Phone Numbers for the Automated Jury System

Note:  When calling the automated jury system please have your summons 9-digit badge number available.

For all summons court areas (Riverside, Murrieta, Indio, & Blythe) the numbers are:

951.955.2285

800.498.8847

 

TDD
951.955.2285	800.498.8847

To send a fax to Riverside or Murrieta, the numbers are:

951.686.8734

800.377.4660

To send a fax to Indio or Blythe the numbers are:

760.863.8007

877.787.0774

Jury Duty questions and comments are welcomed.

Email the Jury Office for Jurors Summoned to Riverside

Email the Jury Office for Jurors Summoned to Murrieta or Banning

Email the Jury Office for Jurors Summoned to Indio or Blythe

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BASIC JURY SERVICE INFORMATION AND WHAT TO EXPECT

Jury service is mandatory and prospective juror names are obtained from voter registration and DMV records. Normally, service may be required as often as once per year. Service is normally from one day to the length of the trial, starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 5:00 p.m. Business attire is suggested. No tank tops, shorts, bare midriffs, culottes, strapless dresses, beach shoes, or bare feet are permitted in the courtroom. When entering any court facility you may be screened through a security device. Do not bring any knives, scissors, handwork needles, metal finger files, screwdrivers, tools, wallet chains, handcuff keys, or any items that may be used as a weapon. Warning: All persons entering court facilities are subject to search. All weapons are prohibited. It is a felony to bring firearms or other unauthorized weapons into court buildings. This includes all knives, teargases such as pepper and mace, Taser, stun guns, or deadly weapons pursuant to Penal Code Section 171B. Items considered weapons will be confiscated upon entering. No cameras are allowed in courtrooms.

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DIRECTIONS, PARKING, AND BUS SERVICES

Riverside	Indio
Southwest Justice Center	Blythe
Corona	Banning

Riverside

Directions

The Riverside Hall of Justice is located at 4100 Main Street, Room 209, second floor in Riverside.  Take CA-91 to 14th Street. Go west on 14th Street. Go north on Main Street. The courthouse is on the east side. (Mapquest Map)

Parking

Please detach the Juror Parking Permit from your summons and display it on your vehicle dashboard when parking in any authorized juror parking lot.

Detailed Downtown Riverside Juror Parking Map

3535 12th St. Parking Structure: Entrances on 12th and Lemon Street. Please note: Only the first 150 jurors are issued a red plastic "JURY PARKING PASS" by the attendant at the gate. When departing the structure, the pass entitles jurors to free parking. Jurors that do not receive a red plastic pass may choose to park in this public parking structure and pay the regular parking fee, or may park free in one of the alternate locations listed below.

12th and Main Parking Lot: This lot is for jurors already assigned and sitting on juries in trial; enter on 12th or Main Street.

13th and Main Parking Lot: Enter 13th Street. This lot is primarily for jurors already sitting on juries in trial; however, some space may be available for first day jurors. If the lot is full, please follow the directions of the parking attendant for alternate parking sites.

Public Parking Lot 33: located on the corner of 3rd and Market St. The Red Line Trolley/shuttle stop is on Market St. in front of lot 33, and runs every 20 to 25 minutes. Use lot Monday through Thursday. Special functions may be held at this lot, and if this occurs follow the parking attendants instructions or go to an alternate lot for jurors.

Calvary Presbyterian Church Alternate Juror Parking Lot: Located at 4495 Magnolia Avenue on the corner of Magnolia and 15th St/Community Hospital. Turn into the hospital drive way and turn left following the side wall of the church through the archway. The "Red Line Trolley" bus stop is located at the corner of 14th Street and Magnolia Avenue. The shuttle runs approximately every 25 minutes Monday through Thursday.

Eden Lutheran Church Alternate Juror Parking Lot: Located at 4725 Brockton Avenue. A "Jury Parking" sign marks the entrance. A shuttle runs approximately every 25 minutes, Monday through Thursday.

