Jury Summons

Jury Summons

The bright, multi-colored summons is your copy to keep for the call-in phone number and call-in/report dates. The second sheet is the double-sided questionnaire: this must be completed (both sides) and returned as soon as possible.

Who Can be Summonsed

Selah and other smaller cities all pull jurors from Yakima County. You do not have to be resident of Selah to be summonsed. As such, Yakima County generates the jury list – if you wish to be removed from the list, you must contact Yakima County courthouse.

Information for Jurors Who Are Told to Report

• Most trials are completed in one day. In rare cases, if jury deliberations extend beyond one day, the trial may continue into the following day.
• If you are summonsed for a two-day trial that is scheduled in advance, this information will be included on your jury summons.
• Jurors who are called to attend will be paid $10.00 flat rate plus mileage. 
• Please ensure your name, address, and phone number are clearly written, as this helps streamline the check issuance process. This applies to jurors who were summonsed, submitted their questionnaire on time, and were not previously excused.
• You will be expected to wear your badge at all times until released from service.
• You must call in on the call-in date (the night before the report/trial date) to listen to the voicemail message: this will tell you if the trial will be held or if it has been cancelled (“stricken”) – if cancelled you do not need to appear or take further action.
• If the trial is proceeding, you must report before 8:50 a.m. to Selah City Hall, located at 115 West Naches Avenue. Please use the main entrance and sign in at the conference room located immediately to the left. Your name will be pre-numbered on the sign-in sheet—this number is your assigned juror number. After signing in, locate and attach your juror badge and remain in the conference room until the bailiff arrives to escort you.
• Accessibility accommodations are available, including hearing aids, wheelchair access, standing, and restroom breaks. Please note that there is some walking and a few stairs between the conference room to the courtroom, which you may encounter during initial jury selection, lunch, and deliberations. These stairs can be bypassed using an outdoor ramp to access the ground level.
• Please stay after jury panel selection if you require verification of jury attendance for your school/job and notify the bailiff officer. This is only done by request.
• You are required to appear on your scheduled report date and complete a questionnaire in the conference room. Please arrive and complete the form before 8:50 a.m.
• If you arrive late, inquire at the Utilities window. They will notify the court clerk, and additional paperwork may be required. A determination will then be made regarding whether you are needed.

Selected Jury Panel Information

• You will be expected to wear your badge at all times (even on lunch) until released from service.
• Water, restrooms, and pen-and-paper pads are provided for selected jury panel members. A one-hour lunch break will be given.

Request for Hardship

As instructed on the questionnaire, requests for hardship REQUIRE documentation – lack of documentation to show hardship may result in your required attendance to the initial jury selection hearing. 

WRITING YOUR HARDSHIP ON THE QUESTIONNAIRE IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC EXCUSAL! YOU MUST SUBMIT PROOF WITH THE CLERK!

If you have not submitted your juror questionnaire or communicated with the clerk regarding your attendance, you forfeit the opportunity to request a hardship exemption.

Your submitted information is confidential (for the Judge, Clerk, and Attorney's eyes only) and is shredded after approximately one month for cancelled trials and 180 days for trials that are held.