General Information - Jury Summons

 You may be summoned to render an important service as a juror. You have enjoyed the privileges of citizenship and the protection of your liberties and property through our system of self-government. Therefore, for a short time, you may be summoned to serve as a juror, an officer of the court, along with the attorneys and the judge.

As a juror, you will be an important member of the judicial system of Inyo County and California. Most people who serve find the experience to be fascinating and rewarding.

Justice for All: Orientation to Jury Service

Important Safety Instructions (COVID-19)

The Court will follow the current Inyo County mandate (if any) at the time that you are required to appear.  

Jury Service Staff are available by phone: (760) 873-5157 and email: jury@inyocourt.ca.gov to answer questions prior to your summons date.

Location of Service:

Jury trials are held at the Independence Courthouse. If personal transportation is an issue, please see the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority website for the public transportation schedule.

Trial Duration:

Trials are of varying length. Many trials are completed in 2-3 days, but some may go longer. The trial Judge will advise you of probable trial duration and may excuse you from serving on a particular case if your service would amount to extreme hardship.

Term of Service:

Inyo County operates on the One Day or One Trial system. This means that a juror generally serves for one day or the duration of a trial. Typically, if you are not chosen for jury selection after one day at the courthouse, then your service is done for at least one year. If you are selected to serve on a jury, after the trial is over, your service is also completed for at least one year. In most cases jury trials are conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. There are brief recesses during the day and you will have at least an hour for lunch if jury service goes all day.

Jury Fees:

No daily or mileage fees are paid for the first day of service. After the first day fees will be paid at the rate of $15.00 per day and 34 cents per mile (one way) from your residence to the courthouse. Check with the Jury Clerk to be sure that the Court has your correct mileage before you leave.

Please allow 4-6 weeks from the completion of the trial for your check to come in the mail. If it has been more than 6 week, please contact the Jury Clerk at (760) 873-5157.

The Code of Civil Procedure sections 215 exempts the court from paying the $15.00 juror fee to **government employees who receive regular salary and benefits while on jury duty. Government employees are still entitled to receive mileage reimbursement. If you think that you might fall under this category please see the Jury Clerk, they will provide you with a Notice for you to read and sign.

**Government employees include employees of federal, state, local government, or any other public entity.

Proof of Service:

Certification of your appearance for Jury Duty is required by some employers and will be furnished upon request.

Employer Responsibilities:

Employers cannot discriminate against employees serving on jury duty. Employers must allow employees time off to serve on a jury. The California Labor Code, section 230, prohibits any employer from firing or harassing an employee who is summoned to court for jury service as long as reasonable notice is given. The California Education Code, sections 44037 and 87036 protect teachers and students as well.

Please Note:

Persons with disabilities requiring special assistance or accommodation for jury service, please contact the Jury Services Office before your appearance (760) 873-5157.

Pursuant to CCP 209, any juror who fails to respond to a jury summons as directed may be found in contempt of court, punishable by fine, incarceration or both.

Security of Juror Information and Court Contacts

The Superior Court of California, County of Inyo, has learned that persons representing themselves as court officials may be contacting prospective jurors and asking for personal information. Please be advised that official Court personnel do not request personal information from jurors by telephone.

Should you receive a telephone call from someone identifying themselves as a court employee and requesting personal information such as a social security number, date of birth, credit card numbers, etc. please contact the fraud unit at your local law enforcement agency. Please also contact our Jury Services Unit for the Superior Court of California, County of Inyo at (760) 873-5157.

Juror Parking Information

Free parking is available at the Independence Courthouse. There are parking lots surrounding the courthouse as well as on-street parking.