Bus Service

All jurors summoned to serve in the Riverside Courthouse are able to ride for free on all RTA (Riverside Transit Agency) buses by showing their juror summons badge to the bus driver.  For bus routes and time schedule information call RTA at 1-800-800-7821, or visit online at www.rrta.com.

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Indio

Directions

The Larson Justice Center is located at 46200 Oasis Street, Room 213 in Indio.  Take CA-111 to Oasis St. Go South on Oasis Street. The courthouse is on the left.  (Yahoo Map)

Parking

Jurors are to park in public parking located on the south and east side of the Larson Justice Center. Please park where signs indicate Public or Public/Juror parking. The parking permit attached to the summons is not needed. Jurors are responsible for any parking citations issued due to improper parking.

Bus Service  

All jurors summoned to serve in Indio at the Larson Justice Center are able to ride for free on all Sunline Buses to and from court by showing their juror badge or summons to the bus driver.

For bus route and time schedule information call 760.343.3451 or 1.800.347.8628 or visit online at www.sunline.org.

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Southwest Justice Center

Directions

The Southwest Justice Center is located at 30755 "D" Auld Road in Murrieta.  Take Winchester Road, Highway 79, to Auld Road. Go east on Auld Road and the court will be on the east side.  (Mapquest Map)

Parking

The Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta provides free parking for jurors in the Public Parking area in front of the building complexes. Overflow juror parking is available behind the building and is also free. Please have your Juror Parking Permit on the dashboard of your vehicle to avoid a citation.

Bus Service

All Jurors summoned to serve in the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta are able to ride for free on the RTA buses by showing their juror Badge to the bus driver. For bus routes and time schedule information call RTA at 1-800-800-7821, or visit online at www.rrta.com.

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Blythe

Directions

The Blythe Court is located at 265 North Broadway in Blythe.  Take I-10 to Lovekin Boulevard. Go east on Hobson Way. Go north on Broadway. The courthouse is on the left side.  (Mapquest Map)

Parking

Jurors may park in the public parking that is available on the north side of the Superior court building and across North Broadway at the other county facility. The parking permit attached to the summons is not needed.

Bus Service

All Jurors summoned to serve in the Blythe Courthouse are able to ride all Desert Roadrunner fixed route and dial-a-ride buses free from home to the Courthouse and from the Courthouse to home by showing their Juror badge*. For bus route and schedule information call Desert Roadrunner at 760.922.1140 or 1.800.COMMUTE, or visit online at www.paloverdevalleybus.com.

*Good only while jurors are on active duty.

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Corona

Directions

The Corona Court is located at 505 S. Buena Vista Avenue in Corona.  Take CA91 West just past the I-15 to the Main Street exit.  Turn left on Main Street to Sixth Street and turn right.  Take Sixth Street to S. Buena Vista Avenue and turn right to address as noted above.  The courthouse is on the right side. (Mapquest Map)

Parking

Jurors may park in the 3 hour public parking that is available on the north side of the Superior Court building.  You must place the parking permit provided on your summons on the dash of your vehicle to avoid a parking citation.  This permit also provides all day parking to all persons summoned to appear for jury service that day.

Additional Corona City Parking Lot:  Jurors may also park in a 2 hour Public Lot located west of the Corona Court across the street on Buena Vista St.  Display your jury summons parking permit on your vehicle dashboard.

Bus Service

Free bus service is not provided at the Corona location at this time.

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Banning

Directions

The Banning Court is located at 135 N. Alessandro Road in Banning. Take I-10 to Hargrave Street. Go north on Hargrave Street. Go west on Ramsey Street. Go north on Alessandro Road. The courthouse is on the left.  (Mapquest Map)

Parking

Jurors may park in the Public Parking Lot across Alessandro Street from the Superior Court. You must place the parking permit provided on your summons on the dash of your vehicle to avoid a parking citation. This permit also provides all day parking to all persons summoned to appear for jury service that day.

Bus Service

All jurors summoned to serve in the Banning Courthouse are able to ride for free on all RTA (Riverside Transit Agency) buses by showing their juror summons badge to the bus driver. For bus routes and time schedule information call RTA at 1-800-800-7821, or visit online at www.rrta.com.

