Jury Information
Serving as a juror is a privilege that accompanies living in a democracy. Jurors are randomly selected by computer from a list provided by the Montana voter registration and Department of Motor Vehicles.If selected, jury service is a one-year term, beginning August 1 through July 31 of the following year. Jurors are summoned at various times throughout their term; however, once a juror has appeared for a trial, their jury duty has been fulfilled for the remainder of their term.
Location
Located on the main floor of the Ravalli County Courthouse at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, MT.
Qualifications
In order to serve as a juror in Ravalli County, you must be:
- 18 years of age;
- a citizen of the United States;
- a legal resident of the state of Montana and Ravalli County
Exemptions
Exemptions from jury service can be requested for the following reasons (must submit an Affidavit for Exemptions form, which will be approved or denied by a District Court judge).
- Temporary - military service, college, long-planned vacation, employment out of state, snowbird, unusual personal circumstance.
- Undue Hardship - based upon occupation and specific facts which constitute undue hardship.
- Permanent Medical - if you are chronically incapacitated by illness or injury, and can provide a doctor's not that states you should be "Permanently" excused from all future jury service.
- Change of Residence - outside Ravalli County
Compensation
If you are summoned and appear for a jury service you will be paid:
- $12 to appear as a potential juror;
- $25 a day if you are selected as a juror;
- $0.55 a mile for round trip mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been summoned to report Monday morning. How can I find out if I need to show up?
Call 375-6710 after Friday at 5:00 p.m. to determine which jurors are needed and when. The message will give you instructions.
I am 75 years old. Do I need to serve?
Yes, Montana statute does not restrict jury service due to age.
What will happen to me if I do not show up?
You may be found in contempt of court and/or fined.
I carry a pocketknife on my key chain, is it okay to bring it into the Courthouse?
No, the following items may not be brought into the Courthouse at any time:
- Knives of any type
- Sprays (mace, pepper, or any type of pressurized flammable)
- Glass bottles
- Scissors
- Wire cutters
- Kitchen forks
- Laser pointers
- Nails or Screws
- Letter openers
- Bottle openers
- Knitting needles
- Metal comb picks or fingernail files
- Weapons of any type
- Contraband of any type
- Food, Beverages or Liquor (water bottles permitted)
Last updated 12/20/2012 9:17:54 AM by Brown, Danyel