How long does jury duty last in California? What to know if you get a summons
A jury summons in your mailbox could spark a few questions.
You might wonder whether you’ll get paid for your service or question if you have a valid excuse to skip jury duty.
One thing is clear: In California, you’re legally required to respond to a jury summons.
Ignoring the notice could result in serious penalties under California law.
How long can you expect to serve on a jury in California?
The Sacramento Bee went searching for the answer as part of How to California, a community-driven series to help readers navigate life in the Golden State.
Here’s what we found:
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Who is eligible to be a juror?
Under California law, you are qualified to be a juror if you are:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old
- Can understand enough English to discuss the case
- A resident of the California county that sent the summons
- Have not served on a jury in the past 12 months
- Not already on a grand or trial jury
- Not under a conservatorship
- Not in jail or prison
- Not on parole or probation for a felony
- Not registered as a sex offender
- Not convicted of wrongdoing while in public office and have not had your civil rights restored
According to California Courts, jurors are questioned and excused until 12 qualified individuals are selected who the judge and attorneys agree can fairly and thoughtfully decide the case.
In civil trials, the judge may play a more direct role in selecting jurors. In criminal trials, jury selection is primarily handled by prosecutors and defense attorneys.
How long will I be required to serve on a jury in California?
According to the California Courts website, a trial’s length depends on how complicated the case is and how long it takes the jury to make a decision.
“Most trials are completed within a week,” the California Courts website said.
The judge typically has an idea of how long the trial will last and will let you know when your group is called for jury selection.
“Judges are aware that long trials can be difficult,” the California Courts website said. “Let the judge know if it would be a serious hardship for you to serve on a long trial.”
If you’re not selected to serve on a trial, your service will be completed in one day.
How often can I be summoned for jury duty?
Once you finish your jury duty, you won’t have to serve again for at least one year.
Blaine Corren, a spokesperson for the Judicial Council of California, said individuals can be summoned for jury duty once a year, or, every 12 months.
All potential jurors are selected at random from lists compiled of driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles, tax filings through the state Franchise Tax Board and local voter registration rolls, Corren said.
“It is possible that some people may be summoned more or less often than others, but that greatly depends on many factors,” Corren said.
These factors can include the size of local courts, the court’s population area and how many jury trials the court may have scheduled.
This story was originally published July 17, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "How long does jury duty last in California? What to know if you get a summons."
