Juror Information

*******JUROR SCAM WARNING: Bogus Phone Calls, Emails on Jury Service may Lead to Fraud******

In various parts of the United States, citizens are being targets by phone calls and emails, threatening them with prosecution for failing to comply with jury service in federal or state courts.

In the calls and emails, recipients are pressured to provide confidential data, potentials leading to identity theft and fraud. These calls and emails, which threaten recipients with fines and jail time if they do not comply, are fraudulent and are not connected with the U.S. courts.

For more information about these scams please visit the Washington State Website

General Information 

General juror information, provided by the Washington State Courts, may also provide useful information for prospective jurors.

Information to Prospective Jurors Concerning Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
 
Whatcom County Superior Court is committed to protecting the safety and security of our community while performing our Constitutional duties. 

The Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department has recommended that people at higher risk of severe illness stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there would be close contact with others. The Whatcom County Health and Community Services Department recommendations can be viewed at the following link: 

https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3329/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19

Jurors: If you meet any of the following criteria, you may contact the Jury Coordinator at (360)778-5435 to defer your service to a later date. If you’d like to be considered for exemption, please complete your questionnaire with a written request and submit it for review.

  • You have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, lung disease and/or diabetes;
  • You have a weakened immune system;
  • You are pregnant;
  • You are age 60 or older and you do not wish to report for jury duty, or
  • You are sick or have recently been in contact with someone who is sick.

Reporting instructions, parking pass, and a map were attached to your summons. 

If you have lost your parking pass, please reach out to the Jury Coordinator.  

Juror Reporting Procedures

Please read carefully:

Understanding Your Summons

On the face of your summons, below the barcode, is your Juror number (#). You will need to know this number when you check the Jury Line throughout your term. The first day of your term is also on the face of your summons. Your "term" is an on-call period of 1 week, with the possibility of being seated on a trial that lasts longer. The duration of each trial will be made known during jury selection.   

Checking the Jury Line

After 5 p.m. the evening before your term begins, call the number below and press option 1 to listen to the Jury Line. If jurors are needed the following day, the recorded message will indicate a range of juror numbers that need to report.  It will also give specific reporting instructions regarding time, location, etc. If your Juror number falls within the range given, you will need to follow these reporting instructions. If you are not needed on the first day, the message will indicate when you need to check the Jury Line next. You will continue to check this Jury Line throughout your term, unless the recorded message indicates service is complete prior to the end of your term. If you are selected to hear a trial, the judge will convey your daily reporting instructions to you. 

 Jury Line: 360-778-5435

Jurors with Disabilities

If you have special service, access or sensory needs, please contact the Jury Coordinator as soon as possible, so that the courts may have sufficient time to meet your needs. 

Please Remember

Fill out your questionnaire completely and return it immediately to:

Whatcom County Superior Court 

c/o Whatcom County Jury Coordinator

311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401

Bellingham, WA 98225 

Please remember your Juror Number! (It is necessary for understanding all reporting instructions).

And don't forget to call the Jury Line the day BEFORE your term begins!

Juror Parking Instructions

You can park on the street in any space associated with a pay box or meter. Please be sure to place your JUROR PARKING PASS on the dashboard of your vehicle so you do not have to pay for parking.