Who may be on the Grand Jury?
By law a citizen eighteen year of age or older who has been a resident of the County for one year immediately prior to being selected, who is a person of ordinary intelligence and good character, and who possesses sufficient knowledge of the English language is qualified to be a candidate.
A person may not act as a grand juror if any of the following apply: (1) the person is currently serving as a trial juror or (2) has been discharged as a grand juror in any court within one year; (3) the person has been convicted of misconduct in office or any felony; or (4) the person is serving as an elected public officer.
The nineteen Grand Jurors are required to complete financial disclosure forms, (Form 700, Statement of Economic Interest) in compliance with California Government Code Sections 81000-91015. This form must be filled within 30 days of being sworn as a jury member and within 30 days of the completion of Grand Jury service.
What is the time commitment and remuneration of a Grand Juror?
Each July nineteen citizens of Ventura County are sworn as grand jurors for twelve months service ending June 30 of the following year. Service is a full-time job with each Grand Jury establishing its own work schedule. Ventura County, with its numerous facilities and agencies, and problems, is so big an so complex that the members of the Grand Jury must be prepared to devote their time and energies to the needs and demands of the Grand Jury.
It is essential that all Grand Jurors be in attendance. A full body of jurors is vital to productive discussion of issues and decision-making. Most Grand Juries meet four or five days each week 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Grand Jury offices located near the County Government Center. A grand juror receives $25.00 for each day served, plus mileage and designated parking.
How is a person chosen for the Grand Jury?
The Presiding Judge approves the Grand Jury nomination, selection and orientation procedure. Nominees are sought from various demographic groups represented in the county population. These demographic factors include supervisorial district, sex, race, age, and family income groups. The court will solicit suggested nominations from Government Officials and the public. Applications of all proposed nominees are forwarded for appropriate background investigation. Working from a demographic profile a committee of judges reviews the nominees and analyzes the prospective grand juror questionnaires. Thirty persons are then selected for a proposed Grand Jury panel and presented to the presiding judge by the jury commissioner. The recommended selection is adjusted and approved by the presiding judge. Up to ten members of the prior year Grand Jury can be selected to carry over into the next year. A mandatory two-day orientation is presented to the thirty members of the proposed Grand Jury panel on the organization and functions of the Grand Jury. Those positions in the panel, which are not filled with members from the prior year, are filled by a random drawing. Those who are not selected are requested to remain available to fill any position, which may become vacant during the year. The nineteen members are then sworn in and charged by the presiding judge.
