teachers and breastfeeding mother will need to make their request in writing via: Jury Commissioner Most counties require medical note from physician for deferral or postponement. For information and announcements concerning COVID-19 & the June 15, 2021 Re-Opening, please visit:COVID-19 Information Page. Postponing one's jury service is preferred to excusing a prospective California law says you are qualified to be a juror if you: Reasons you may be excused from jury service include: Resources for Judges, Attorneys, Court Staff, and the Public, View the Court and Community Jury Brochure, Plain language Civil and Criminal Jury Instructions, California Department of Industrial Relations, Through the Eyes of the Juror: A Manual for Addressing Juror Stress, Can understand English enough to understand and discuss the case, Are a resident of the county that sent you the jury summons, Have not served on a jury in the last 12 months, Are not currently on a grand jury or on another trial jury, Are not incarcerated in any prison or jail, Are not on parole, postrelease community supervision, felony probation, or mandated supervision for the conviction of a felony, Are not required to register as a sex offender, Were convicted of malfeasance while holding public office and have not had your civil rights restored. In California, your employer is not allowed to penalize you for missing work for jury duty. Please wear a mask or face covering, and dress appropriately. A juror over the age of 70, may be excused from duty due to physical or mental reasons. Many courts offer excuses from service, on individual request, to designated groups of persons or occupational classes. Time: 8:30 AM. Follow the directions on the summons for postponement or excuse. WebPlease first read the summons. Juror Parking: If you are driving, click the appropriate link of the location you were instructed to report for service. or malfeasance while holding public office. If you have an issue with your jury service, please contact your local court. If you have not been selected, you may want tocontact the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Franchise Tax Board, and/or your local registrar of voters to update your mailing address. 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. Check with the jury commissioner if you have any doubts. You may not talk to witnesses, or do independent experiments. The date of your appearance is on the jury postcard you were mailed. You must know enough English to understand the proceedings, and be physically and mentally capable of serving. The telephone number is pre-printed on your jury summons. 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. If you have been summoned for jury duty, please report as directed. Madera, CA 93637 The exemption is being added to a list of a half-dozen other categories of people who can be excused from jury duty. Recess for lunch between 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM. You may contact the Registrar of Voters office at (510) 272-6973 or your local DMV office. All jurors receive at least 34 cents for each mile they travel to and from court, or they can receive up to $12 for using public transit. age 75 or older Legislation signed Tuesday by Gov. Not even the lawyers or the judge, except through the bailiff. (3) The prospective juror will bear an extreme financial burden. The judge must balance the requirement in the federal Constitution that guarantees people a public and speedy trial against the concerns jurors may have about privacy. 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 Ask an Expert Ask a Lawyer Employment Law Questions Lucy, Esq., Lawyer 37,457 Satisfied Customers Former judicial law clerk, lawyer Lucy, Esq. Do not enter court facilities if you have answered yes to any of the questions in the health screening survey. Any person who fails to respond may be fined up to $1,500, incarcerated, or both. Carefully follow the instructions on the summons and contact the court if you need help. Once the verdict is read in court by the clerk, the members of the jury may be polled and asked how they voted. (E) Whether material injury to or destruction of the property will so disrupt the economic stability of any individual as to be against the interests of justice. Once a sworn juror, you may obtain a work certificate: daily, weekly or at the completion of your jury duty stay with us. Wearing shorts or tank tops will not be used as a basis for excusing jurors. Procedure varies by county. Understand English at a level adequate to discuss a legal case. I have a sufficient understanding of the English language. Attn: Jury Commissioner's Office. These conferences often help speed up the trial or avoid the possibility of a mistrial. I am NOT currently serving as a Grand Juror. Superior Court of California, County of Madera When you serve on a jury, you make important decisions affecting other people's lives as well as your own community. 