Grand Jury

 

FUNCTIONS

The grand jury is an investigatory body created for the protection of society and the enforcement of the law. Although the responsibilities of a juror are many and diverse, the three predominant functions include:

CIVIL WATCHDOG RESPONSIBILITIES

This is the major function of present day grand jurors, and considerable effort is devoted to these responsibilities. The grand jury may examine all aspects of county government and to ensure that the best interest of Plumas County citizens are being served. The grand jury reviews and evaluates procedures, methods and systems utilized by county government to determine whether more efficient and economical programs may be employed. The grand jury is also authorized:

  • Inspect and audit books, records and financial expenditures to ensure that public funds are properly accounted for and legally spent.
  • Inspect financial records of Plumas County.
  • Inquire into the conditions of jails and detention centers.
  • Inquire into charges of willful misconduct in office by public officials or employees.

CITIZEN COMPLAINTS

As part of the civil function, the Grand Jury receives many letters from citizens alleging mistreatment by officials, suspicious of misconduct, or governmental inefficiencies. Complaints received from citizens are acknowledged and investigated for their validity. Such complaints are kept confidential. If the situation warrants, and corrective action is under the jurisdiction of the grand jury, appropriate action is taken.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS

Occasionally and under certain circumstances the grand jury holds hearings to determine whether evidence presented by the district attorney is of sufficient nature to warrant persons having to stand trial in Court. Currently the Plumas County Grand Jury is a Civil Grand Jury only. In the event a Criminal Grand Jury is needed, a criminal grand jury panel will be selected from the jury pool. A minimum of 12 jurors must vote for an indictment in any criminal proceeding. The types of cases presented to the grand jury by the district attorney usually include:

  • Cases involving public officials, employees or police officers.
  • Other cases the district attorney deems appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Prospective grand jurors must possess the following qualifications (Penal Code Section 893):

  • Be a citizen of the United States of the age of 18 years or older who shall have been a resident of the county for one year immediately before being sworn.
  • Be in possession of his or her natural faculties, of ordinary intelligence, of sound judgment and of fair character.
  • Possess sufficient knowledge of the English language.

A person is NOT competent to act as a grand jury if any of the following apply:

  • The person is serving as a trial juror in any court of this state.
  • The person has been discharged as a grand juror in any court of this state within one year.
  • The person has been convicted of malfeasance in office or any felony or other high crime.
  • The person is serving as an elected public official.

Desirable qualifications for a grand juror include the following:

  • Be in good health.
  • Be open-minded with concern for the views of others.
  • Have the ability to work with others.
  • Have a genuine interest in community affairs.
  • Have investigative skills and an ability to write reports.

COMMITMENT

Persons selected for grand jury service must make a commitment for a period of one year. Service is from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.

REMUNERATION

Grand jurors receive fifteen dollars ($15.00) per day for meeting and twenty cents ($.20) per mile round trip.

WHY BECOME A GRAND JUROR?

Those who are asked to serve on the Grand Jury feel privileged to be selected. They enter this service with interest and curiosity in learning more about the administration and operation of the government in the county in which they live. Although serving as a grand juror consumes many hours, those who serve are willing to give their time for the betterment of the government which, in truth, belongs to them. If and when you are asked to serve as a Grand Juror, step up to your responsibility, accept the appointment and represent the community in which you live!

Information may be obtained by contacting:
Plumas Superior Court
Deputy Jury Commissioner
520 Main Street Rm 304
Quincy, CA 95971
(530) 283-6297