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Juror Information
Approximately 13,000 potential jurors are summoned each year by Island County Superior Court and District Court. If you received a summons, please read the entire form that you received for important information.
Jury inquiries can be directed to jury management at 360-679-7361. The toll-free number for jurors calling from South Whidbey is 360-321-5111, ext. 7361 and, from Camano Island, 360-629-4522, ext. 7361. Individuals requesting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations should contact jury management.
You can complete your summons online via eResponse. You must have your juror badge information available for initial entry into the eResponse system.
Juror Recording Line Phone Numbers
- Superior Court: 800-254-2755. If you are required to appear at Superior Court, please arrive by 8:30AM
- District Court: 800-946-9765. If you are required to appear at District Court, please arrive by 8:00AM
If a jury is needed, the recorded message will indicate that you are to report by YOUR GROUP NUMBER. It is very important to listen to the full recording for further instructions for the following week of your jury duty.
Court Locations
- Superior Court: 101 N.E. 6th St, Coupeville, WA 98239
- District Court: 800 S.E. 8th Ave, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
- Is jury service mandatory?
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The United States Constitution and the Washington State Constitution guarantee the right to trial by jury. Failure to attend as directed may subject you to penalties provided by law. All Island County residents who are registered voters or licensed drivers are obligated by state law to serve as a juror unless they:
- Are not a United States citizen;
- Are under 18 years of age;
- Are unable to communicate in the English language;
- Have been convicted of a felony and their rights have not been restored. (See RCW 29A.08.520 to check if you meet restoration requirements.)
- Is there an age limit?
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No. The State of Washington does not exclude any citizen over the age of 18 from consideration based on age.
- Why did I receive a summons for jury duty?
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Your name has been randomly selected by computer to serve as a juror in Island County. Potential jurors are selected from a combined source list from the state of Washington in the Department of Licensing drivers' and identification card holders' list and voter registration.
- I received a summons again. Why do I get one every year while my spouse has not received one?
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Summonses are issued randomly and based on your information with two separate sources. If you have a state issued ID/driver's license under one name and your voter registration has a different name or spelling, your name may appear on the list twice. Additionally, Island County has two courts – Superior Court in Coupeville and District Court in Oak Harbor – that issue summonses. This may also increase your chances of receiving a summons. Please note if you have previously been granted a deferment and receive a new summons a few months later, this is still related to your original summons. You did not get summonsed a second time.
Example:
You received a summons in January for jury duty in April. You requested and were granted a four month deferment with a new report date in August. In May you receive a summons for jury duty in August. This is still the same summons.
- Why did I get a summons if I'm not a citizen?
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That is because you either have or had a Washington State issued drivers' license or identification card. Holding either places you on a list of potential jurors for the county of your registered address.
- How can I be excused from jury service?
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There are two main reasons why a potential juror can be completely excused from jury service – medical and financial. Additional documentation is required for excusals along with your completed summons.
Medical exemption – All requests for exemption due to medical, psychiatric, or sensory limitations must be submitted by a written doctor's note clearly stating how your medical condition prohibits you from serving jury duty. This note does not need to include personal medical information. You may have your doctor's office fax the note directly to the Jury Manager at: 360-679-7383. Please make sure the note includes your full name.
Financial hardship – Requests for exemption based on financial hardships must have a letter from the employer on company letterhead regarding their jury duty pay policy. Additionally, you must also submit a letter stating the financial hardship that would be placed on you. You do not need to divulge financial information.
Self-employed – Exemption requests based on self-employment must provide documentation of your business, such as a copy of your business license, along with a letter stating the financial hardship that would be placed on you. Please note self-employed persons are not automatically excluded from service as there are no exemptions based on occupation or profession, per se.
Previous juror – If you previously served as a seated juror on a trial within the last 12 months you may be excused. Please be sure to indicate the date, which court and, if possible, the name of the case.
Previously scheduled events/appointments – If you have a previously scheduled conflict with the entire duration of your term, you can request a deferment. Please be sure to provide a new availability date sometime within 4 months from your current summons date.
Any request for an exemption must be accompanied by a completed summons.
If you request an exemption or deferment and do not receive a letter or phone call from the Jury Manager, your request has been granted.
- What is the penalty for skipping jury duty?
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Per RCW 2.36.170, "A person summoned for jury service who intentionally fails to appear as directed shall by guilty of a misdemeanor." Possible sanctions include the imposition of fines, community service, and/or confinement. Please respond to your summons.
- I have a conflicting appointment during one of my weeks. What should I do?
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Please call or email the Jury Manager regarding this conflict.
General Juror Information can be viewed at Washington State Courts Jury Duty Information