Jury service, unless excused by law, is a responsibility of citizenship. Lastly, if any individual is incarcerated in any prison or jail, they are also disqualified from jury service. If assigned to a courtroom on the day you report for jury duty and released by the judge in that court, you may be required to enter another courtroom for jury selection. Jurors are instructed to call for reporting instructions after 5:30pm on the evening prior to their report date. California law does not permit citizens to pay a fine in lieu of jury service; a fine may be assessed, but the citizen would still be required to reschedule jury service for a later date. If the information you provide to these two sources is not identical you may receive two summonses or you may be summoned more often than others. While in a courtroom all cell phones and pagers should be turned off. If you need assistance, a friend or a family member who speaks English can call for you. The Jury Act also allows courts to excuse a juror from service at the time he or she is summoned on the grounds of "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience." Understand English at a level adequate to discuss a legal case. (916) 874-7775 anytime after 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before your standby service week begins for your On parole, post-release community supervision, felony probation, or mandated supervision for the conviction of a felony; or. Jurors are essential to the administration of justice. 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." Students and Teachers may be rescheduled to the next school break. Jurors are encouraged to leave any questionable items at home or in their vehicles. We read every comment! Please note that the above changes do not affect the eligibility and disqualification criteria for criminal or civil grand juries, as specified in Section 893 of the Penal Code. The work done by the courts affects all people, so it is important that all communities be a part of our justice system. Do not provide this type of information to anyone claiming to be associated with the courts. which would normally not be a reason to get out of jury duty. Any person who fails to respond may be fined up to $1,500, incarcerated, or both. The only people who are exempt from jury duty are members of the Armed Forces Beginning January 1, 2020, certain individuals with a criminal history may serve on California trial juries. Such groups may include persons over age 70; persons who have, within the past two years, served on a federal jury; and persons who serve as volunteer fire fighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew. Reading material and handiwork may only be used while court is not in session. Judges are aware that long trials can be difficult. WebIs there an age limit for being summoned or serving as a juror? In addition, an accompanying vignette entitled, A More Perfect Jury: A History of Jury Service, explores the history of jury service from its beginnings in English common law, into the Civil Rights and Womens Suffrage movements, as well as new changes to California juries created by recent legislation. Be alert and courteous. 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 You can update your information and request a postponement using the. Once a sworn juror, you may obtain a work certificate: daily, weekly or at the completion of your jury duty stay with us. 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. All persons accused of a crime or involved in a civil dispute have a constitutional right to have a jury decide their cases. You may be asked to leave the courtroom to take care of such situations. No one person has to know everything. For those individuals who will now be eligible for jury service and wish to serve, please remember that selection is random. The work done by the courts affects all people, so it is important that all communities be a part of our justice system. In any individual case, unless the person is aged 70 years or older, the prospective juror may be required to furnish verification or a method of verification of the 2023 Jury Duty 101. Please be patient during this process, because other jurors have similar concerns. The courts may use other sources such as customer mailing lists, telephone directories, and utility company lists. No one is exempt because of theirjob, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or economic status. (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. NO WEAPONS, PEPPER SPRAYS of any kind, NEEDLES, SCISSORS, TWEEZERS, METAL NAIL FILES, nor any hot/cold liquids will be allowed thru security, with the exception of bottled water. Generally, if you qualify for one of the statutory excuses, you can respond to your jury duty summons letter with an excuse note containing proof of your excuse, and you will not have to report for jury selection. 191 N. First St. Ask an Expert Ask a Lawyer Employment Law Questions Lucy, Esq., Lawyer 37,457 Satisfied Customers Former judicial law clerk, lawyer Lucy, Esq. (b) A juror who is employed by a federal, state or local government entity or by any other public entity as defined in Section 481.200, and who receives regular compensation and benefits while performing jury service, may not be paid the fee described in subdivision (a). Juries play an important and crucial role in our country's democratic process. If you are 70 years of age or older, the California Rules of Court allow you to be excused due to a medical condition without a be postponed to allow you sufficient time to Jurors are asked to dress appropriately for a courtroom. You will NOT be able to make a request for postponement, disqualification or excuse via email. Can I Get Excused From Jury Duty Because I Work? Prospective jurors are paid fees and mileage beginning with their second day of service. The reimbursement rate for public transportation will be up to $12/day. Attn: Jury Commissioner's Office. Ignoring a summons in Alameda County can lead to serious consequences, including a fine of up to: $250 for the first offense $750 for the WebThe selection and management of jurors is governed by the California Code of Civil Procedure. For more information, please visit the Courts COVID-19 page. WebGroup numbers: 86-95. 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. Explain to the staff person that you have been summoned twice in 12 months. However, if you have received a pardon from the Governor and had your civil rights restored, pursuant to California Penal Code, Section 4852.01-4854, you may serve on a jury. 