Failure To Appear:
A jury summons is a
legal summons. Failure to appear as summoned could result in a
$1000 fine, a jail sentence or other legal consequences. If you
have failed to appear for jury duty, you need to call this
office and reschedule as soon as possible. If you have any
questions, please call 636-4057, ext. 45.
Frequently Asked
Questions
The following are
frequently asked questions of
San Benito
County jurors.
Is Jury Service
Mandatory?
Yes. Jury Service is a right and a responsibility of
citizenship.
How did my name get
selected?
We receive names annually from the Department of Motor Vehicles
and the County Elections Department. The lists are combined and
a computer program eliminates duplicate names.
Can I be excused for
Medical, Mental or Physical Disability reasons?
A juror must provide a physician's verification note on a
prescription pad or letterhead signed by a doctor, which details
why you cannot serve and the length or duration of the illness
or problem.
I just had a baby
and am nursing, do I need a doctor’s excuse?
No. You
no longer need a doctor’s note to be excused for nursing.
Explain on your summons that you are a nursing mother and you
can be excused for one year. However, if you are employed but
nursing, you may still have to report for jury duty.
I don’t have
childcare, what can I do?
There are
no provisions for people who do not have childcare. The jury
clerk can not excuse you, only the trial judge can. Children
are not allowed in the courtroom. In order to be excused, you
must appear before the judge. If you need to be rescheduled in
order to find childcare for a couple of hours, let the jury
clerk know as soon as possible.
What is the term of
service?
"One Trial or One Day". We can have you call in up to 5 times
to check your group number to see if you will be needed. You
must call the juror recording after
5 p.m. on the Friday preceding the summons date or any time that weekend
for your initial instructions.
For more information about California's Jury Service please
visit the following website: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/jury/
