Can employers dock pay from an employee that is absent from work because that employee is a witness in court?

Question

I have recently been served with a subpoena to testify in court. I am going to be absent from work for two days. Am I supposed to be getting paid from my employer during this time? I talked with my boss and he says that the company I work for doesn't pay for that and he also said that they don't pay for jury duty. I have always been under the impression that employees were supposed to get paid for these things. If anyone can help I would appreciate it greatly and if there are any laws and regulations regarding this matter I would like to have a URL to them so I can print them off. Thanks.

Answer 1

It is up to the employer. Most don't, & a very precious few will pay for jury or court duty.
Good luck.

Answer 2

N-ur boss is right u were subpoena,to testify in court u were not called for jury duty were ur employer has to pay u for the days u missed a big difference n that is in every state.
Ur boss is full of crap if u-r- called to jury duty despite the big pay they give u for coming in for jury duty a day in my state New Jersey,it is a whopping ($5.00) per day u-r- still suppose to be paid for the day or days u had to serve because u were court ordered for jury duty,so do not let ur boss fool u because he is talking out his ... u know what there are laws that support that as well both state n federal look them up.

Answer 3

Can't give you a URL because I don't know what state you're in, but I'd suggest calling the court or looking up the court's website. I'm sure they get the question often, and ought to be able to tell you 1) what a witness gets paid and 2) whether you have any legal rights to have your employer pay you.

The other question is whether you are a member of a union, or whether your employer has any kind of employee manual that might be binding. If there is a union contract or employee manual that says you do get paid, you probably have to turn in the witness fee paid by the court to your employer. (You don't get both your wages and your witness fee.)

Answer 4

They (your employer) normally isnt expected to pay you for going to court on a non work related case, you arent doing anything for them so they dont owe you anything for being in court. Some places your employer will compensate you for jury duty (if selected) paying you your wages ,minus what the court pays you,but as for being in court to testify ,it isnt even nessicarily and excused absence ,let alone paid leave.

Answer 5

Thought the court or something gives you a check for the time you spent on jury duty.

Answer 6

I would check with the clerk of court in most states you can receive a payment if you were subpoenaed to court, but the amount is ususally set by the judge and it will not be even close to what you normally make.

Answer 7

Your employer is only required to pay you for actual time spent at work for him/her. You are not entitled to anything more, unless you belong to the union and have a union contract with the company that offers you additional benefits, or if the company has a written policy offering additional benefits. Sorry.

Answer 8

Its like jury duty - the employer has to grant you the time off, but not paid time off.

Answer 9

They dont have to pay you but they do have to give you the time off. It is usually a policy the company sets not a law.

Answer 10

they do not have to pay for time off or jury duty, sorry charlie. when on jury duty, court pays you a few bucks a day to make up loss.....subpeona - outta luck