Selection/Application Process

Prospective Grand Jurors are:

• Randomly recruited from the master jury pool
• Referred by community leaders
• Interested citizens that request applications

How to apply?

Obtain an application:

• Online: Download application form
• By telephone: (209) 525-4252
• In person at: Civil Grand Jury Drop Box, 1021 I Street, Third Floor, Modesto, CA

Fill out and sign an application and mail to: Civil Grand Jury Office, P.O. Box 3387, Modesto, CA 95353 or deliver to: Civil Grand Jury Drop Box, 1021 I Street, Third Floor, Modesto, CA

Qualifications for prospective Grand Jurors:

Per Penal Code §893, Grand Jurors must meet the following qualifications:

• Be a United States citizen 18 years of age or older who has been a resident of the State and County for one year immediately before being selected
• Have possession of his/her natural faculties, be of ordinary intelligence, of sound judgement and of fair character
• Have sufficient knowledge of the English language
• Cannot be serving as a trial juror in any court of this State
• Must not have been discharged as a grand juror in any court of this State within one year
• Must not have been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime
• Cannot be serving as an elected public officer

Selection Process:

• Each qualified person who responds as being interested in serving on the Grand Jury will be interviewed. The Court seeks to select a cross section of the community based on geographical location, skills, age, sex and ethnic background.
• Out of those interviewed, the judge selects 30 names
• From the Final 30, the 19-member panel Civil Grand Jury and 4 alternates are randomly picked in open court
• Civil Grand Jurors volunteer to serve for one year (July-June) and commit to a minimum of 20 hours per month