| 1. Where does the jury commissioner obtain names of prospective jurors? |
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The list of names used to summon people for jury service is created by combining the county’s voter registration list and Arizona Department of Transportation records. Names are randomly selected from that master jury list.
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| 2. I have been called to serve three times in the past five years and none of my friends have ever been called. Why don't you pick some other people? |
| Names are randomly selected to summon potential jurors. Since that process is random, some people may be selected more often than others. |
| 3. Some people would volunteer for jury service if you'd let them. Why don't you? |
| The jury office adheres to the random selection process set forth in the law. Arizona law does not allow people to volunteer for jury service. |
| 4. I can no longer fulfill my duties as a juror. Can't you take my name of your list? |
| Under certain circumstances, such as permanent mental or physical disability, jury staff can permanently remove a name from its records. Prospective jurors must explain their situation in writing to the jury office with any required supporting documentation. People who receive a jury summons to an Arizona court who are at least 75 years of age may be excused upon written request. Eligible citizens who wish to be excused should mark this option on their summons and return it to the jury office. |
| 5. I am not a citizen of the United States but would still like to serve as a juror. Why can't I? |
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Arizona law disqualifies non-citizens, non-residents, convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored, and people under 18 years of age from jury service.
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| 6. Is jury service mandatory? |
| Yes, the United States Constitution and the Arizona State Constitution guarantee the right to trial by jury. Failure to attend as directed may subject the person to penalties provided by law, including a fine up to $500 and being rescheduled for jury service. |
| 7. How long will I have to serve as a juror? |
| If selected to serve on a jury for a trial, service is complete at the conclusion of the trial. Generally, jury service is also complete for those who are not selected to serve on the first day. |
| 8. Are there ever any instances when I may have to serve longer? |
| Jurors have to serve the length of the trial. Trials usually end within 3 to 5 days. During the jury selection portion of the case, the judge presiding over the trial will state the estimated length of that particular trial |
| 9. I served on a jury three years ago. Do I have to serve again already? |
| Yes. Jurors who appeared for service but were not chosen for a trial are exempt from serving again for a period of time determined by the jury commissioner, generally ranging from 1 to 2 years. Jurors who served on a jury panel for a trial in Arizona are exempt from serving again for 2 years. If it has been more than 2 years since serving as a juror, citizens are required to appear for jury service again, regardless of how many times they have served in the past. |
| 10. How do I request to be excused from jury service? |
| Prospective jurors who are otherwise qualified to serve may be excused from jury service for certain reasons and hardships. The jury summons or local jury office can provide the specific reasons or hardships and explain the supporting documentation needed with the request to be excused. Each request is reviewed individually. Potential jurors are encouraged to complete the juror questionnaire truthfully, to the best of their knowledge. Failure to do so is against the law. Jury service is a citizen’s civic duty and responsibility. |
| 11. I know that I will not be selected for a jury because of what I do for a living. Why not excuse me now and save time? |
| Many courts try civil and criminal cases, both of which require juries. The random selection process prevents jurors from knowing in advance what trial or the type of trial for which they will be selected. Jury office staff cannot excuse potential jurors based on what they do for a living. However, peace officers wishing to be excused may review the requirements explained in A.R.S. Title 21, and send the necessary documentation to the jury office. |
| 12. I am unable to judge anyone because of my moral or religious beliefs. May I be excused? |
| Arizona law does not provide an excuse from jury service for moral or religious beliefs; jury service is still required. Prospective jurors may tell the judge about their beliefs during the jury selection process. |
| 13. Does my employer have to pay me for serving as a juror? |
| No. Arizona law does not require employers to compensate their employees while they are on jury service. Many employers support the jury system and provide jury service benefits and will continue employee wages while they serve as a juror. Each employer may have a policy answering this question. |
| 14. Can my employer prevent me from serving as a juror? |
| Arizona law 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 time off, gives reasonable notice to the employer of the requirement to serve as a juror. Jurors who experience problems with their employers should contact the jury office for assistance. |
| 15. I live closer to a different court than the one where I've been summoned. Why can't my service be transferred there? |
| Arizona law requires that jurors be selected randomly from the court’s jurisdiction. Prospective jurors must appear at the court to which they were summoned. |
| 16. How late will I be at the courthouse? |
| The hours of operation for most courts are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Prospective jurors should make arrangements to remain the entire day. |
| 17. What about getting a postponement? |
| Courts realize prospective jurors may have been summoned at an inconvenient time and in most instances are willing to reschedule service to a more convenient time. Review the jury summons or contact the local jury office for information on postponing jury service. |
| 18. Will I be compensated for jury service? |
| Yes, jurors who appear only on the first day will be compensated for their mileage. Jurors selected to serve on a trial will receive compensation for every day the trial lasts, plus mileage. Courts differ in how often they compensate jurors for jury service (daily, weekly, or bi-weekly). |
| 19. My jury summons asks if I have been convicted of a felony and if my civil rights have been restored. How do I find out if I was convicted, if it was a misdemeanor or a felony, and how do I know if my civil rights have been restored? |
| You may check with the records department of the court where you were sentenced to see what the conviction was on the sentencing minute entry or order. Persons are “convicted” when sentenced to a felony or if the charge is left “undesignated.” If the conviction was a first-time felony, and all terms of the sentence are completed (monies paid, probation, etc.) then civil rights and the right to sit on a jury are automatically restored. If the conviction was a second-time felony (or more), you must apply to have civil rights restored. If the sentencing minute entry or order reflects “undesignated felony” (still a felony conviction), the judge has the option to designate the offense a misdemeanor after the party has completed all aspects of the sentence. If the judge chooses to do this, the judge will mark “misdemeanor” on the bottom of the discharge. If the judge chooses not to designate the felony a misdemeanor, you may ask the sentencing judge to do this. The discharge can also be found at the records department of the court where the person was sentenced. |