Jury Duty
How are jurors selected?
Potential jurors are randomly selected and mailed a questionnaire to determine their eligibility. To be eligible for jury service a person must be a citizen of the United States, at least 18 years of age, a resident of King County and able to communicate in English. Eligible jurors are placed in a jury pool for six months. Each month, Federal Way Municipal Court calls a number of jurors from the pool to serve. Jurors receive a Jury Summons from the Court. Jury service is every Wednesday for a period of one month. Are jurors paid for their services? Yes, jurors are compensated at a rate of $15.00 per day plus mileage. Jurors must present their vouchers, in person, at the Federal Way Municipal Court's front counter for reimbursement. What kind of cases do Federal Way Municipal Court jurors hear? Municipal Court jurors hear testimony and view evidence regarding misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases such as DUI, driving while license suspended, theft, and assault. More serious felony cases such as robbery and homicide are handled in Superior Court. How do I request to be excused from jury service? You may be excused from jury service due to a medical exemption. Attach a letter from your physician to the juror questionnaire and return it to the Court. A job related exemption requires a letter from your employer. Since jury service is for a very limited amount of time, your employer must show that your presence is vital and that your absence would create an undue hardship. You are eligible for jury duty, even if you do not live in Federal Way, as long as you live in King County. However, if you are now living a great distance away and travel is a hardship, you may request in writing to be excused. You can request a postponement of jury service by writing to the Court or by email at mcjuror@cityoffederalway.com if you wish to receive a response please send an e-mail, we typically do not answer by mail. I have been summoned for jury duty. How will I know when I need to report to Court? You will need to call the Court every Tuesday after 5:00 pm during the month of your jury term. The number to call is 253-835-3001 which is also listed on your jury summons. What can I expect as a juror? See " A Juror's Guide".
|