Prospective Grand Juror
Background Investigations
What to Expect During the Background Investigation Process
The Background Investigation Process
The Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department is responsible for Grand Jury background investigations. The
background investigations are 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 completed service 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
- 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.
- With selected neighbors of the prospective grand juror.
Written Report to Committee
Upon completion of the background investigations, the investigator submits a written report
on each of about 90 selected applicants to the Superior Court judges of the Grand Jury
Recruitment/Selection Committee.
If You Are Selected To Participate In the Final Draw
The 25 to 30 candidates selected to participate in the Final Draw will be scheduled for fingerprinting by the Sheriff's Department.
Conclusion
The background investigation is not designed or intended to be an adversarial
process, but it is thorough. Cooperating with the Sheriff's Investigator speeds the investigation and minimizes any inconvenience.
If You Have Questions . . .
If, as a prospective grand juror, you have any questions regarding the
background investigation process, please contact the Sheriff's Professional Standards Division at (714) 834-5311 or (714) 834-5316.
Please note that the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department requires a California Notary Public to verify your identity on the
"Authorization to Release Information" form included in the application packet.
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