Prospective Grand Juror
Background Investigations

What to Expect During the Background Investigation Process

The Background Investigation Process

Prior to 1994, the Orange County District Attorney conducted background investigations of prospective Grand Jurors. Commencing with the 1994-95 Grand Jury, the Orange County Marshal's Department, in the role of law enforcement agency of the court, began conducting background investigations of the prospective members of the Grand Jury. As of July 1, 2000, the Marshal's department merged with the Sheriff's Department and the Sheriff's department has assumed all responsibility for Grand Jury background investigations.  The background investigation is conducted to assure that applicants meet the requirements set forth in California Penal Code §893, which states:

A person is competent to act as a grand juror only if in possession of each of the following qualifications:

• The person is a citizen of the United States of the age of 18 years or older who shall have been a resident of the state and of the county or city and county for one year immediately before being selected and returned.



• The person is in possession of his natural faculties of ordinary intelligence, of sound judgment and of fair character.



• The person is possessed of sufficient knowledge of the English language.

A person is not competent to act as a grand juror 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 in 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.

The Basic Background Investigation

Record Checks:

• Local police department(s) of city of residence and employment
• Orange County Automated Warrant Service System
• FBI Criminal Record System
• California Wanted Person System
• California Department of Motor Vehicles
• TRW credit reporting agency
• Orange County Registrar of Voters
• Orange County Superior Court indexes
• Federal Bankruptcy Court indexes
• Orange County District Attorney's Office

Interviews:

• With current employer or previous employer if prospective juror is retired.
• With the prospective juror at his/her home

Written Report to Committee

Upon completion of the background, the investigator conducting the investigation submits a written report to the judges of the Grand Jury Recruitment/Selection Committee of the Superior Court, Orange County.

Conclusion

The background investigation is not designed or intended to be an adversarial process, but it is thorough. However, the investigation is intrusive into the personal affairs of the prospective juror. The cooperation of all prospective jurors with the Sheriff's Investigator will speed the investigation and minimize the personal intrusion.

If You Are Selected To Participate In the Final Draw

The 30 candidates selected to participate in the Final Draw will be scheduled for fingerprinting by the Sheriff's Department.

If You Have Questions . . .

If, as a prospective grand juror, you have any questions regarding the background process, please contact the Sheriff's Professional Standards Division at (714) 647-1888 or (714) 647-4021.