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 https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/jury/reporting.aspx or call the automated system at Therefore, simply having a job isn't in itself enough to be excused from jury duty. California has one day or one trial jury service. This change is effective January 1, 2020. (Subd (d) amended effective January 1, 2007. View the Court and Community Jury Brochure to get information and instructions for responding to your juror summons. The NCSC can be contacted at 800-877-1233. check the website: Dress as you would to go to a business meeting or social function. Additionally, ifany individual is incarcerated in any prison or jail, they are disqualified from jury service. If you are age 70 or over and have either a physical or mental disability or impairment you may be excused from jury service. Your verdict must be based only on evidence produced in court. Please Note: This email service is for informational purposes only. I'm 73 year of age, I was born in March 21 1949, I have Sacramento, CA 95814. x}[s]vS%){&ON9@QD::nM.4v+Ih4};|7}{0o!9w!rpwg/"?\6Gc?tC%YM&v'\Og8{ X;|oB60Fwa6Vt\gA{=Mg_']s&& IbHB0~Ux$,IBM3$~E6v!IML(h`e7?QC?-'{*tpnuXnaMqy m;p_Oq]c}OW99JhE (v+h)%x[^MdHl0uCoH6/mZCavJp~gh/e53Dr@kM8/w gBM z@Yhib2B^T5z3A#/0GB~y2\r ~A!l$c3d [4\?MH3tpk;:e2xTHpS__$hB1Q7#M%6#. Most trials are completed within a week. Jurors are warned that temperatures in courtrooms can vary widely (both cold and hot) and are encouraged to dress appropriately. Even if you are qualified to be a juror, you might still have what is called an "undue hardship." 1 0 obj 4 0 obj The National Center for State Courts (NCSC) publishes a manual titledThrough the Eyes of the Juror: A Manual for Addressing Juror Stress. For your information, California Code of Civil Procedure Section 196 {c} provides that "Any person who fails to respond to jury commissioner or court inquiry as instructed, may be summoned to appear before the jury commissioner or the court to answer such inquiry." 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. 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. Please use good judgment on articles of clothing. (Subd (e) amended effective January 1, 2007.). Reside in the county that summoned you. WebCalifornia 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. I had my civil rights restored following a conviction of a felony Eating and chewing gum is not permitted. By law, a juror must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to be summoned and serve, but there is no limitation of age after Work Certificates are available for your employer. The Best Benefits of HughesNet for the Home Internet User, How to Maximize Your HughesNet Internet Services, Get the Best AT&T Phone Plan for Your Family, Floor & Decor: How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Budget, Choose the Perfect Floor & Decor Stone Flooring for Your Home, How to Find Athleta Clothing That Fits You, How to Dress for Maximum Comfort in Athleta Clothing, Update Your Homes Interior Design With Raymour and Flanigan, How to Find Raymour and Flanigan Home Office Furniture. Courts normally begin their jury trials each morning at 9:30 AM. Webincrease in the upper age limits for magistrates. By law employers are not required to compensate employees while they are on jury service. Judges are aware that long trials can be difficult. (Subd (a) amended effective January 1, 2007.). 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. An undue hardship is a difficult situation that prevents you from being able to serve. On parole, post-release community supervision, felony probation, or mandated supervision for the conviction of a felony; or. It is against the law to fire or harass an employee who is summoned to serve as a juror. If you find that you are not qualified to serve, submit a request to be disqualified by clicking You will not get paid on the first day of service. % The court uses common, everyday language that people can understand. Free transit service may be available in your area. 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. You should plan to attend court as a juror all day from approximately 8:00 - 5:00 p.m., depending on the court's schedule. This prevents a trial based on secret evidence. Contact the court and let them know you have two summonses. Be sure to turn off all cell phones and audible pagers in the courtroom. WebThe grand jury is different from a trial jury (known as a petit jury). The only people who are exempt from jury duty are members of the Armed Forces ), * Parking options for Downtown Superior Courthouse. 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. There is no upper age limit to serve as a juror. Age Because our selection is random and doesn't contain information such as social security number or dates of birth, the system has no way of determining that you are one in the same person. 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. Additionally, individuals who are currently required to register as a sex offender pursuant to Section 290 of the Penal Code based on afelony conviction. Qualifications for jury service are established by Such conferences are held to discuss legal issues or to agree upon points of evidence. This may happen more often unless you contact these agencies and correct your name. If you receive a telephone call, an e-mail or other form of electronic communication from someone identifying himself or herself as a court employee and requesting your personal information, you may be the victim of a jury fraud scam. 