Important Notice:
Jury Duty Scam Alert
We have received reports of phone scams claiming warrants have been issued for missed jury service. Callers may request payment or personal information.
Please note that court staff and law enforcement will never call to request money or sensitive information. Scammers may use the names of local officials to appear legitimate.
If you receive a suspicious call, do not provide any information and report it to your local sheriff’s office.
Jury Duty Division
The Jury Duty Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office manages the juror selection process and provides support to individuals summoned for jury service. This includes coordinating jury panels, maintaining records, and assisting jurors with questions regarding service, scheduling, and qualifications.
Please be advised that this Court and the Clerk’s Office are prohibited by law from responding to requests for legal advice.
You will need to direct your requests to a licensed attorney. Learn More.
Updated Reporting Dates and Times
Current as of AUG 11, 2026, at 11:10am
July & August
(Current Term)
Panel A
Your Service is now complete, and you no longer need to report!
Panel B
Monday, August 31st at 8:00 a.m.
September & October
(Next Term)
Panel A
September 2nd at 8:00 a.m.
Panel B
September 9th at 8:00 a.m.
Click the Gavel to access the Juror Portal, or click here.
Please review all of the information below, down to the bottom of the page, for important details about reporting for jury duty.
Important Jury Duty Instructions
Step 1: Complete Your Jury Questionnaire
All individuals must complete a Jury Questionnaire, regardless of availability, age, citizenship, criminal history, disability, or any other status. Your responses determine whether you qualify to serve.Step 2: Access the Questionnaire
Complete your questionnaire online at: https://www.courts.mo.gov/jurorportal
Log in using your juror ID (from your summons) and your date of birth.Request a Paper Copy (If Needed)
To request a paper questionnaire, contact the Howell County Circuit Clerk’s Civil Office at 417-256-3741.
When prompted, select 1 (Civil Office), then 2 (Jury Duty).
Step 3: Submit Postpone or Excuse Requests, Including Medical Excuses (If applicable)
Requests to postpone or be excused must be submitted after completing your questionnaire. Medical excuses have strict requirements
(see below)
ALL requests may be submitted by:Fax: (417) 256-4650
Deliver in Person: 106 Courthouse, West Plains, MO
Step 4: After You Qualify
Once qualified, you must report on the date and time listed on your summons for your assigned panel (A, B, or C).
Most report times are no later than 8:30 a.m.Step 5: Stay Informed & Verify Your Jury Duty Reporting Date
Be sure to include your email address or cell phone number (with service provider) in your questionnaire to receive updates regarding your report date.
Jury trial dates change often, and you don’t want to show up to Jury Duty unnecessarily. During your two (2) month term of service, you should expect changes to your reporting dates.You must verify your scheduled appearance for jury duty and time after 5:00 PM on the evening before your report date and time.
To confirm, please:
Check this website, or
Call the Jury Information Line at (417) 256-7505
Understanding Your Jury Summons
Your summons will include the following key information:
Court (1): Circuit Court of Howell County, Missouri
Juror ID (2): 9-digit number on the front of your summons (under the barcode)
Term of Service (3): Two-month period (e.g., Jan–Feb, Mar–Apr)
You must be available during this time, but trials do not last two months
First Report Date (4): Listed on the front of your summons
Panel Assignment (5): A, B, or C (bold on the front)
Jury Info Line (6): Located at the bottom of your summons
To access the Juror Portal, visit https://www.courts.mo.gov/jurorportal/ or click the button below.
How to Contact the Jury Commission
You may contact the Jury Commission through the Circuit Clerk’s Office using the communication options listed below. This includes questions about your summons, qualification status, postponements, or general jury service information.
Available Contact Options:
Phone: (417) 256-3741
Fax: (417) 256-4650
For any requests that require follow-up or documentation, please be sure to include your full name, juror ID number, and any relevant details to assist with processing.
If you are instructed elsewhere on this page to contact the Jury Commission, please refer back to this section for the appropriate contact information.
Reporting for Jury Duty
When and Where
Location:
Howell County Courthouse – West Door Entrance
West Plains, Missouri
Before You Arrive:
Complete your Juror Questionnaire online using the link provided above, or pick up a paper copy at the Circuit Clerk’s Civil Office
If you have not received notice of disqualification or excuse, you are required to appear on your scheduled report date
Arrival:
Doors open promptly at 8:00 AM
Bring your jury summons with you
Dress Code (Required)
Appropriate attire is required for jury duty (business casual recommended).
Not permitted past security:
Shorts
Tank tops
Graphic t-shirts
Pajamas
Failure to meet dress requirements may result in dismissal without excuse.
Note: Courtrooms are kept cool—consider bringing a light layer.