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INFORMATION ON CHANGING YOUR JURY SERVICE

Jury service may be postponed one time for up to 90 days. An excuse from jury service must be in writing. There is no permanent excuse to jury service except verified medical illness. If you are requesting to be excused from this summons period, complete the response form attached to your jury summons.

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QUESTIONS ABOUT PAYMENT FOR SERVICE

Pursuant to section 230(a) of the Labor Code, your employer cannot prevent you from serving as a juror and is not required to pay you while on jury duty. However, the Superior Court will pay you $15.00 per day starting with your second day of service, plus mileage. (CCP 215) Government employees are not entitled to per diem for serving jury duty if they receive regular compensation and benefits while performing jury service from their employer. A government employee is one employed by federal, state or a local government entity or by any other public entity such as the Regents of the University of California, a county, a city, district, public authority, public agency, and any other political subdivision or public corporation in the state (CCP 481.200).

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CHILD CARE SERVICE INFORMATION

Indio Larson Center, Hall of Justice in Riverside, and the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta have a children's room available for juror's children while serving jury duty. Your child must be potty trained and at least 3 years of age. The children's room services are available Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 12:00 noon and 1:00pm to 5:00pm. No service is available during the lunch hour. Parents must pick up their children during the lunch hour and provide them lunch.

Please note: Child care services are not available at the Banning or Corona courthouses.
 

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INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED

Special parking, wheelchair ramps, assistive listening devices are located in most courts. If you need a sign language interpreter, or have any physical conditions, or limitations requiring special arrangements, you must speak to a jury clerk.

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FREE WIRELESS INTERNET CONNECTIONS

Downtown Riverside:
Free wireless internet access is available in the Riverside Presley Hall of Justice Jury Room/Courtyard, and Main Street pedestrian Mall in Downtown Riverside. For more info go to www.SmartRiverside.com  and coverage area map. Dial up service is also available in the Jury room by using your 800 number to connect to your internet service provider. Please bring your own laptop telephone cable connector.

Southwest Justice Center - Murrieta:
Free wireless internet access is available in the Southwest Justice Center Jury Room.  Wireless access is also available in public hallways and courtrooms in the court section of the building. Dial up service is also available in the Jury room by using your 800 number to connect to your internet service provider. Please bring your own laptop telephone cable connector.

Larson Justice Center - Indio:
Free wireless internet access is available in the Larson Justice Center Jury Room.  Dial up service is also available in the Jury room by using your 800 number to connect to your internet service provider. Please bring your own laptop telephone cable connector.
 

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ITEMS NOT ALLOWED IN COURT FACILITIES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• Who may be called to serve as a juror?

Every person who is 1) at least 18 years of age, 2) a citizen of the United States, 3) a resident of Riverside County, 4) able to understand the English language, 5) not currently serving on any other jury, and 6) who has not been convicted of a felony is eligible to serve as a juror. [CCP Section §203]

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• How do names get select to be summoned for jury duty?

All persons selected for jury service must be selected at random, from sources that include a representative cross section of the population of the area served by the court. In Riverside County this includes lists from the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Registrar of Voters, and may include mailing lists, telephone directories and utility company lists.

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• What should I do if I receive a jury summons in the mail?

READ THE SUMMONS!!! The summons contains a great deal of information about where, when and how to report for jury service, as well as a questionnaire which will help if you need to have your service postponed or you are requesting to be excused.

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• Do I have to respond to the juror summons?

Yes. The juror summons is an official court order; failure to obey such an order could result in a finding of contempt; you could be arrested, fined or placed in jail. [CCP Section §209]

Your juror summons contains a 9-digit 'badge number.'  The juror badge number is used when calling the automated jury system of the Riverside Superior Court at 951.955.2285 or toll free at 1.800.498.8847.  There are specific reporting instructions and general information.  If you are not advised to report in,  you may still either be required to call, or be rescheduled during the remainder of the week.  DO NOT STAY AT HOME IF YOU ARE TOLD TO CALL BACK.  PLEASE GO TO WORK AND CALL BACK FROM WORK.  Normally, once you are informed that you must be in court you will be given enough time to report.

