Citizens interested in serving on the Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury for the fiscal year of 2025-26 are encouraged to contact the Grand Jury Office at 209-525-4252 for an application to be mailed or go to https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/grand-jury/selectionapplication-process to download an application form.

The deadline for submitting applications is April 15.

The primary function of the Civil Grand Jury is to act as the public “watchdog” by investigating and reporting upon the affairs of local governmental agencies, including county and city government, special districts, and school districts.

Those who qualify to serve on the grand jury will be interviewed by a panel designated by the Presiding Judge. From those interviewed, Judge Sonny S. Sandhu, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court, will select 30 finalists from which the 19-member Civil Grand Jury panel and six alternates are selected by random drawing.

Civil Grand Jurors must meet the same qualifications as trial jurors. The term for civil grand jurors is one year (July 1 to June 30). Grand jurors must be available approximately 20 hours per month. In addition, applicants must be able to work via telephonic or video appearance (a smart phone and internet access are required).

For more information on serving on the Civil Grand Jury, visit https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/divisions/grand-jury

Persons may also call Cristal Castro at 209-525-4252 or by email at cgj@stanct.org