Security Protocol
All individuals entering the courthouse are subject to security screening.
Not permitted:
Weapons of any kind (including knives) will be confiscated and not returned
Bags of any kind. (handbags, purses, totes, backpacks, etc.)
Cell phones or smart watches in courtrooms
Please do not bring restricted items with you.
ADA & Accommodations
Jury service is accessible to all individuals in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations (including dietary needs), please call:
(417) 256-3741
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
At least one week prior to your report date
This number may also be used for emergencies during your service.
Jury Service & Civic Duty
Thank you for your willingness to serve in the judicial process. We recognize that jury duty can be time-consuming and, at times, an imposition. While it may require adjustments to your schedule, your service helps ensure that our justice system remains fair and effective. It is among the highest forms of civic duty a citizen can perform. Few responsibilities offer such a direct and meaningful contribution to our democracy as jury service. Your participation is valued not only by courthouse personnel but also vital to the functioning of our justice system and community.
Jury Information Overview
Juror lists are created by the Missouri Office of State Courts Administrator using:
Voter Registration records
Driver’s License records
Note: These records may not reflect your current address. Completing your questionnaire helps ensure your information is up to date.
For additional details, visit the Jury Duty FAQs below.
Jury Qualification Process
To qualify for jury service:
Complete the online questionnaire or request a paper copy from the Circuit Clerk’s Civil Office
Submit within 10 days of receiving your summons
The questionnaire helps the Court determine eligibility, disqualification, or possible excusal.
If an excusal request is denied prior to your report date, you may still present your circumstances in person during jury selection.
Juror Responsibilities
Before Reporting:
Complete your qualification form within 10 days
Bring your summons each time you report
Terms of Service:
Jurors are on call for two months
You may be required to report multiple times during that period
Verify Before You Arrive:
Check your report status the night before
Use the website or call the Jury Information Line
Court schedules change often due to cancellations
Jury Selection (Day of Reporting)
On your report date, you will have the opportunity to:
Explain scheduling conflicts or hardships
Provide additional information if prior excusal requests were denied
Medical Excuses (Strict Requirements)
If requesting excusal due to medical or caregiving reasons:
A doctor’s note is required
Must be submitted at least two (2) weeks before your first report date
Diagnosis details are not required, but the doctor’s recommendation is mandatory
Requests without documentation will be denied
Submission Options:
Upload via Juror Portal: https://www.courts.mo.gov/jurorportal
Deliver in person: 106 Courthouse, West Plains, MO 65775
Fax from doctor’s office: (417) 256-4650
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Submit your Jury Response (Qualification Form) within 10 days.
Complete it online via the Juror Portal or request a paper copy from the Circuit Clerk’s Civil Office
You must complete the questionnaire before requesting excusal, disqualification, or postponement
Use your Juror ID and date of birth to log in
-
You may request an excuse or postponement.
Only extreme hardship situations are typically approved (Section 464.430)
-
You must meet the following requirements to serve as a juror:
U.S. citizen
At least 21 years of age
Resident of the county (unless otherwise ordered by the court)
Not convicted of a felony (unless civil rights have been restored)
Able to read, speak, and understand English
The following individuals are not eligible:
Active military
Judges
Individuals deemed incapable due to mental or physical condition
What to do next:
Complete the Juror Qualification Questionnaire through the Juror Portal
Any disqualifying information will be submitted to the Court for review
If you are found not qualified, you will be notified and are not required to appear.
If you are found qualified, you must report as instructed on your summons unless otherwise notified.For questions, contact the Jury Office:
(417) 256-3741 → Option 1 → Option 2 -
Jurors are randomly selected from government records (voter registration, driver’s license, etc.).
Use this opportunity to confirm your contact information
-
Individuals who cannot read, speak, or understand English are not eligible for jury service and may be disqualified.
What to do:
Complete the Juror Qualification Questionnaire in the Juror Portal
Answer Question #4 regarding English proficiency
Your response will be submitted to the Court for review
If your limitation is related to a vision or hearing impairment, you will be prompted to provide additional information.
If you are unable to complete the form:
Someone may assist you, or
Contact the Jury Office for help with your submission
You may also contact the Jury Office to request disqualification:
(417) 256-3741 → Option 1 → Option 2 -
No. When completing your Questionnaire in the Juror Portal, select “Served within Last 24 Months.”
-
Wrong address: Mark “Not at this address” and return by mail
Deceased individual: Report through the Juror Portal or call the office
The first question in the portal is
“Are you the person who has been summoned?”
Answer “No” and follow prompts.
-
Must be 21 or older to serve
Individuals 75+ may request excusal, but are welcome to serve (pursuant to Section 494.430 (7) RSMo.)