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. If any person persists in talking to you about the trial or attempts to influence your judgment as a juror, tell the bailiff. California Code of Civil You may be asked to leave the courtroom to take care of such situations. The new bill requires that mileage reimbursement for jurors using their own personal mode of transportation will now apply to travel both going and leaving the court, whereas previously mileage was only paid for one way travel. For further assistance, please email jury@alameda.courts.ca.gov. California No. Juvenile and family law trials do not have juries. Administrative Oversight and Accountability, Director of Workplace Relations Contacts by Circuit, Fact Sheet for Workplace Protections in the Federal Judiciary, Chronological History of Authorized Judgeships - Courts of Appeals, Chronological History of Authorized Judgeships - District Courts. 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. 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. If employed you MUST report to work until your group is called in. Jury service may be postponed for a period of up to 90 days from the original summons date. Jury Trials are held at the following Court locations only: Once you have been assigned as a juror and sworn to hear the case, the court will instruct you as to what time you are to report and where. However, you must let your employer know well in advance, as soon as you receive your summons. 720 9th Street Many employers support the jury system and provide jury service benefits and will continue employee wages while they serve. 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." <>>> The court and its staff must employ all necessary and appropriate means to ensure that citizens fulfill this important civic responsibility. Under no circumstances should you investigate the case on your own, either alone or with other jurors. Check with the Jury Commissioner's Office if you have any doubts. Call the Interactive Voice Response Line at (510) 879-3079. Explain to the staff person that you have been summoned twice in 12 months. However, some courts may excuse you if serving on a jury and missing work would cause undue hardship to either yourself or your employer. 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. If your answer is NO to any of the above statements you must review and complete the Request to be Disqualified section below. Of course, the emergency must be significant. (2) The prospective juror must travel an excessive distance. If you have a child or an adult under your care, you may ask for a postponement or excuse from jury service. We value your feedback! Two types of trials have juries: criminal trials and civil trials. You will receive additional information when you report for service. Most hardships are addressed the first day of service with the Judge. Of these people, only convicted felons falling in certain categories (as noted in Senate Bill 310, effective January 1, 2020) cannot serve. for the conviction of a felony. Because governmental employers already pay these jurors, the courts do not pay them an additional daily fee. The judge will make the final decision. If you are a teacher or student, you are protected by California Education Code Sections 44037 and 87306. If the request to be excused is based on care provided to a sick, disabled, or infirm person, the prospective juror may be required to furnish verification or a method of verification that the person being cared for is in need of regular and personal care. SHORTS AND TANK TOPS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN COURTROOMS. Once you reach age 70 in Nevada, you are exempt from serving on a jury no matter where you live. Check your summons orlocal jury office for more information. But elderly jurors can still be (916) 874-7775 anytime after 5:00 p.m. on the Friday before your standby service week begins for your Persons employed on a full-time basis in any of these categories are barred from serving on federal juries, even if they desire to do so. The court asks for your patience and suggests that you bring a book or other reading material to occupy your time while waiting. The office is in the Main Courthouse and is open to the public Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Jury Staff is available to assist sworn jurors beyond 3:00 p.m. as needed. For more information about Jury Duty, including answers to questions about jury selection, length of service, The California Labor Code Section 230 prohibits any employer from firing or harassing an employee who is summoned to court for jury services as long as reasonable notice is given. The law provides that jurors' names are selected at random from lists of resident state tax filers, the list of registered voters, and the Department of Motor Vehicles' list of licensed drivers and identification cardholders resident within the area served by the court. The court's normal hours of operation are 8:00 AMto 5:00 PM. Please be advised that any requests for such information may be a scam. 