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1. How are potential jurors selected?

Twice a year jury questionnaires are mailed to prospective jurors as mandated by Arizona Revised Statutes 21-311(A). Once the Jury Office receives the questionnaire, we will determine if you meet the qualifications to be a prospective juror.

Qualifications to be a prospective juror:

• 18 years of age or older
• A citizen of the United States of America
• A resident of Pinal County, Arizona
• Not currently adjudicated incompetent or insane
• Never have been convicted of a felony unless juror's rights have been restored

2. I have received a jury summons, what is my next step?

Attention

Failure to report for jury duty could result in a fine – ARS 21-223

The Night Before

Please make sure to note the date, time and location of the summons. You must call 1-800-454-2979, after 6 pm the night before you are scheduled to appear. The recorded message will update any changes in reporting dates and times. The message will identify jurors by group number. Note your group number before making the call. Please listen to the entire recording.

If your group number has been released, you may receive another summons. Your services are not considered “complete” until you have appeared at the Court location indicated on your summons and have gone through the entire selection process. Important – Please check your summons for location. You may be required to appear at one of the Justice Court locations.

The Day of Selection

What to expect when you arrive at the Courthouse

Parking

Parking is available in the lot directly across the street from the Superior Court, Building A. This is the four (4) story building as you enter the Justice Complex.

Security

There is a security system in place; you are required to pass through the metal detector. No weapons are allowed. Court Security will search you and your belongings. Small pocketknives, large metal scissors and long metal knitting needles are considered weapons. Please leave those items at home.

Jury Department

The Jury Department is located on the first floor in Building A, through the first set of double doors to your right. When entering the Jury Department, please have the Jury Summons and Online Biographical form ready (if available). If you are unable to bring the Biographical form one will be provided for you.

(Arrive prepared. Download the Fillable Biographical Form (PDF).)

You will be greeted by a Jury staff member that will review the Biographical form and provide you with further instructions. Each juror will be directed to one of our three Electronic Kiosks located directly to the right of the entrance, once you step to the Kiosk you will scan in the juror barcode located at the upper right hand corner of the Summons. Prospective Jurors will Confirm the Juror information on the Check-In screen, once you are successfully checked in please have a seat and wait for Juror Orientation to begin. Juror Orientation begins at 8:30.

If you were provided with the Biographical form to fill out, once completed, you will return the clipboard and pen to the baskets on the table in front of the wall of windows and your form to the designated bins located at the front jury counter. These bins are designated by the first letter of your last name, A through L or M through Z.

After you have completed and returned your form to the front Jury Counter, please take a seat towards the front of the Jury Assembly Room you will be given a brief orientation which includes a video and additional information will be given by our court staff.  (Juror Orientation Video) The introduction of the video is delivered by Arizona Supreme Court, Chief Justice Scott Bales.

Once you have completed the orientation, the Jury Staff will escort you to your perspective courtroom at which time the Judge will provide you with further information regarding the case. Once this has taken place you will be given an opportunity to explain any hardship that the length of the trial may cause you. The Judge is the only authority who can excuse you.

Attire for Jurors

Shorts, tank or halter-tops and uniforms are not considered appropriate attire for jurors. (No badges, ID’s, PPE or weapons). If you wear those items, you will be required to return home and change your clothing at your expense; you will not be paid if you are wearing inappropriate attire. You may want to dress in layers due to the varying temperatures within the courthouse.

3. How can I get proof that I appeared for Jury Duty?

Once you have been released or excused for the day, you will be required to return to the Jury Department. If you need proof that you appeared for the selection process for your employer or for school purposes, please request verification from the Jury Staff. A letter will be printed with the date/dates that you appeared.

4. How long until I receive another summons to appear?

After you have appeared at the location on your summons and have gone through the entire selection process, whether you are selected to serve on a jury or not, your services are considered “complete” for two (2) years.

If your group number is not called, you could receive another summons to appear in as early as two weeks.

5. Will I be paid for appearing for Jury Duty?

All jurors are eligible to receive a mileage check to assist with the cost of transportation to/from the Courthouse. Mileage is paid to those jurors who are traveling more than ten (10) miles to the Courthouse. Mileage is paid at a rate of 62.5 cents per mile, from the center of the city or town that you live in, to the Courthouse and back. Mileage is not paid from doorstep to doorstep.

The Jury Department strives to pay all jurors on the date of selection; however, there are instances where the checks are not available on the day of selection. In these instances the check will be mailed.