-
Complete the questionnaire and update your address
Do not appear for service
Proof of residence may be required
A copy of voter ID, Property tax, or an electric bill if it declares your county. (not Howell Oregon Electric)
-
In most cases, the Court does not excuse jurors for financial hardship prior to jury selection.
Hardship requests are typically reviewed in person during the jury selection process.What you can do:
Submit a request through the Juror Portal
Provide clear, specific details (business impact, financial strain, medical needs, etc.)
If your situation qualifies under Missouri law Revised Statute 494.430, the Court will review your request.
Alternative option:
You are entitled to a one-time postponement
This may allow you time to make necessary arrangements
-
Yes, with a doctor’s note. Doctors my submit requests directly to the courthouse via fax.
-
No. Do not bring children to jury duty.
-
Call the Circuit Clerk’s Office:
(417) 256-3741 → Option 1 → Option 2A message will be delivered to the juror.
-
Licensed healthcare providers (defined in Missouri Revised Statutes 538.205) may request to be excused if jury service would negatively impact patient care.
To request excusal:
Submit a written statement confirming:
You are actively providing patient care
Your absence would be detrimental to your patients
Upload documentation through the Juror Portal
Requests will be reviewed in accordance with Missouri law.
-
Reporting and being released, or
Having your service canceled by the Court
To find out if your current service has been canceled, call the automated message line (417) 256-7505 after 5:00 p.m. the evening before your report date.
-
The length of trials varies depending on how complex the issues are and how long jurors spend in deliberations.
Petit Jury: 2-month on-call period (may report multiple times as dates change frequently)
Trials typically last 1–2 days (average)
Grand Jury: May serve up to 6 months
-
Howell County Courthouse (West Entrance)
Date/time listed on your summons
Confirm after 5:00 PM the night before
-
Failure to appear may result in:
Court hearing
Fine up to $500
Community service
Re-summoning
-
Parking is limited by the courthouse. There are several free downtown parking lots available all around the square, so please allow extra time to locate a parking spot and walk to the courthouse if required.
-
Business casual required
No shorts, tank tops, graphic tees, or hats
Courtrooms are kept cool—bring a layer
-
No devices allowed in courtrooms. This includes cell phones, smart watches, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices.
Leave them in your vehicle
Notify staff if medically necessary
-
Yes. Jurors are compensated as follows:
$6.00 per day plus $0.70 per mile (round trip) for the first day
If selected for a jury: $14.00 per day for each additional day of service
How payment works:
You will receive a payment card when you check in
Compensation and mileage are loaded onto the card after service
The card will continue to be updated for each day you are required to report during your term
Instructions for using the card will be provided at check-in.
-
It’s not required by law, but some employers do. We encourage you to check with your employer about their jury duty policy.
-
No!
Missouri law prohibits employer retaliation under Missouri Revised Statute 494.460.
-
Yes—one postponement allowed
Typically rescheduled 6 weeks to 6 months later
Students may postpone up to 12 months
You will be required to serve on your new postponed date. To request a postponement, please contact the Circuit Clerks CIVIL office. Or submit a written request to the Jury Commission.
-
Lunch is not provided on jury selection day, but a break will be given.
What is available:
Light snacks, coffee, tea, soda, and water
Vending machines on-site
Nearby restaurants within driving distance
During a trial:
Lunch and dinner are provided starting on the second day and any additional days
Dinner may also be provided if a trial runs late (at the Judge’s discretion)
If bringing your own food:
Do not bring metal utensils (they will be confiscated by security)
Special dietary needs:
Call (417) 256-3741 at least one week in advance
Forms & Resources
Click on the underlined links to download.
Confidential Information Handout
Download Here.
DISCLAIMER: These examples are for illustration only and are not a comprehensive list. There is no exhaustive list of all information that may be confidential under state or federal law. For help, you may want to consult with an attorney.
Court Forms
All approved forms can be found through the Missouri Judiciary at Missouri Courts and directly at Civil Forms for Civil cases.
Records Request Forms
Records request forms are available to download and complete here. After completion, forms may be submitted by mail or via email to hwl.recordsrequest@courts.mo.gov. Processing times and applicable fees may apply.
Records Request | Transcript Request| CD Audio Recording Request
Confidential Information Handout
Download Here.
DISCLAIMER: These examples are for illustration only and are not a comprehensive list. There is no exhaustive list of all information that may be confidential under state or federal law. For help, you may want to consult with an attorney.
Court Fees
Court fees are the standard costs required to file, process, or manage a case through the court system. A court fee schedule is a list outlining those fees based on the type of case or service requested.
Local Court Rules
Local Court Rules define the procedures and requirements for filing and managing cases within this circuit. Parties are encouraged to review these rules before filing to ensure compliance with court standards.