Welcome to grand jury service for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.
You have been randomly selected for potential service as a federal grand juror. Jury service is one of the most important civic responsibilities of United States citizens and helps ensure the fair administration of justice.
Every two years, the Court creates a Master Jury Wheel by randomly selecting names from two source lists:
- Washington State general election voter registration records; and
- Washington State driver’s license and identification card records.
Names are then randomly drawn from the Master Jury Wheel and issued a jury summons. If you have received a summons, you must complete the Juror Qualification Questionnaire to determine whether you are qualified for federal jury service.
Receiving a grand jury summons does not necessarily mean you will serve on a grand jury. It means you have been randomly selected to participate in the grand jury selection process.
What Is a Federal Grand Jury?
A federal grand jury is composed of 23 citizens who meet in secret to hear evidence concerning possible violations of federal law.
Unlike a trial (petit) jury, a grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, an attorney for the United States presents evidence, and the grand jurors determine whether there is probable cause to believe a federal crime has been committed. If probable cause exists, the grand jury may return an indictment, which formally charges an individual with a crime.
Grand jury proceedings are confidential as required by federal law.
Where Will I Report?
Grand jury sessions are held in Spokane and Yakima.
Residents of Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman counties report to Spokane.
Residents of Benton, Franklin, Kittitas, Klickitat, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties report to Yakima.
How Long Will I Serve?
If selected, grand jurors serve a term of 18 months, unless extended by court order.
Grand jury sessions are generally held once each month and typically last one to two days. At the beginning of your service, you will receive a schedule of meeting dates so you can plan accordingly.
Although service extends over an 18-month period, grand jurors report only on their scheduled session dates.
The Court reserves the right to modify the grand jury schedule when necessary in the interest of justice.
Learn More About Grand Jury Service
Please review the Handbook for Federal Grand Jurors to become familar with the role and responsibilities of a grand juror, as well as the importance of this service.