What are the legal qualifications for jury service?
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- You must live in the county that summoned you.
- You must be a citizen of the United States.
- You must read, speak and understand English.
- You must not have served on a jury for five or more days in the past twelve months.
- You must not be solely responsible for the daily care of a permanently disabled person living in your home.
- You must not have a physical or mental disability that would prevent your ability to serve as a juror.
How was I chosen for jury service?
Each year, the Judicial Branch receives lists of all registered voters and all holders of drivers' licenses and non-driver identification cards, throughout the state. The lists are divided by county location. Throughout the year, each county requests a certain number of names, based upon the number of trial scheduled, which are randomly selected from the list.What if I have other commitments for the date I'm supposed to appear?
Call or write to the Jury Commissioner listed on your summons. Your jury service can be postponed to a date that is more suitable for you.How are jurors assigned to trials?
Before a trial begins, jurors may be required to complete a questionnaire, which provides information relevant to jury service. The attorneys in the case will review this information prior to jury selection. When the jurors arrive in the courtroom the judge will provide some initial instructions and the attorneys will ask additional questions of each juror. Each side in the case may ask the court to excuse any juror for a specific cause. Each side is also allotted a certain number of "peremptory" or discretionary challenges for which a cause need not be given. However, the law does not permit these challenges to be made in a discriminatory manner.Who will pay me for serving as a juror?
If you have a regular job, your employer must pay you for the first three days of jury service. If you are self-employed, you must compensate yourself for the first three days. Unemployed persons may apply for reimbursement of certain expenses during the first 3 days. After the 3rd day, all jurors receive $50 per day from the state.Can I lose my job if I serve as a juror?
State law protects a juror's job. Section 13-71-134, C.R.S. says, "An employer shall not threaten, coerce, or discharge an employee for reporting for juror service as summoned."Why is my jury commissioner located in Montrose?
The seventh judicial district is made up of six counties: Montrose, Delta, San Miguel, Gunnison, Ouray and Hinsdale. The jury commissioner works for each of these counties and is housed in Montrose at the Montrose Justice Center.How do I request postponement of my juror service? How do I request to be excused from juror service?
You may contact the Jury Commissioner in writing at 1200 N. Grand Ave., Bin A., Montrose, Colorado 81401, or you may complete the on-line Request for Excuse/Postponement Form. Please remember that your request must be approved. The Jury Commissioner will make every effort to respond to your request in writing. If you do not receive a response, you must appear for jury duty as summoned.