Welcome to Jury Duty!
The courts all appreciate your willingness to serve in this
vital role as a juror. It is a service only you and your fellow
citizens can provide.
Since you are probably wondering what your jury service involves
here are answers to the most commonly asked questions.
1. How was I chosen?
Your name was selected at random from a jury source list put
together from the voter registration, driver license and Aidenticard@
records. To be eligible, you must be at least 18 years of
age, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the county
in which you are to serve as a juror, and you must be able
to communicate in English. If you have ever been convicted
of a felony, you must have had your civil rights restored.
2. How long will I serve?
As of August, 1999 the courts have shortened the term of service.
The jury term in Grays Harbor County is one (1) month which
you are usually only called in one time or one (1) trial.
Keep in mind, if you are chosen to sit as a juror the trial
may last longer than one week. Most trials in Superior Court
last 1 to 3 days.
3. How much is the compensation for jury service?
The compensation for jury service is $15.00 a day and a mileage
fee.
4. Where do I park when I report for jury service?
There is a parking lot for jurors is located at the corner
of Broadway and Fleet Streets, most other parking around the
Courthouse is subject to time limits and is enforced by the
City of Montesano.
5. Where do I report and what happens?
Grays Harbor County Courthouse on the second floor, your jury
postcard or telephone recording will instruction which court
you will be serving at. For Superior court jury service the
Clerk will be in the hallway to check you in, For District
Court jury service report inside suite 202 on the second floor
and they will instruct you what to do for that court. In both
Courts you are checked in, given a number and asked to proceed
to a courtroom where you will wait and also view a film describing
jury duty.
6. Where do I have lunch?
Jurors are welcome to bring their lunch. There are several
local places to eat within walking distance of the courthouse.
7. How long will I be at the courthouse?
The normal court hours are from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. There can
be some variation depending on the case you are serving on.
If you are not chosen for a trial you could be excused anytime
throughout the day.
8. How do I get excused from jury duty?
As an alternative to being excused, you may request to reschedule
your jury service. Please put your request in writing on the
jury summons you received and mail the summons to the court.
You can only be excused from jury duty for undue hardship,
extreme inconvenience, public necessity or any reason deemed
sufficient by the courts.
If you are asking to be excused for a health problem, you
need your doctor to fax an excusal at the following fax number:
360-249-6381.
If you are asking to be excused for a financial hardship,
you need to have your employer fax a letter on their letterhead,
stating they do not compensate you for jury duty and it would
be a financial hardship for you. Fax number 360-249-6381.
REQUESTS FOR RESCHEDULING OF OR EXCUSAL FROM JURY SERVICE
MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING. EMAIL REQUESTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
All of us at the courts look forward to your serving and assisting
you during your jury service.