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. Additionally, individuals who are currently required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code based on afelony conviction. Home Online Services Jury Duty General Information. Rule 2.1009. endobj Age Follow the directions on your summons to request a postponement. If your answer is NO to any of the above statements you must review and complete the Request to be Disqualified section below. In fact, the majority of people who report for jury service serve for just one day. Please bring your own pen or pencil. If any person persists in talking to you about the trial or attempts to influence your judgment as a juror, tell the bailiff. Jury trials cannot be held unless citizens of the state in which the trial is held are willing to perform their civic duty. Such conferences are held to discuss legal issues or to agree upon points of evidence. To request a postponement, click on the button below. (6) The prospective juror's services are immediately needed for the protection of the public health and safety, and it is not feasible to make alternative arrangements to relieve the person of those responsibilities during the period of service as a juror without substantially reducing essential public services. I had my civil rights restored following a conviction of a felony Fees are paid at the end of a trial, at the rate of fifteen ($15) dollars per day and thirty four (.34) cents per mile, one way only from their home to the courthouse. It is important for you to contact the court to resolve the problem. Alcoholic beverages are also not allowed. The California Education Code (44037 and 8 7036) and Rule of Court 5.5(d)(7) protect teachers, other school employees, and students. Read your summons carefully or contact your localjury office to find out how to request a postponement. The judge will have to grant the request. This cherished right is guaranteed by both the U.S. and California Constitutions. If you are harassed or fired, contact your local jury office or the judge assigned to your trial. WebPlease first read the summons. You qualify as a JUROR if your answer to all of the above statements is YES. Prospective jurors for the Santa Barbara County courts are selected randomly from the Voter Registration list and the Department of Motor Vehicles' drivers and identification card-holders lists. 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. The judge knows approximately how long the trial will take and he or she will give you an idea when your group is called for jury selection. Trial length depends on how complex the issues are and how long jurors spend in deliberations. You may appear in Jury Services for drop in jury duty any weekday at 9:00 a.m. prior to your scheduled appearance date and be prepared to spend the entire day serving jury duty. (Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007.). If you have questions about your privacy, please let the judge know. California A Bankruptcy or Magistrate Judge? your scheduled summons date. A doctor's note may be required. a medical appointment; full-time student or planned vacation. you are currently required to register as a sex offender based on a felony conviction (Penal Code 290). Each of the 94 federal district courts maintains its own jury procedures and policies regarding excuses from jury service. If directed to report, plan to attend court as a juror from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Beginning January 1, 2020, certain individuals with criminal histories are eligible to serve as a juror. Registrar of Voters or call (909) 387-8300, Department of Motor Vehicle or call 1-800-777-0133. If you are age 70 or over and have either a physical or mental disability or impairment you may be excused from jury service. ), (d) Reasons for excusing a juror because of undue hardship. Roadways to the Bench: Who Me? Such conferences are held to discuss legal issues, or to agree upon what evidence may be submitted for you to consider. Jurors are given proof of their service and often certificates of appreciation or thank-you letters and then are released from jury service. 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. Your summons has instructions on how to find out if you must report on your first day and the subsequent days of your week on-call. This will save you time on your reporting day. If you violate this rule, you could cause a mistrial. Be alert and courteous. 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. The judge will take your privacy into consideration when making decisions about the case. I am NOT currently incarcerated in prison or jail. Two types of trials have juries: criminal trials and civil trials. You may not talk to witnesses, nor do independent experiments. There is no upper age limit for jurors at the state or federal level; courts only require that jurors be 18 years of age or older. COVID-19 Prevention Program Training for Jurors. Please check reporting instructions as your reporting location may change. All potential jurors are selected at random from lists. Please use the Courts juror portal, JPORTAL, where you can register and complete a set of juror eligibility questions as well as complete the questionnaire. Only law enforcement officers as defined in Sec 830.1 & 830.2(a) of California Penal Code (CCP 219) are statutorily exempt from jury service by virtue of their occupation. Return it to the court right away. A: There is no maximum age limit. In California, individuals with a permanent health problem can be exempted from jury duty, but if you are 70 years or older, you dont need a doctors verification of the health problem. There would also be the Tribunal members and the judiciary. You may visit us in person during our office hours at one of the following locations: Phone hours: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m Friday. Date: 02-28-2023. Jurors decide the outcome of a trial as a group, with each member making an important contribution. If there is an emergency at home, you can be contacted at the courthouse. Not have been called up for jury in the last 12 months or be currently involved in another trial. However, the judge may order that the prospective juror wear appropriate clothing if they must return for further service. stream The selection and management of jurors is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure. Even if you ask for an excuse, you may still be required to come to court to speak with the judge. If you are seeking excuse from a summons , you will be notified by e -mail or via the U.S. If you cannot understand English, follow the instructions on the summons or contact the Jury Administration Office at (909) 884-1858. Click here to see information about how the transition will happen in each case type. Recess for lunch between 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. Instead call 510-891-6031 or emailjury@alameda.courts.ca.govto explain your condition and request a deferral of your jury service. (Code of Civil Procedure, Section 481.200 and 215). Deferring You are qualified to be a juror if you are. ), (e) Excuse based on previous jury service. Pursuant to California Rules of Court, section 2.1006, a mother who is breastfeeding a child may request that jury service be deferred for up to one year, and may renew that request as long as she is breastfeeding, however the request must be in writing, under penalty of perjury. (2) A statutory exemption from jury service must be granted only when the eligible person claims it. The Presiding Judge or the Jury Commissioner, at mailing address 191 North First Street, San Jose, CA 95113.