Des Moines, WA - Official Website

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Jury Duty

1. How was I chosen?: First, your name was selected at random from voter registration and drivers license and identification card records. Then, your answers to the juror questionnaire were evaluated to make sure you were eligible for jury service.

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. Those eligible may be excused from jury service if they have illnesses that would interfere with their ability to do a good job, would suffer great hardship if required to serve, or are unable to serve for other legitimate reasons.

In short, you were chosen because you are eligible and able to serve. You are now part of the jury pool, a group of citizens from which trial juries are chosen.

2. What's next?: In the courtroom, your judge will tell you about the case, then introduce the lawyers and others who are involved in it. You will also take an oath, in which you will promise to answer all questions truthfully.

After you're sworn in, the judge and the lawyers will question you and other members of the panel to find out if you have any knowledge about the case, any personal interest in it, or any feelings that might make it hard for you to be impartial. This questioning process is called voir dire, which means "to speak the truth."

Though some of the questions may seem personal, you should answer them completely and honestly. If you are uncomfortable answering them, tell the judge and he/she may ask them privately.

Remember: Questions are not asked to embarrass you. They are intended to make sure members of the jury have no opinions or past experiences which might prevent them from making an impartial decision.

3. How long will I serve?: How many days and hours you work as a juror depends on the jury selection system in your county. The judge may vary daily working hours to accommodate witnesses who have special travel or schedule problems.

You may be struck by how much waiting you have to do. For example, you may have to wait before you are placed on a jury. During trial, you may have to wait in the jury room while the judge and the lawyers settle questions of law.

Judges and other courtroom personnel will do everything they can to minimize the waiting, both before and during trial. Your understanding is appreciated.

4. Can I go home during the trial?: Usually, but in extremely rare cases, you may be sequestered during the trial or during jury deliberations. This is done to assure that jurors don't hear or see something about the case that was not mentioned in court.

5. Might I be called but not sit on a jury?: Yes, sometimes parties in a case settle their differences only moments before the trial is scheduled to begin. In such instances you will be excused with the thanks of the court.

6. What should I wear?: Dress comfortably. Suits, ties and other more formal wear are not necessary. But don't get too informal, beach wear, shorts, halter or tank tops are not appropriate in court. Hats are not allowed unless worn for religious purposes.

7. What if I am physically challenged?: Judges and employees of Washington courts are committed to making jury service accessible to everyone. Attempts to accommodate all jurors will be made.

Remember: If you have a hearing, sight or mobility problem, ask a member of the court staff for help.

8. What about my job?: Washington law says employers shall provide an employee with sufficient leave of absence from employment when that employee is summoned for jury duty. It also says employers "shall not deprive an employee of employment or threaten, coerce, or harass an employee, or deny an employee promotional opportunities for serving as a juror." It does not say your employer has to pay while you serve.

9. What if I have an emergency?: Because your absence could delay a trial, it is important that you contact the court each day you are not available. If a real emergency occurs - a sudden illness, accident or death in the family - tell the court staff immediately so that the trial can be scheduled around you.

10. What types of cases may I hear?: Jury cases at Des Moines Municipal Court are criminal in nature.

A criminal case is brought by the city against one or more persons accused of committing a crime. In these cases, the city is the plaintiff and the accused person is the defendant. The defendant is informed of the charge, or charges called a complaint for information.

Events in a trial usually happen in a particular order, though the order may be changed by the judge. This is the usual order of events: