Jury Duty

CANYON COUNTY

JURY INFORMATION LINE: 208-454-7417
Christina Jeffes, Jury Commissioner

Daily Reporting Instructions

More Information Coming Soon!

JUROR INFORMATION

WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Your willingness to serve as a juror today is greatly appreciated. Over 7,500 other citizens, just like you, were jurors in Canyon County last year.

Without your service as a juror, it would be impossible to conduct trials. Impossible to uphold one of the most valued rights of American Citizenship… the ability to be tried in a court of law before members of the community entrusted to decide the facts and render a verdict. What a powerful principle you represent today!

Return Jury Qualification Questionnaire and any attachments
Summons (Qualified Letter) Read and follow call-in instructions
Call-in, listen for your reporting number
Report for orientation and jury service

TELEPHONE CALL-IN:

Call (208) 454-7417 each evening after 5:00 P.M., on a daily basis. You will hear a recorded message, listen for your reporting number. Please listen to the entire message.

SECURITY:

Security is mandatory in all court facilities. Please do not bring brief cases, extra bags or items that could be construed as a weapon such as: guns, pocket knives, mace, scissors, razor blades, crochet hooks, knitting needles and other metal objects. These items will delay the security check in.

DRESS:

Jurors should appear dressed in a manner that is respectful of the Court. Uniforms, shorts and improper clothing are note acceptable. Be on time, allow the entire day for your jury service.

PARKING:

Parking at the Canyon County Courthouse is available in the parking lot located directly across the street from the front doors.

CAUSES FOR MISTRIAL:

You can unknowingly case a mistrial, so please do not talk to anyone about the case while assigned to a trial. Also, law books, dictionaries and medical books are not allowed in the jury deliberation rooms, and jurors may not ask questions during the course of the trial. Your only opportunity to talk is when you are questioned during the voir dire questioning, which is the formal jury selection process.

Do not bring family members or children to jury service.

JURY SELECTION PROCESS

TERMS OF SERVICE:

Your term of jury service is listed on the summons you received in the mail. The term of service in Canyon County is one month. However, most often jurors only have to report in once during their term of service.

If you are selected for a trial, you will be informed by the Judge of the expected time frame of the trial. The selected juror will serve on that specific case until the trial is completed.

HOW WAS I SELECTED?

Jurors are selected in accordance with Idaho Code Section 2-206 – Idaho State Legislature. Names are drawn from the voter registration and driver’s license files.

The Idaho Code is the property of the state of Idaho, and is copyrighted by Idaho law, I.C. § 9-350. According to Idaho law, any person who reproduces or distributes the Idaho Code for commercial purposes in violation of the provisions of this statute shall be deemed to be an infringer of the state of Idaho’s copyright.

JURY REPORTING LOCATIONS

CANYON COUNTY THIRD JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT AND MAGISTRATE COURT

Canyon County Courthouse
Jury Commissioner’s Office

1115 N. Albany St Room 200
Caldwell, ID 83605

Directions and map will be provided with initial questionnaire.

Contact person:
Christina Jeffes, Canyon County Jury Commissioner
(208) 454-7382

POSTPONEMENT

A request for postponement must be submitted in writing to the Jury Commission. Please indicate the reason for postponement and a date within the next three (3) months when you will be available.

Only one postponement will be granted for the shortest period of time possible (if you have extenuating circumstances and need to postpone again, please notify the Jury Commission immediately to discuss options). If your postponement is granted, a new qualification questionnaire and reporting number will be sent to you containing the new dates of service.

You may submit your request in writing and send it by mail, email or fax:
Canyon County Jury Commission
1115 N. Albany St – Room 200
Caldwell, ID 83605

Email: jcomm@canyoncounty.id.gov
Fax: (208) 453-4839

MEDICAL

If you determine a medical excuse is necessary, you may submit documentation from a medical physician. You physician may mail, fax or email the document, Once the document has been accepted, confirmation will be mailed to you.

Canyon County Jury Commission
1115 N. Albany St – Room 200
Caldwell, ID 83605

Phone: (208) 454-7382
Email: jcomm@canyoncounty.id.gov
Fax: (208) 453-4839

NON-RESIDENT or NON-CITIZEN

If you are no longer a resident of Canyon County, you must submit a copy of your new driver’s license or voter registration from the county where you currently reside.

If you are not a United States Citizen, you may mail, email or fax a copy of your green card, I-94 or residence card to the Canyon County Jury Commission.

JUROR COMPENSATION

Jurors are compensated for service as provided in Idaho Code Section 2-215 – Idaho State Legislature. The per diem rate is established by the county commissioners in the county where the juror resides.

According to Idaho Code Section 2-215 – Idaho State Legislature, a juror shall be paid mileage for travel expenses from their residence to the place holding court and return at the same rate per mile as established by resolution of the county commission. If you choose not to receive payment, please indicate on your Jury Qualification Questionnaire; any fees and mileage will be donated to the Jury Assistance Fund.

The Jury Assistance Fund permits you to defer your mileage reimbursement and juror pay to a special fund dedicated to improving jury service and enhancing the juror experience.

If you are interested in participating in the Jury Assistance Fund, please contact the Jury Commissioner’s office, or check the box to donate your fees and mileage on your Jury Qualification Questionnaire.

Thank you for your contribution in helping other jurors with this important obligation.

The Idaho Code is the property of the State of Idaho, and is copyrighted by Idaho law, Idaho Code § 9-350. According to Idaho law, any person who reproduces or distributes the Idaho Code for commercial purposes in violation of the provisions of this statute shall be deemed to be an infringer of the state of Idaho’s copyright.

DISABLED JURORS

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

The Jury Commissioner’s office will provide reasonable accommodations for the persons with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you wish to request such an accommodation, please notify the Jury Commissioner’s office at (208) 454-7382 or email to jcomm@canyoncounty.id.gov

FAQs

Is my information confidential?

Juror information is considered confidential. It will not be released unless by order of the Court in which the juror has served on a trial.

I lost my Questionnaire; how do I get another one?

If you have misplaced your questionnaire, please contact our office as soon as possible to obtain a new copy. You can contact our office via phone 208-454-7382, or via email jcomm@canyoncounty.id.gov.

Where can I park?

Jurors may park in the lot directly across the street from the Courthouse.

A.D.A Accommodations?

Handicapped parking is available in the parking lot directly in front of the Courthouse. Wheelchairs can be accommodated in the jury boxes in the Courtroom. A listening device to aid hearing impaired individuals are available in every courtroom upon request.

What can I expect during a day of jury service? Day Length?

Court sessions generally run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. A jury in deliberation may go well into the evening hours. There are daily breaks for lunch, and typically a break in the morning or afternoon.

What should I expect when I appear for Jury Duty?

When you are called to report in, there will be a brief orientation program which will be followed by jury selection. On average, the jury selection process takes from one to three hours. On occasion there may be circumstances that will preclude the need for the jury that day. Should this occur, prospective jurors will be excused as quickly as possible. Recognizing the inconvenience, the Court makes every attempt to avoid having jurors appear when not needed. Following the selection process, prospective jurors not selected to sit on the trial are excused and are free to leave or stay to observe; all jury trials are open to the public.

Do I get paid for jury service?

Jurors will be paid $5.00 for a half day of service (anything 4 hours or less) and $10.00 for a full day of service (anything over 4 hours). A mileage rate is also payable. This rate is prescribed by the Canyon County Commissioners and can vary from year to year. Mileage payment is for travel performed from place of residence to the Canyon County Courthouse and return. Payment for both juror per diem fees and mileage fees will be mailed following completion of service. A check should be expected within one month of service. Some places of employment pay regular wages while an individual is serving on jury duty. This is NOT a requirement; however, and the decision to pay wages is entirely up to the business. If an employer does pay wages during absence due to jury duty, they will normally require that you give them your check upon receipt. Jurors should check with their employer to see what their policy is.

My employer can’t do without me… I am self-employed... I work out of State… I am a long-haul truck Driver…how may I be excused?

Almost everyone called for jury duty is employed, and it would not be appropriate to have ONLY unemployed or retired citizens as jurors; this could compromise the seating of a jury of one’s peers. The Court will try to work with all prospective jurors to reduce potential inconvenience or accommodate special circumstances. Keep in mind that you will usually have some advance notice of when your reporting number will be called to serve and the majority of trials typically last one to two days. Please contact the Jury Commission to discuss potential options.

I am going on a vacation, have medical appointments, or a meeting I cannot miss, how may I be excused?

During your term of service, do not feel like you have to put your life on hold. We typically will excuse up to five business days during your term of service. If you know of dates that you will be unavailable during your term of service, please contact the Jury Commission as soon as possible (at least 48 business hours in advance) to get those dates excused.

I received a Jury Summons for someone that does not live at my residence, what do I do?

If the Jury Qualification Questionnaire was sent for someone that does not live at your residence, please write “return to sender” or “not at this address” on the envelope and place it back in your mailbox. This will allow the form to be sent back to the Canyon County Jury Commission. The Court will research the document for the correct address.

I am 70 years of age or older and wish to be excused.

At the age of 70 or older you may be excused. You may telephone, email or complete the questionnaire and return it to the Canyon County Jury Commissioner. Please indicate you wish to be excused.

How did I get selected for Jury Service in Canyon County? How often am I required to serve?

Your name was randomly drawn from driver’s license and voter registration records. You may be summoned every year, but you are not required to serve if it has been within the past 24 months.

May I correct my address and/or name on the questionnaire?

You may update this information on the jury qualification questionnaire. If you have already submitted this information you may mail, email or fax any changes to us.

How do I provide documentation to my employer or educational institution that I appeared for jury service?

When you check in for jury service, request employment verification. At any time, you may request verification documentation; it will be provided directly to the juror only.

I have been convicted of a felony, but have completed my probation or parole. Am I eligible to serve as a juror?

If you have completed your probation or parole you may serve as a juror. If you have not, simply submit the name of your probation or parole officer for dismissal.

My son/daughter is on a Mission, what do I do?

Anyone that is on a Mission must show proof to the court before they can be released from Jury Duty. Please have your church (Pastor or Bishop) send a letter (on letterhead) of confirmation of the Mission. This letter can be mailed, emailed or faxed to the Jury Commission.

Active Duty Military Orders or the spouse of the Active Duty Military Person has received a jury summons. How can they be excused?

Please mail, email or a fax a copy of your current orders or letter from your commanding officer for consideration. You may black out any personal areas from your Orders.

What is the location of the Canyon County Jury Commissioner’s office?

We are located on the 2nd floor of the Canyon County Courthouse, Room 200.

May I bring my children with me to jury service?

No, please do not bring any family members or children with you. The cases that you will hear are very serious cases and your attention will be mandatory.

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Address

1115 Albany St – Room 200
Caldwell, ID 83605

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Hours / Email

M-F 8am-5pm
jcomm@canyoncounty.id.gov

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Phone / Fax

P 208-454-7382
F 208-453-4839