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. Additionally, jurors using public transportation will be able to submit a Public Transportation Reimbursement request form to receive travel reimbursement for using any mode of local public transportation to arrive to the courthouse. Courts use Department of Motor Vehicles and voter registration lists. Click here to see information about how the transition will happen in each case type. They may not be allowed in the courtroom even if they are shut off. Meals are not provided during a trial or during deliberations. 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. If you cannot understand English, follow the instructions on the summons or contact the jury office. Clickhereto watch the Juror Orientation videobeforeyou come to court. Contact HRTraining@alameda.courts.ca.gov. WebAccording to California law, you must: Be a U.S. citizen. Trial length depends on how complex the issues are and how long jurors spend in deliberations. If you are the mother who is breastfeeding a child, you may request a postponement for up to one year by filling out the summons response form. If you can't get out of attending jury selection, there are many ways to raise the odds that you will be excused after jury selection without being selected to serve on a jury. The names of jurors are selected at random from Franchise Tax Board, from everyone who is a registered voter and/or has a driver's license or identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. 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. You may not talk to witnesses, nor do independent experiments. If you are disabled, you may request a permanent medical excuse. Have no felony convictions. 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." %PDF-1.5 You can also be excused if you don't meet the basic eligibility requirements for jury duty in CA. 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. If they cannot reasonably accommodate you, you may request to be excused from jury service. Postponement may be available for health problems, pre-existing personal commitments that cannot be rescheduled, or scheduled paid vacation. 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. Please check with your employer regarding your company's policy. Postal Service of the Courts decision. In that case you may ask to postpone your jury service. You will NOT be able to make a request for postponement, disqualification or excuse via email. For instructions click here: Zoom instructions. Any object that is questionable will be confiscated by Security upon your entrance to the courthouse and WILL NOT be returned to you. For more information, please visit the Courts COVID-19 page. JPORTAL. I am NOT currently incarcerated in prison or jail. I had my civil rights restored following a conviction of a felony or malfeasance while holding public office. Able to read and understand English. 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. 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 Staff of the superior courts will never ask past or prospective jurors for personal information like financial history, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, or Social Security numbers. There are two ways to receive a pardon: one is by applying for and being granted a Certificate of Rehabilitation and Pardon, and the second is through a Direct Application for Pardon. Payment to jurors begins on the second and subsequent days. What is the age requirement for jury duty? Please see the Request for Postponement section below if you cannot serve for at least 10 days following Most trials last 3-7 days, but some may go longer. Note: Jurors that work for a federal, state, or local government agency, which includes county, city, and school districts who receive benefits, must waive their jury fees. Report remotely via zoom by logging in to the Jportal on the following date and time. For those individuals who will now be eligible for jury service and wish to serve, please remember that selection is random. Do not appear in person. Usually it must be rescheduled during the same year and not exceed 90 days from the date of your origina summons week. You may also wish to contact the California Department of Industrial Relationsand/or theCalifornia Department of Education. endobj (Code of Civil Procedure, Section 481.200 and 215). Counties may pay more but never less. Your patience is greatly appreciated. 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. Under no circumstances should you investigate the case on your own, either alone or with other jurors. ), (c) Requests to be excused from jury service. However, you are only obligated to serve jury duty once every 12 months. Juries play an important and crucial role in our country's democratic process. Additionally, these changesdo notaffect the eligibility and disqualification criteria for service on a criminal or civil grand jury, as specified in Section 893 of the Penal Code. Our website will not accept postponements for longer than 90 days, therefore students, teachers and breastfeeding mother will need to make their request in writing via: Please click on the "careers" link at the bottom of our website. Jury Duty Age 70 CaliforniaYou may contact Jury Administration at 909-884-1858 or 1-866-402-JURY (5879).