-523-2023
Goshen Courthouse:
ELKHART CIRCUIT COURT (Judge Michael Christofeno): 574-535-6425
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 3 (Judge Teresa Cataldo): 574-535-6437
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 4 (Judge Gretchen Lund): 574-535-6463
If you have any questions regarding jury duty, please call the Bailiff prior to your trial date during business hours.
Elkhart Courthouse:
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 1 (Judge Kristine Osterday): 574-523-2231
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 2 (Judge Stephen Bowers): 574-523-2340
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 5 (Judge Charles Wicks): 574-523-2245
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 6 (Judge David Bonfiglio): 574-523-2374
MAGISTRATE DEAN BURTON: 574-523-2380
MAGISTRATE ERIC DITTON: 574-535-6735
JUVENILE MAGISTRATE DEBORAH DOMINE: 574-523-2244
IV-D COMMISSIONER James Fox: 574-523-2023
Goshen Courthouse:
ELKHART CIRCUIT COURT (Judge Michael Christofeno): 574-535-6425
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 3 (Judge Teresa Cataldo): 574-535-6437
ELKHART SUPERIOR COURT 4 (Judge Gretchen Lund): 574-535-6463
Prospective Jurors will receive notification and instructions from the Elkhart County Courts pertaining to jury duty. Please bring your notification with you on the date you are summoned to serve as a Juror. Also, review the notification and instructions and if necessary, contact the specific court that sent you the information.
Jury Trials in Elkhart Superior Courts 4, 5 and 6 are generally one day in duration. Jury Trials in Elkhart Superior Courts 1, 2, 3 and Elkhart Circuit Court are generally more than one day in duration. The Judge will inform prospective jurors of how long the trial is expected to last at the beginning of jury selection.
Yes. The Court pays each juror an amount specified by law. If you are a sworn member of the jury, you will receive $40.00 per day plus mileage. If you report for jury duty and are subsequently excused, you will be paid $15.00 plus mileage. You will receive a check from the Elkhart County Auditor’s Office within a few weeks.
Jury selection may require a juror to wait a considerable period of time. Jurors may bring appropriate reading material with them. Jurors are permitted to bring cell phones with them to jury service in the Elkhart Courthouse, however, jurors are not permitted to bring cell phones inside the Goshen Courthouse.
Do not bring children with you to jury service.
Please dress appropriately for Court. Business attire or casual business/work is suitable. No shorts or tank tops should be worn. Jurors are advised to bring a light sweater or jacket.
If you request to be deferred or excused from jury duty due to medical reasons or a family emergency, you must complete the pdf form provided in the sidebar called the Jury Disqualification Deferral Form. If your absence is based upon a medical condition, you must also include a brief statement from your doctor explaining your inability to serve and specifying the duration of your illness. Please mail this form and any accompanying documents to the address listed on your juror notice. Please note there are no automatic exemptions from jury service.
A juror who is summoned and who willfully and without a reasonable excuse fails to appear for jury service may be found by the Court to be in contempt and subject to penalties provided by law. If you fail to appear on the date summoned, contact the Court you were scheduled to appear in as soon as possible to explain your reasons for not appearing.