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• May I postpone my jury service to a more convenient time?

Yes. If you have health problems, a paid vacation or other personal commitments at the time you are initially called, you may request a postponement. Generally, the jury commissioner will grant one postponement during each calendar year, and usually for no more than 90 days. If you have already received one postponement, you will probably have to come to court and speak to a judge to further delay your service.

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• How long will I have to serve as a juror?

Our court is on a "one trial, one day, one year" system. This means all jurors who are called to the courthouse are required to sit for one trial or one day (whichever is longer) and then they are excused (unless otherwise directed) from further service for at least 12 months. Even if you are not called in by the end of the week your service is finished for a year. A sincere effort is made to summon to the courthouse only those jurors required to hear trials.

However, if you are selected to serve on a trial, your length of service will be dependent on the length of the trial. Trials vary depending on the issues involved and how long the jurors spend in deliberations. Most trials are concluded within a few days to a few of weeks. Judicial officers will attempt to give you a time estimate for your trial when you first arrive in the courtroom, as well as a daily schedule for the proceedings.

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• What hours will I serve?

Normally, the courts in Riverside County are open Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM. Each judge may set particular hours during the day in which he or she hears trials. Oftentimes, a judge may not hear jury trials on one or more days each week, so that many other cases may be heard. Most courts, after the completion of evidence, require jurors to deliberate Monday - Friday; however, most do not require jurors to deliberate on Saturday or Sunday or on other holidays.

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• Does Riverside Superior Court provide child care?

The Indio Larson Justice Center,  Presley Hall of Justice in Riverside, and Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta have a children's room available for juror's children while serving jury duty. Your child must be at least 3 years of age and potty trained. The children's room services are available Monday through Friday 8:00am to 12:00 noon and 1:00pm to 5:00pm.  No service is available during the lunch hour.  Parents must pick up their children during the lunch hour and provide them lunch.

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• Why are there such long breaks and lunch hours during a trial?

Each day the trial judge usually handles more than one case; sometimes he or she will have a calendar involving dozens of cases. During the trial attorneys need time to organize evidence, interview witnesses and prepare answers to legal questions raised during the proceedings.

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• Will I be paid for jury service?

The amount a court may pay jurors is set by the State Legislature and the County Board of Supervisors. Currently, the rate of compensation beginning the second day of service is $15.00 per day and thirty-four cents ($0.34) for each mile traveled, one-way, to the courthouse.  Usually, jurors must pay for their individual lunches, but the cost of parking (excluding parking tickets) is usually paid for by the Court.

(CCP §215) - A government employee is not entitled to per diem pay for serving jury duty if they receive regular compensation and benefits while performing jury service from their employer. A government employee is one who is employed by federal, state, or a local government entity or by any other public entity such as the Regents of the University of California, a county, a city, district, public authority, public agency, and any other political subdivision or public corporation in the state (CCP 481.200)

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• What about my job and how can I serve if my employer won't let me off or won't pay me?

Under Labor Code Section §230, your employer must let you off for jury service. Employers cannot discharge or otherwise penalize an employee who is summoned to court to serve as a juror or to testify as a witness. Many employers are good corporate citizens and continue a jurors wages and benefits throughout the period of service. Once you receive your summons you should inform your supervisor about the dates of service and ask what (if any) written policies your company has regarding jury service pay. If your employer asks you to postpone your service, you should obtain a written request from the company, explaining the reasons for the request, and take it to court when you appear for jury duty.

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• What happens if I am going to arrive late to court?

CALL!!! If this is your first day, telephone the jury commissioner’s office at the number printed on your summons. If you are already assigned to a courtroom, contact the clerk and explain your situation. Remember the trial cannot proceed until everyone is present, including all the jurors and alternates. If you do not have a good excuse, the judge has the power to fine you for being late or absent.

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• What should I wear to court?

You should dress as you would if you were going to a business meeting, church or nice social function. Do not wear short, revealing clothing, tank tops or beach clothes. If the judge finds your clothing inappropriate you could be ordered to go home and change, and return to court on another day. You should check with the jury commissioner if you have any doubts.