If you are chosen to be a sworn trial juror you will also receive $12 a day per diem plus your mileage for each day of service. On the first day of selection, you will receive a check for your mileage. The per diem and mileage are calculated and totaled at the end of the trial and hand delivered or mailed.

State Laws prohibit employers from discharging or otherwise penalizing employees for responding to a jury summons or serving on a jury. However, they can choose not to pay you. If summoned to appear you may want to speak with your employer about your company policies regarding jury service. Employment rights; automatic postponement; violation; classification. ARS 21-236

The selection process will last for about half the day. If chosen to be a sworn trial juror, you will be required to remain at the courthouse until excused by the Judge.

You may bring food, drinks, electronics and reading material to the Jury Assembly Room; however, when the Jury Staff escorts you to the courtroom, you will need to leave those items behind. Labels are available to tag your items; staff will secure them for you.

Jury trials will typically last 3 to 4 days. There are instances where a trial is scheduled to last longer, and this is subject to change depending on the Judge and the nature of the case. The court will do their best to accommodate those who would not be able to serve for a lengthy period of time. Pinal County will rarely sequester a jury; potential jurors will be notified in advance if sequester is a possibility.

Financial Assistance for a Lengthy Trial

In an effort to reduce the financial burden on jurors who serve on trials for an extended amount of time, the Arizona Legislature established the Arizona Trial & Digital Evidence Fund.   The fund is designed to replace unpaid earnings for a juror who serves on a trial.

(Arizona Trial & Digital Evidence Fund Claim Form (PDF))

6. Will I be given breaks and a meal period?

The Judge will offer all jurors breaks and a meal period during selection and trials. Judges usually give a one (1) hour meal period, however, the Judge determines the length of each break and meal period.

The Superior Courthouse does not have a cafeteria. Vending machines are available in the juror lounge. You will need to bring change for the vending machines; change is not available anywhere within the Courthouse or you may use your Debit Card. Jurors may bring their own snacks and/or lunch. There is a refrigerator, freezer and microwave for juror use. The Jury Department offers complimentary coffee.

When released for lunch you may either utilize the juror lounge or venture into town for your meal period.

The Jury Department now offers Netflix for your entertainment. If your group of jurors is given an extended break or meal period and you would like to watch a Movie, please see jury staff. Staff will only play Movies upon request.

The COSC does not endorse or promote any of the following businesses.

Local Restaurants

• A & M Italian Restaurant
  445 W Highway 287
  Phone: 520-868-0170
  Pizza/Subs/Salads/Burgers
• Burger King
  80 W Highway 287
  Phone: 520-868-3880
  Fast Food
• Eugene & Kim's Place
  199 E Butte Avenue
  Phone: 520-868-9380
  Subs/Sandwiches/Salads
• Florence Café
  495 N Pinal Parkway Avenue
  Suite 102
  Phone: 520-868-8058
  Breakfast/Brunch
• Florence Fudge Co.
  440 N Main Street
  Phone: 520-424-6514
  Sandwiches/Salads/Soups
• Hong Kong Restaurant
  100 S Pinal Parkway
  Phone: 520-868-3388
  Chinese Food
• Jalapeno’s Restaurant
  981 S Main Street
  Phone: 520-868-8986
  Mexican Food
• L & B Inn
  695 S Main Street
  Phone: 520-868-9981
  Mexican/American Food
• McDonald's
  801 N Hwy 79
  Phone: 520-868-8040
  Burgers/Fries/Salads
• Mount Athos Restaurant
  444 N Pinal Parkway
  Phone: 520-868-0735
  Greek/Salads/Sandwiches/Pasta/Burgers
• Old Pueblo
  505 Main Street
  Phone: 520-868-4784
  Mexican/American Food
• Sonic Drive-In
  495 N Pinal Parkway Suite 107
  Phone: 520-868-0266
  Fast Food
• Subway
  Main Street
  Phone: 520-868-8199
  Sandwiches/Salads/Soups
• Taco Bell
  558 N Pinal Parkway Avenue
  Phone: 520-868-8471
  Mexican Food
• Pantry Cafe
  350 N Main Street
  Phone: 541-480-6381
  Sandwiches/Salads/Soups

7. What are valid reasons to be excused?

Age 

If you are 75 or older, you must provide a copy of your current driver’s license or birth certificate. This can be emailed to the Jury Department.

Moved or Live Outside of Pinal County

If you no longer live in Pinal County, provide proof of residency such as a valid driver’s license, utility bill, lease agreement or advertising material; anything that lists your name and current address. This can be emailed to the Jury Department. 

