Getting that summons in the mail feels a bit like a surprise bill you didn't ask for. You're living your life in the foothills, maybe grabbing a coffee on Broad Street or heading up to Donner Lake, and suddenly the government wants a week of your time. Honestly, most of us just want to know two things: do I actually have to go, and where do I park?
Nevada County jury duty isn't as scary as the legal dramas make it look. But it is specific. If you’re in Nevada City, you’re headed to the historic Church Street courthouse. If you’re in the mountains, it’s the Joseph Government Center in Truckee. You’re on standby for one week, but the "one day or one trial" rule is the real deal here. If you don't get picked for a trial on your first day of appearance, you're usually done for the next year.
The Standby Game: Checking Your Status
Don't just show up. That is the biggest mistake people make. You’ll end up sitting in an empty hallway feeling silly. The court uses a standby system. You have to check your status after 5:00 p.m. the evening before your service date.
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You can do this two ways. Either call the Jury Status Line at (530) 265-7878 or log into the Jury Portal on the Nevada County Superior Court website. You’ll need your juror badge number—that’s the long string of digits near the barcode on your summons. If the message says "do not report," you check again the next night. Sometimes you go the whole week without ever stepping foot in a courtroom.
Getting Out of It (Legally)
We’ve all heard the "just tell them you're biased" advice. It’s bad advice. Judges have seen it all. If you truly cannot serve, there are legitimate ways to handle it, but you have to be proactive.
Age and Health
If you are 70 or older, you can ask to be excused just based on age if you feel you can't serve. You don't even need a doctor’s note once you hit that 70 mark. If you’re under 70 and have a medical condition, you’ll need a signed letter from your healthcare provider. They’re pretty strict about the letterhead and the specific dates of your service period.
Financial Hardship
This is a tough one. Nevada County only pays $15 a day starting on the second day of service. Plus 34 cents per mile. That doesn't cover a sandwich, let alone a day of lost wages. However, "inconvenience" isn't an excuse. To get a hardship excuse, you usually have to talk to the judge in person during the selection process. It’s not something the jury commissioner can typically waive for you over the phone.
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Postponing
Life happens. Maybe you have a vacation planned or a huge project at work. You get one "get out of jail free" card here—a one-time postponement. You can request this through the online portal. You just pick a new date within the next 90 days. It's way better than just not showing up and risking a fine or a bench warrant.
What to Expect at the Courthouse
If you are told to report, leave the Swiss Army knife at home. You’ll go through a metal detector. In Nevada City, the courthouse at 201 Church Street is beautiful but old. Parking is a bit of a nightmare. There’s a lot at the corner of N. Pine and Washington Streets, but it fills up fast.
The dress code is "business casual," but let’s be real—it’s Nevada County. You don't need a tuxedo. Just don't wear shorts, tank tops, or anything with offensive writing. Most people wear jeans and a decent shirt.
The Daily Grind
- 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. is the standard schedule.
- Lunch is long. You usually get from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. It's a great time to wander around downtown Nevada City.
- WiFi exists. The court actually provides free wireless internet. It makes the "waiting around" part much more bearable if you need to get some work done.
The Reality of Selection
Most people called for Nevada County jury duty never actually sit in the jury box. You’ll likely sit in the jury assembly room for a few hours. Then, a group of you might be led into a courtroom for voir dire. That’s just a fancy term for the lawyers asking you questions to see if you’re a good fit for the case.
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If you aren't picked by the end of the day, you're free. You won't be summoned again for at least 12 months. It’s a civic duty, sure, but it’s also a unique look at how the local government actually functions. You might see a neighbor or a local business owner. It’s small-town justice in action.
Actionable Steps for Your Summons
- Locate your Badge Number: It's on the front of your summons. Keep this paper! It's your ticket into the building and your login for the portal.
- Register Online: Go to the Nevada County Jury Portal as soon as you get the mail. You can update your contact info so they can text or email you if things change.
- Set a Phone Alarm: Set an alert for 5:00 p.m. the Sunday before your service week starts. That’s when you need to check if you're actually reporting Monday morning.
- Plan Your Commute: If you're going to the Truckee courthouse but live in Grass Valley, remember the pass can be unpredictable in winter. The court expects you to be there on time regardless of the weather.
- Verify with your Employer: California law (Labor Code § 230) says they can't fire you for serving, but they don't have to pay you. Check your company policy now so you aren't surprised by a short paycheck.