Westside residents who have not responded to jury-service notices mailed on three separate occasions to their last known address could face stiff penalties plus a new jury assignment this month.
West District Supervising Judge Gerald Rosenberg will convene juror sanction hearings for Westside residents on three Mondays during January, starting today at 1:30 p.m. in Department A of the Santa Monica Courthouse, located at 1725 Main St.
Sanction hearings will also be held on Jan. 14 and 28, according to the court.
Those who refuse to serve could face a fine of up to $250. Second time offenders will pay $750, and third time offenders will have to cough up $1,500.
“Sanctions are a last resort, but even at that late date, monetary sanctions may not be imposed if a person agrees to serve,” said Presiding Judge J. Stephen Czuleger. “The court’s priority is having the people cooperate with us to ensure that jury service is shared by all eligible citizens in Los Angeles County, as mandated by the Legislature.
“The court has no interest whatsoever in using these sanctions as a source of money,” Czuleger added.
Those who are concerned about their status should contact the Los Angeles County Superior Court at (213) 974-5425, or go to www.lasuperiorcourt.org.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 7, 2008. Read the original PDF.