Full Time College Student 

If you are a full time student or are a student living outside of Pinal County during the school year, you may include a copy of your class schedule, a note from the college stating your full time enrollment, or verification of your residence outside of Pinal County. This can be emailed to the Jury Department.

Felony Conviction 

If you were convicted of a felony and your civil rights were not restored, provide proof of felony conviction. This can be emailed to [email protected]. For verification that your civil rights have or have not been restored, you must contact the court where you received the felony conviction.

Law Enforcement

If you do or have worked for a law enforcement agency, but are not or no longer an Arizona Post Certified Peace Officer, you may still be eligible to be a juror.  Working in a law enforcement agency doesn’t exclude you from being eligible; you must be a Certified Peace Officer to be exempt. If you are Arizona Post Certified, provide a copy of your Post Certification or a letter from your current employer on company letterhead verifying your employment. This can be emailed to the Jury Department.

Medical/Health Condition

If you have a medical/health issue that will prevent you from serving on a jury, provide a note from your treating physician, stating your inability to serve and the length of time that you will not be able to serve. This can be emailed to the Jury Department. (Medical Excuse Form (PDF))

Caregiver

If you are the sole caregiver of a person with a medical condition, you must provide a letter from the treating physician, stating the condition and your inability to serve due to caring for that person. This can be emailed to the Jury Department. 

Childcare

If you are the sole care provider of your child/children or you are a daycare provider, you must provide a notarized statement with an explanation of your circumstances or a notarized statement from the parents for which you provide daycare services, the statement should indicate that there is no substitute care and would cause a hardship to seek substitute care. This can be emailed to the Jury Department.

Planned Trips/Vacations

If you have planned a trip or vacation, you must provide verification of your departure/return date, such as, flight itinerary, hotel reservations, rental car agreement etc. This can be emailed to the Jury Department.

If you are unable to email, you may fax it to 520-866-5313.

The jury department may not be able to excuse you for the following reasons. Financial hardship, Employment hardship (provide a statement on company letterhead from the employer) or Transportation difficulties (a mileage check is provided to assist with costs). If documentation cannot be provided in advance, you will need to appear for the selection process and speak with the Judge to be excused.

8. What to expect when you receive a summons for the Grand Jury Empanelment?

• A Grand Juror will review evidence to determine if there is sufficient proof to charge an individual. (A.R.S. § 21-401 defines grand jury as a body who is duly convened and impaneled by the presiding judge of the superior court and who are sworn to inquire into public offense that may be tried within the county.)
• For Grand Jury empanelment there will be sixteen (16) jurors plus four (4) alternates selected.
• Grand Jury meets once a week for four (4) months. The first Thursday after Grand Jury selection is a mandatory date. This is to review statutes, responsibilities and the process of Grand Jury.
• In Pinal County there are two (2) grand jury panel days held each week. One panel will meet every Monday and the other will meet every Wednesday. Once you have appeared and gone through the selection process your term of service is complete for four (4) years. Federal Grand Jury and Alternates are excluded.
• Hours of service may vary, reporting time is usually 8:30 A.M. with the session closing around 4:00 P.M. Depending on how many cases are being reviewed, these times may be adjusted by the County Attorney’s office.
• On the date of selection you must appear at the time listed on your summons. Selection takes about half a day. If selected as a sworn Grand Juror you may be required to stay for the remainder of the day.
• If you feel you have a valid reason to be excused or would like to have your services postponed to a later date, you must submit your request in writing 48 hours prior to your appearance date. All requests may be submitted by fax 520-866-5313 or by email to the Jury Department. Please submit your written statement, name and date of appearance. Print legibly. Request sent to any other email address cannot be processed. The Jury Department will only contact you if your request is denied.
• Grand jurors are paid a mileage reimbursement of 44.5 cents per mile and a $12.00 per diem for each day of service. Checks are distributed at the end of each month.
• If you require proof that you have appeared for Grand Jury selection, the Jury Department is able to print a verification letter upon your request.  After the day of selection the County Attorney’s office will provide you with documentation for your employer.

9. Is Wi-Fi available at the courthouse?

Wi-Fi is available for your use while in the courthouse. Also available in the Jury Department is a small docking station to charge your electronic devices.

10. Are there any tips for after Jury Service?

Download our brochure for "Tips for After Jury Service (PDF)." For questions or concerns, please contact the Associate Jury Commissioner at 520-866-5310.