Some courts may have programs where they pay you what it costs to take mass transit or where local transit agencies provide free bus or rail transportation to court. Jury Duty 101 is a free public resource site, and is not affiliated with the United States government or any Government agency. You may contact the court to request an ADA accommodation atADA_Request@alameda.courts.ca.govor (510) 891-6213. The Presiding Judge or the Jury Commissioner, at mailing address 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113. Business attire is always appropriate. (4) The prospective juror will bear an undue risk of material injury to or destruction of the prospective juror's property or property entrusted to the prospective juror, and it is not feasible to make alternative arrangements to alleviate the risk. Call the judge in your case if you feel harassed. Instead, the new law now makes persons previously convicted of a felony now eligible and qualified, unless. The public transit reimbursement starts on the first day. Business or casual dress is acceptable-jeans and t-shirts are okay. Registrar of Voters or call (909) 387-8300, Department of Motor Vehicle or call 1-800-777-0133. California Code of Civil By law employers are not required to compensate employees while they are on jury service. If your name is in the jury pool, there is no limit to the number of times that you can be flagged for jury duty. Jurors are given proof of their service and often certificates of appreciation or thank-you letters and then are released from jury service. Juror Qualifications | United States Courts Procedure, Section 203, California There are many courtroom processes that must be handled outside of the presence of the jury to protect the integrity of the trial. (Subd (d) amended effective January 1, 2007. endobj This means that people are not required to come to court for more than one day of jury duty unless they are assigned to a courtroom for jury selection, or serve on a trial, more than once every 12 months. Discussions with others can cause a mistrial because the juror gained evidence outside the record. Can I Get Excused From Jury Duty Because I Work? Jury Staff is available to assist you during your service as a juror. However, you may still have to come in person to request a disqualification. As of August 16, 2004, legislation was signed concerning Juror Pay for Governmental Employees. After 5 P.M. on the Friday before your summons date and every night during your summons week, check our Jury Reporting Instructions pageor call (510) 879-3079 to receive reporting instructions. Understand English at a level adequate to discuss a legal case. Attn: Jury Commissioner's Office. Your employer must allow you time off for jury duty. WebOnce you reach age 70 in Nevada, you are exempt from serving on a jury no matter where you live. AGE LIMIT FOR JURY (7) The prospective juror has a personal obligation to provide actual and necessary care to another, including sick, aged, or infirm dependents, or a child who requires the prospective juror's personal care and attention, and no comparable substitute care is either available or practical without imposing an undue economic hardship on the prospective juror or person cared for. All prospective jurors are required to go through the metal detectors. basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in CA, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty, mental or physical impairment for those over 70. Juror Qualifications Do not appear in person. If you do not qualify for any of the California statutory exemptions listed above but seriously think that attending jury selection would cause you undue hardship, you can always submit a jury duty excuse letter with your response to the summons, and ask to be excused. Contact the Jury Commissioner's Office as soon as you know that you are going to be late. The selection and management of jurors is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure. The vast majority of people who actually serve on a jury find it a fascinating and rewarding experience that they would do again. Further questions should be directed to your local court. Required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Penal Code Section 290. No. The form will be available at each jury reporting location. Let them know what you will need. Sacramento, CA 95814, Request Postponement / Excuse from Jury Service, Unlawful Detainer (Landlord/Tenant) E-Filing, e-Correspondence (Family Law Self-Help Assistance), Mediation Reports and Findings and Orders After Hearing, Penal Code section 830.1, 830.2(A) or 830.33(A), https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/jury/reporting.aspx, California Code of Civil We read every comment! These conferences often help speed up the trial or avoid the possibility of a mistrial. A: Call (805) 289-8661 after 4:00 p.m. beginning the Friday before your reporting week or check our Jury Service page for reporting information. Your name will remain on the court's jury list for at least one year, and you may be called for jury duty at any time during that year. State law (Labor Code, Section 230) prohibits an employer from discharging or in any manner discriminating against an employee for taking time off to serve as a juror if the employee, prior to taking such time off, gives reasonable notice to the employer of the requirement to serve as a juror. For assistance resolving a jury service issue, please contact your local court directly. You may not talk to witnesses, nor do independent experiments. Webbe at least 18 years of age; reside primarily in the judicial district for one year; be adequately proficient in English to satisfactorily complete the juror qualification form; have no Be sure to turn off all cell phones and audible pagers in the courtroom. WebJury duty is mandatory for all U.S. citizens, so you cant skip it or postpone it without a just cause. Once the verdict is read in court by the clerk, the members of the jury may be polled and asked how they voted. You qualify as a JUROR if your answer to all of the above statements is YES. You are qualified to be a juror if you are. Many courts offer excuses from service, on individual request, to designated groups of persons or occupational classes. Please bring your own pen or pencil. Employers must allow employees time off to serve on a jury. I am NOT currently incarcerated in prison or jail. WebWe currently have two sessions. The Civil Code of Procedure Section 215 provides: (a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), on and after July 1, 2000, the fee for jurors in the superior court, in civil and criminal cases, is fifteen dollars ($15) a day for each days attendance as a juror