JURY DUTY IN BOISE COUNTY

Beware of Jury Duty Scam

We will NEVER call you and ask for immediate payment for failing

to appear for jury duty to avoid being arrested. There are

consequences that could be imposed if you fail to appear for jury

service but you would have to appear before a judge to have those

consequences imposed. if you receive a call like this, please call our

office directly at (208) 392-4452 *251 to verify if we placed the call.

NEVER give the caller your bank/credit card information. You can

call the Idaho Attorney General’s Office at (208)334-2400 to report the scam.

 

Monte Gaukler, Deputy Jury Commissioner

Phone: 208-392-4452 *251

Fax: 208-392-6712

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://jury.idaho.gov

Automated Jury Phone: (844) 509-1211

Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

 

Jury Summons

When you receive a Jury Qualification Questionnaire for jury duty, you should fill it out and return it immediately. Fill out your Jury Qualification Questionnaire and mail it back to Boise County Courthouse P.O. Box 126, Idaho City, ID 83631, or complete it online at https://jury.idaho.gov.

Each term of service in Boise County is for two months and follow this schedule:

January/February; March/April; May/June; July/August; September/October; and November/December.

The Uniform Jury Selection and Service Act can be found at:  Idaho Code 2-201 through 2-221.

What to Expect:

1. We don’t have too many jury trials in Boise County. While unlikely, it is possible you will need to come in. Please let us know if you have any scheduled trips or appointments that cannot be moved, and we will do our best to ensure you are not selected for jury service during that time. Once you are assigned to a trial we cannot remove you.
2. We will try to give you as much notice as possible when you are chosen to come in for jury selection. We will send that notice out via e-mail and by the postal service.
3. You do not need to call in daily or weekly to check your status. If you are selected to appear for jury selection, we will reach out to you.
4. Jurors selected to appear for a trial will receive a “jury summons” by email and mail. Every attempt is made to send the letter at least two weeks prior to the trial date (date of required appearance). It is important that you check your email at least once a week during your two months of service.
5. If you have logged in to the website https://jury.idaho.gov you can opt-in to receive alerts via text message. We highly recommend that you do so.  You will receive immediate jury trial updates and/or cancellations.
6. Trials can be cancelled up to the last minute. Checking your email if you have been chosen for a jury summons is very important.

Do you want to receive notification by text message?

Click HERE to see instructions on how to verify that you are signed up for that service.

Jurors With Concerns

Statutory Disqualification:

A juror is not qualified to serve if the individual

• Is less than 18 years of age
• Is not a citizen of the United States
• Is not a resident of Boise County
• Is not able to communicate in the English language
• Has been convicted of a felony and is currently on Felony Probation/Parole

Medical

If you have a temporary or permanent medical issue, please complete your questionnaire online or via Juror Qualification Questionnaire. You may request to be excused or have your jury service postponed. Anyone requesting an excusal or postponement, for any medical reason, must provide a statement from a medical provider supporting the request and the anticipated date that the reason will no longer exist. The medical release statement can be prepared by the physician or you can use the Physician’s Certificate for Release Form below and send it via Fax to 208-392-6712 or email:  [email protected].

Physician’s Certificate for release from Jury Service

Undue Hardship

If you are unable to serve during the dates listed on your juror summons, please submit a Deferral Request online or via the Juror Qualification Questionnaire. You may request an alternate date to reschedule your jury service. Each juror is allowed a one-time deferment. Idaho Code does not excuse you from jury duty for work, finances, transportation, or childcare.

If you anticipate legitimate scheduling problems such as unusual work situations or vacation plans you cannot move, please let us know.  We will do our best to ensure you are not selected during that time. If you are a nursing mother, you may delay your service six months or longer, if necessary.

 

 

What to expect when you come in for Jury Selection

Location and Duration of Trials

All jury trials will be held at the Boise County Courthouse located at 419 Main Street in Idaho City. If you have been asked to appear on a given date, be prepared to stay the full day for jury selection. Any citizen selected for the trial will serve for the duration of the trial. In Boise County this time is normally only 1 – 4 days. Rarely does it exceed that.

Juror’s Pay (Idaho Code 2-215)

Jurors shall receive $10.00 for each one-half day and $20.00 for each full day. All jurors shall receive mileage fees for their travel expenses from their residence to the courthouse and back at the rate of .5850 per mile as established by the Boise County Commissioners.

Optional Donation of Juror Fees

If you choose not to receive payment, please indicate on your Jury Qualification Questionnaire; any fees and mileage will be donated to the Jury Assistance Fund.

The Jury Assistance Fund permits you to defer your mileage reimbursement and juror pay to a special fund dedicated to improving jury service. The Jury Assistance Fund also provides educational materials for schools and civic groups. If you are interested in participating in the Jury Assistance Fund, please contact the Jury Commissioner’s office, or check the box on the Jury Qualification Questionnaire. Thank you for your contribution in helping other jurors with this important obligation.

Jury Attire

Your attire should be appropriate for the courtroom. You do not need to wear a suit or a dress, but you must dress respectfully. Jeans are fine as long as they are clean and do not have any holes. There are no hats allowed in the courtroom. Also, please keep your perfume and cologne to a minimum, as many people are allergic to them.

Prohibited

*Food, gum, and drinks (except for bottled water) are not allowed in the courtroom.

*Cell phones must be turned off before entering the courtroom.

*Smoking/Vaping is prohibited in the building. This includes the jury room. If you would like to step outside for a break, please speak to the bailiff and he will assist you.

On a Personal Note:

We understand that jury duty can be inconvenient for many. However, it is a fundamental part of our justice system—and every person deserves the right to a fair trial.

While many people think of criminal trials when they hear “jury duty” there are also civil trials, which cover matters such as personal injury, property rights, and other disputes that any of us could one day be involved in. In those moments, we would all want a fair and impartial jury to hear our case.

That fairness is only possible when citizens of Boise County step up to serve. To ensure balanced and just outcomes, we need jurors from all walks of life—retired individuals, working and unemployed people, students, and those from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds.

Your participation matters. It is how the justice system works for everyone.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Jury Commissioner.