Grand Jury

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The Fresno County Grand Jury

The grand jury is a constitutionally mandated judicial body charged to investigate civil matters but not criminal matters. The grand jury’s responsibilities include investigating issues regarding county government and public agencies funded by the government, and issuing reports and recommendations when appropriate. The grand jury is also mandated by law to respond to citizens’ complaint letters and to inquire into the condition and management of public detention facilities within the county.

Qualifications of a Grand Juror

Basic qualifications for the grand jury include:

Citizen of the United States
At least eighteen years of age
A resident of Fresno County for at least one year prior to being selected
In possession of natural faculties, ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, fair character
Sufficient knowledge of the English language

Desirable qualifications include:

Research abilities
Ability to analyze facts
Respect and objectivity concerning the opinions of others
Ability to work cooperatively with others
Ability to express oneself clearly
Experience in report writing
Basic computer literacy

Demands of Grand Jury Service

Each June, nineteen citizens of Fresno County are sworn as Civil Grand Jurors for twelve-month service. Jurors’ responsibilities are time consuming, with each grand jury establishing its own work schedule. Everyone who is nominated to serve must be fully cognizant of the time involved: 40 to 80 hours per month attending meetings, conducting investigations, and working on reports. Grand jury members receive a per diem of $15.00 per day and roundtrip mileage at the standard Federal rate. Each prospective nominee should sincerely and thoughtfully weigh all family, personal, and business obligations before accepting this nomination.

Selection procedures

Prospective grand jurors may be interviewed by a Superior Court Judge and all are required to have a criminal background check. The judges will consider all prospective grand jury nominees, but only thirty nominations will be made. Those nominated for service will be invited to attend an impanelment and swearing-in ceremony. Names are drawn at random to complete the nineteen-member jury.

For additional information, contact the Juror Services Manager at the Fresno County Courthouse, 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Fresno, California 93724-0002 or call (559) 488-3467.