after the first day. If there is an emergency at home, you can be contacted at the courthouse. All U.S. Citizens who are over the age of 18, a resident of the county that issued the jury summons, and able to understand the English language are eligible to serve on a jury in the State of California. You would have to travel an excessive distance to the courthouse. An individual who has not been convicted of a felony, or if convicted and civil rights restored, attach a copy of Certificate of Rehabilitation. Some people aren't eligible for jury service or can get excused because of their job. Our office hours to receive assistance with your jury service are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Friday Security officers might keep items they think are hazardous. Please make every effort to use public transportation whenever possible. They may not be allowed in the courtroom even if they are shut off. The juror should write a letter to the clerk of court requesting an excuse with an explanation of hardship. We suggest you wear comfortable clothing that fits with the importance and dignity of the courtroom. To request a postponement, click on the button below. For further assistance, please email jury@alameda.courts.ca.gov. If you cant reach the courtroom, you may contact the Jury Commissioner's Office or the clerk of the court and explain your situation. Judges are aware that long trials can be difficult. You may check your reporting instructions using any of the following methods: Thank you to all jurors for your service. You may bring a book or newspaper to read while you're waiting for court to begin, or during recesses, but don't read while court is in session. The Jury Services unit of the Superior Court of Alameda County does not call citizens to request payment for failing to appear for jury service. The date of your appearance is on the jury postcard you were mailed. Reside in the county that summoned you. You do not need any special skills or legal knowledge to be a juror. Jury Service California Rules of Court: Title Two Rules Roadways to the Bench: Who Me? Courts use Department of Motor Vehicles and voter registration lists. Please use good judgment on articles of clothing. However, the judge may order that the prospective juror wear appropriate clothing if they must return for further service. You should mail this form as soon as possible to U.S. District Court, 324 W. Market St., Greensboro, N.C., 27401 Attn: Jury. The selection process is done randomly and must stay that way. Jury Duty - Home - Superior Court of California, County of Santa Trial length depends on how complex the issues are and how long jurors spend in deliberations. Do not talk to anyone about the case until you are discharged from the jury. You may only reschedule your jury service one time to a different week, 3-6 months after your current summons date. If you face an undue hardship, you may be able to be excused from jury service or postpone service. Also, thosewho are currently required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code based on the felony conviction are not eligible for jury service. If you find that you are not qualified to serve, submit a request to be disqualified by clicking During deliberations at the end of the trial, of course, you will discuss the case with other jurors in order to reach a verdict. Jury Duty Jurors who are Report remotely via zoom by logging in to the Jportal on the following date and time. Your email will be answered within 3 to 5 business days. California This is intended to make jury service more convenient by shortening the time that a person is required to serve to one day or one trial. WebGroup numbers: 86-95. Usually it must be rescheduled during the same year and not exceed 90 days from the date of your origina summons week. A prospective juror who has served on a grand or trial jury or was summoned and appeared for jury service in any state or federal court during the previous 12 months must be excused from service on request. Beginning January 1, 2020, certain individuals with criminal histories are eligible to serve as a juror. As a juror you participate in an important public process and fulfill a civic obligation. Office hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Keep in mind that your initial jury duty summons is only for attending jury selection day, where it will be decided if you are to actually serve on a jury during the "Voir Dire" process. Mileage is paid at $.34 per mile one way from your legal residence to the courthouse starting with the second day of service. (Subd (b) amended effective January 1, 2007. The orientation is a requirement of state law and must be given to all prospective jurors. WebThe grand jury is different from a trial jury (known as a petit jury). Failure to appear as summoned could result in a $1,500.00 fine, a jail sentence and other legal consequences. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 209 provides that "Any prospective trial juror who has been summoned for service, and who fails to attend upon the court as directed or to respond to the court or jury commissioner and to be excused from attendance, may be attached and compelled to attend; and, following an order to show cause hearing, the court may find the prospective juror in contempt of court, punishable by a fine of up to $1,500, or 5 days in the county jail, or both." Do not provide this type of information to anyone claiming to be associated with the courts, and contact your local jury office if you receive this type of request. If a member of the media, a lawyer, or a friend or family member of one of the people involved in the case approaches you during the trial, let the judge know immediately. (5) The prospective juror has a physical or mental disability or impairment, not affecting that person's competence to act as a juror, that would expose the potential juror to undue risk of mental or physical harm. Inclusion on the list of eligible jurors does not guarantee that you will be immediately selected for jury service. The address, the date, your group number and the time that you are to report for jury duty will be written on the summons. If you have forbidden items, you may be asked to leave the courthouse and return without them. Breastfeeding mothers may be postponed for a period of up to one year. "public officers" of federal, state or local governments, who are actively engaged full-time in the performance of public duties. I am NOT currently serving as a Grand Juror. Qualifications for jury service are established by This occurs when the DMV or Registrar of Voters has your name differently in their systems. Jury Information If you do not wish to be contacted after the