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• May I take notes of the trial?

Yes. Usually the court will provide you with a notebook and pen, and the judge will give you special instructions about note-taking. The notes must stay in the courtroom during the trial, but you will have them available to you during deliberations.

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• Can I talk to anyone about what is happening in court?

Jurors are judges of the facts and should conduct themselves like a judge would conduct himself or herself. You must base your decision on the information that you receive in the courtroom and not from any other source. This means that you may not discuss the case with anyone, even a fellow juror, until it is completed and has been submitted to you for a decision. Jurors must be able to keep an open mind on all the issues in a case until they have heard all of the evidence and the instructions of the judge; and thus should not form or express any opinions on the case until the end. [Penal Code Section §1122.5]

When the case is over, you may discuss it with anyone if you want to, or you may keep silent if you prefer; however, you are prohibited for a period of 90 days from profiting from your service. [Penal Code Section 1122]

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• What are 'alternate jurors'?

Sometimes, when the judge believes that a case is likely to last for more than a day, additional jurors will be chosen to act as alternates. The additional jurors are chosen to avoid having to retry the case should one or more jurors become unable to serve and be excused during the trial (for example, if a juror becomes very ill or experiences a death in the family), leaving too few jurors to decide the case. Throughout the trial all jurors will sit together in the courtroom, paying close attention to the evidence and the judge’s instructions. Alternate jurors do not participate in the deliberations on a verdict. After the closing arguments of the attorneys and the court’s final instructions, the alternates may be excused, and may go home or back to work to await the verdict. However, until the verdict is returned the alternates are not allowed to talk to anyone about the case.

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• Why do they ask so many personal questions and do I have to answer them?

Everybody who is summoned into court as a juror comes with past experiences and opinions which may effect the way a person views evidence or the testimony of some witnesses. The process of questioning prospective jurors is called "voir dire" and is controlled by the judge. [Civil cases - CCP Section 222.5] [Criminal cases - CCP Section 223; and JAS Section 8.5(c)] The questioning is designed to help the parties, the judge and the juror learn of experiences, relationships or opinions which might cause the juror to base a decision on something other that the law and evidence presented at trial. For example, a juror who had recently lost a child in a alcohol related traffic accident may not feel emotionally detached enough to render a fair impartial verdict in a case where the defendant is charged with driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage.

Prospective jurors take an oath to answer all questions truthfully [CCP Section 232]; however, most judges will provide individuals an opportunity to answer questions privately when the juror indicates that he or she would be embarrassed or would feel uncomfortable providing a full, complete and truthful answer in the public forum of open court. Upon showing of "good cause," the judge can order the records of juror answers sealed.

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• Can other people find out I was a juror?

The names of jurors are "public record"; however, in criminal cases, after a verdict is recorded all identifying information is automatically sealed. A defendant or defendant's counsel may request that the court provide personal juror information for the purpose of developing issues on appeal or any other lawful purpose. The court on its own may limit use of or access to confidential juror information; also, the court may require that identifying juror information not be disclosed to other parties or individuals, including the press or other media. [CCP Section 237]

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• Is there a specific dress code when reporting for jury duty?

Business attire is suggested. Shorts, tank tops, bare midriffs, beach shoes, or similar dress are not allowed in a courtroom. The temperature of the jury assembly areas and courtrooms can be unpredictable. Jurors are encouraged to dress accordingly.

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• Is there assistive listening devices available?

Assistive listening devices are available upon request. Please notify jury staff.

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• Are jurors subject to search when entering a court facility?

When entering any court facility you may be screened through a security device. Do not bring any knives, scissors, handwork needles, metal finger files, screwdrivers, tools, wallet chains, handcuff keys, or any items that may be possibly used as a weapon. Warning: All persons entering court facilities are subject to search. All weapons are prohibited. It is a felony to bring firearms or other unauthorized weapons into court buildings. This includes all knives, tear gases (pepper/mace, etc.) tazer, stun guns or deadly weapons (Penal Code 171B). Items considered weapons will be confiscated upon entering.

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