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JURY DUTY IN THURSTON COUNTY COURTS [NOTE: EXCUSAL FROM JURY SERVICE MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING. EMAIL REQUESTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED.] Frequently Asked Questions 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. Jury Recording: 360.786.5566 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 Thurston County is one (1) week 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 2 to 3 days. 3. How much is the compensation for jury service? The compensation for jury service is $10.00 a day and a mileage fee. 4. Where do I park when I report for jury service? There is a parking lot for jurors between the courthouse and the hotel (Red Lion). However, it does fill up fast, so you might plan to arrive early. Bus service is available from Capitol Lake and runs approximately every fifteen (15) minutes. Also, there is usually parking a short walk from the courthouse on Evergreen Loop Drive. If you have a handicapped permit there are several parking spaces available in front of the courthouse buildings. 5. Where do I report and what happens? You will either be asked to report to Building 1 or Building 2 at the Thurston County Courthouse. Building 1 opens at 7:30 AM and Building 2 opens at 8:00 AM. You may be asked to report as early as 7:00 AM. 6. Where do I have lunch? Jurors are welcome to bring their lunch, however no refrigeration is available. The hotel (Red Lion) has a coffee shop and is within walking distance. An espresso bar is located in front of Building 2, they provide several different beverages, pastries and at lunchtime offer sandwiches and hotdogs. 7. Is security provided? Building 2 has security officers and a metal detector. Everyone entering Building 2 will be screened. Please do not take this personally, as it is a safety feature for all of us. It is recommended that you limit what you bring with you to the courthouse as it will save time going through security. However, it is recommended that you bring some reading material as there are periods of waiting. Firearms, knives and other dangerous weapons may not be taken into the courthouse. 8. 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. 9. 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: 360.754.4060. 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 360.754.4060. 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. |
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