trial, let the judge know. When you serve on a jury, you make important decisions affecting other people's lives as well as your own community. If you violate this rule, you could cause a mistrial. Any person who fails to respond may be fined up to $1,500, incarcerated, or both. However, some courts may excuse you if serving on a jury and missing work would cause undue hardship to either yourself or your employer. San Jose, CA 95113. Juvenile and family law trials do not have juries. The selection of persons for jury service is accomplished by You must also complete the juror questionnaire six (6) or more days prior to your service date. stream During deliberations at the end of the trial, you will naturally discuss the case with other jurors in order to reach a verdict. % No one person has to know everything. Let the judge know if it would be a serious hardship for you to serve on a long trial. However, if you have been convicted of a felony and are currently on parole, postrelease community supervision, felony probation, or mandated supervision for the conviction of a felony, youremain disqualified from jury service. Postponement may be available for health problems, pre-existing personal commitments that cannot be rescheduled, or scheduled paid vacation. Give the earliest date you will be able to serve. Counties may pay more but never less. No. Contact HRTraining@alameda.courts.ca.gov. Q: What day do I report? All potential jurors are selected at random from lists. Jury FAQs - The Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo Please be patient during this process, because other jurors have similar concerns. In an emergency, the judge can excuse you at any time during the trial, even during deliberations, and an alternate can take your place. Most trials are completed within a week. WebIf you have already rescheduled your jury duty once, the system will not allow you to reschedule again. It If you cannot understand English, follow the instructions on the summons or contact the jury office. Unless otherwise established by statute or local rule, an excessive distance is reasonable travel time that exceeds one-and-one-half hours from the prospective juror's home to the court. If you are seeking excuse from a summons , you will be notified by e -mail or via the U.S. Jurors are summoned randomly from countywide lists maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Franchise Tax Board's state tax filers, and the local registrar of voters. The Judicial Council of California and staff of the superior courts will never ask past or prospective jurors for financial information, credit card numbers, bank account information, or personal information like Social Security numbers. People called for grand jury duty should contact the court that has summoned them with specific questions. For example, the U.S. District Court of South Carolina allows people over 70 to be excused, and the U.S. District Court of California allows those over 75 to submit a request to be excused based on age, as stated on their respective websites. You may only make a request by completing an online request through the prospective juror login website, or by submitting your request by mail or in person. Contact the jury commissioner's office as soon as you know that you are going to be late. The mileage payment starts on the second day. California Employers cannot terminate an employee called for jury service as long as the employee gives reasonable notice of the summons. I had my civil rights restored following a conviction of a felony Once all trials have selected and jurors are no longer needed for that week, you should be released from jury service for a period of one-year. That is the law. [CCP 1218(a)], All jurors are allowed one postponement or reschedule of their jury service to a more convenient week. 3 0 obj Contact the court immediately to reschedule your jury service. The right to a trial by jury is the privilege of every person in the United States, whether or not that person is a citizen. Ask your localjury office for information about your court's payment process. Do not leave the courtroom unless there is an emergency and the bailiff has been informed. Selection is random. In accordance with Senate Bill 310, which changes the eligibility and disqualification criteria listed in Section 203 of the Code of Civil Procedure, having a felony conviction on your criminal record does not disqualify you from jury service. You will NOT be able to make a request for postponement, disqualification or excuse via email. (Subd (c) amended effective January 1, 2007. No one is exempt because of theirjob, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic status. What is the age limit for federal jury duty? Alcoholic beverages are also not allowed. In addition, you must not have served as any kind of juror in the past 12 months, must not be currently incarcerated in any prison or jail, and must not have been convicted of a malfeasance in office for which your civil rights have not been restored. Tell us what you think about the new website. will take effect January 1, 2020. You may not use computers, cellular phones, cameras, or tape recorders in the courtroom. The court's normal hours of operation are 8:00 AMto 5:00 PM. Of course, the emergency must be significant. The judge will take your privacy into consideration when making decisions about the case. So you may be called even if you allow your name to be dropped from the list of registered voters. Click here for more information. Such conferences are held to discuss legal issues, or to agree upon what evidence may be submitted for you to consider. Jury Division 2023 Jury Duty 101. The average length is around five days. ), (c) Requests to be excused from jury service. WebThe selection and management of jurors is governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure. Please be advised that any requests for such information may be a scam. Email: jury services at ssjuryinfo@scscourt.org and provide the following information: juror badge number, full name, full address and date of birth so that we may properly identify you. Sometimes business or personal matters make it impossible to serve on the date shown on your summons. You should contact the courtin question where your jury service was/has been scheduled if you have a problem with your employer because of jury service. If you need special accommodations,contact the court right away. All potential jurors are selected at random from lists. Typically, if you are not chosen for jury selection after one day at the courthouse then your service is done for at least one year. Please consult an attorney for legal advice or your probation office for further guidance.