Deadline to apply for Grand Jury service extended to January 30

Deadline to Apply for Grand Jury Service Extended to January 30, 2015

By OC Supervisor Todd Spitzer, Portions courtesy of Superior Court of California

Assistant Presiding Judge Charles Margines of the Superior Court of Orange County and chair of Grand Jury Recruitment/Selection Committee has extended the deadline to apply for Grand Jury service to January 30, 2015.

The Grand Jury performs civil oversight of local government by reviewing and evaluating county and city agencies, jails, schools, and special districts within Orange County and writes a final report with its findings and recommendations. The Grand Jury also considers evidence for possible indictment of individuals in felony cases and reviews complaints submitted by citizens.

The current stipend for Grand Jury service is $50 per day, up to five days per week. The panelists receive reimbursement for mileage at the current County of Orange rate and free onsite parking.

Superior Court judges interview qualified applicants and choose the top candidates. Final selection of the 19-member Grand Jury is accomplished by a random drawing of the 25 to 30 nominees who represent each of the five OC Supervisorial Districts. Current Grand Jury members and their advisors provide training to the panelists.

The requirements to serve are:

• At least 18 years old
• United States citizen
• Resident of Orange County for at least one year
• Sufficient knowledge of English
• In possession of sound judgment and a sense of fairness

The application form can be obtained by clicking here or in person at the Jury Commissioner’s Office, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana.