Santa Ana, CA – Hon. Charles Margines, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, has extended the deadline to apply to be on the next Grand Jury to January 29, 2016. Judge Margines said, “The Court empanels a new 19-member Grand Jury each year to serve a one-year term that begins July 1. We are hopeful that by extending the application deadline, additional qualified individuals will apply, especially residents from the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Garden Grove, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, La Habra, Placentia, Santa Ana and Westminster.”

The Grand Jury performs civil oversight of local government by reviewing and evaluating county, city, and other local agencies, including jails, schools, and special districts within Orange County. The Grand Jury writes a final report with its findings and recommendations for improvement. In addition, the Grand Jury considers evidence for possible indictment of individuals in criminal cases and reviews complaints submitted by citizens.

The current stipend for Grand Jury service is $50 per day, up to five days per week. The panelists receive reimbursement for mileage at the current County of Orange rate and free onsite parking.

Superior Court judges interview qualified applicants and choose the top candidates. Final selection of the 19-member Grand Jury is accomplished by a random drawing of the 25 to 30 nominees who represent a cross section of the County. Current members of the Grand Jury and their advisors provide training to the panelists.

The requirements to serve are:
• At least 18 years old
• United States citizen
• Resident of Orange County for at least one year
• Sufficient knowledge of English
• In possession of sound judgment and a sense of fairness

The application form and more information are available online at www.ocgrandjury.org, by calling 657-622-6747, or in person at the Jury Commissioner’s Office, 700 Civic Center Drive West, Santa Ana.