Apply To Serve On The Civil Grand Jury

Apply to serve on the Civil Grand Jury

Share your knowledge and improve our community by volunteering on the Civil Grand Jury.

You can apply anytime. Apply by May 15, 2026 to be considered for the next jury selection.

Need to know

Eligibility 

• 18 or older
• U.S. citizen who speaks and writes English
• Resident of Marin County for at least 1 year prior to selection
• Cannot currently be an elected official
• Cannot have been convicted of malfeasance in office
• Cannot be convicted of a felony or other high crime

Time commitment

• 1 year
• 10 hours per week (for 1 investigative committee) or 
• 20+ hours per week (for 2 or more investigative committees) 

Before you start

Serving on the Civil Grand Jury is a rewarding, high-impact experience. We look for applicants who are: 

• Interested in improving how local government works
• Excited to find ways to improve government services
• A good listener who can ask thoughtful questions
• Understands the importance of keeping information confidential
• Understands the importance of cooperation and compromise
• Computer-literate  

Read our member guide to learn what’s expected and what it’s like to serve on the Civil Grand Jury. 

What to do

1. Complete the Civil Grand Jury application form: Online
2. We will let you know by email if you are invited to attend an informative orientation in May.

What's next

The Sonoma County Superior Court Presiding Judge reviews the applications as they are submitted. If your application is approved, there is a 3-step process. In May, you will be invited to attend an orientation with current and former grand jurors.  If after the orientation you are still interested, you will sign up for an individual interview with a Sonoma County Superior Court Judge.  

If you pass the interview, you’ll be invited to the Empanelment Ceremony in June.  Your name will be placed into a random drawing to select 19 jurors and 10 alternates. An alternate is someone who will serve on the jury if one of the members withdraws.  Up to 4 Jurors from 2025-2026 will be asked to remain as holdovers for the term 2026-2027.  The number of holdovers will determine the number of jurors selected for the term (to 19 sitting jurors).

If you are selected as a juror or an alternate, you serve for a 1-year term beginning on July 1.   

After being sworn in, jurors get training on: 

• Civil grand jury responsibilities
• Local governments
• Investigation
• Report-writing techniques

Related

• About the Civil Grand Jury

Learn about who the Civil Grand Jury is and what we do.

• Civil Grand Jury Member Guide

Learn what’s expected of you and what it’s like to serve on the Grand Jury.

• Civil Grand Jury Investigation Form

Download this form to request an investigation by the Grand Jury.