Jury Duty Administration Bureau

Citizens have the legal obligation to serve as jurors, provided they are qualified to do so. A person  who fails to appear in court or who unjustifiably refuses to serve as a juror will be charged with a misdemeanor and be sanctioned with a fine of no less than $500.

To serve as a juror, the person must:

• be 18 years or older
• be able to read and write in Spanish
• be a legal resident of Puerto Rico for one year and have been a resident of the judicial region where the trial is being held for at least 90 days.
• not have been convicted of a felony or any other crime involving moral turpitude.
• be physically and mentally capable of serving as a juror.

1. Digital Registry of Prospective Jurors

The first step is to identify people who are eligible to serve as jurors.

The Jury Duty Administration Bureau is responsible for gathering information about the residents of Puerto Rico. For this purpose, a digital registry of prospective jurors has been created, drawing from several sources, such as the State Elections Commission and the Department of Transportation and Public Works, among others.

From this registry, a computer will select names at random, and these individuals will be sent a questionnaire so the Jury Duty Administration Bureau may determine if they are eligible to serve as prospective jurors. It is important to note that no particular person may be added to this digital registry, whether at the request of that individual or by third parties.

2. Jury Questionnaire

Once prospective jurors receive the questionnaire, they must fill it out, sign it, and return it to the Jury Duty Administration Bureau. This is how to determine whether the person receiving the questionnaire is eligible for jury duty. There is no way to know beforehand if the person receiving the questionnaire is a prospective juror that could be excused from jury duty.

It is important that they fill in their contact information, including their mobile phone number and email, as they will receive court notifications through their electronic devices.

If a person believes that they do not meet the requirements for jury service, they must provide evidence that supports or proves their ineligibility, along with the completed questionnaire.

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from serving as a juror, your doctor or health care provider may complete the Medical Certificate on the back of the questionnaire. This certification can only be completed by a physician, not by the prospective juror.

No, this just means that you will be considered and, if eligible, a marker will be placed next to your name in the digital registry. When your name is drawn at random to serve jury duty, you will be notified 10 days before the trial, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Yes, once you receive the questionnaire, it must be filled out and returned to the Jury Bureau. Law No. 281 of 2003 provides that every person who meets the requirements is obligated to serve as a juror. The Jury Bureau will use the questionnaire to determine whether a person is eligible for jury duty.

A person who does not return the completed questionnaire will receive a second questionnaire or will be summoned to appear in court to explain their failure to comply with their legal duty and offer them the opportunity to comply before they are subjected to a criminal proceeding.

Once the person appears, the person will explain the reason for their noncompliance in providing the information required and will then fill out the questionnaire. If the person does not respond to the summons or refuses to provide the required information during their appearance, they will be charged in accordance with Law No. 281 of 2003.

No. Law No. 281-2003 establishes that all who meets the requirements must serve as a juror. A person who refuses to provide information to the Jury Bureau or to the court, provides false information, or fails to appear in court, or who refuses jury duty without justification will be charged with a misdemeanor and will be sanctioned with a fine of no less than $500.

If you no longer live in Puerto Rico, you must fill out the questionnaire and send proof of your address outside of Puerto Rico. Such proof may include a copy of a photo ID and a copy of a utility or phone bill or any other bill that shows you no longer live in Puerto Rico.

You may send the completed questionnaire with this documentation by email to cuestionariodejurado@poderjudicial.pr or by fax to (787) 758-1997.

The jury questionnaire is used by the Jury Bureau to determine if a person is eligible to serve as a juror, in accordance with the law. If a person has received a summons, it is because they were found eligible for jury duty after reviewing the questionnaire and the evidence submitted, including the medical certificate. It is important to note that old age, diabetes, and hypertension are do not automatically exempt or excuse someone from jury duty, nor do they warrant a deferment.

If you are traveling or have a medical appointment on the same date and time as the summons, you must submit evidence of this before the date summoned. You will be notified if your appearance is required for a future court date. To submit this information, contact the court where you were summoned using the phone number and/or email address provided in the summons.

The following people can request exemption from jury duty:

• practicing attorneys, law clerks, legal secretaries, and stenographers
• a person who has been summoned but is currently serving as a juror in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico
• any woman who is breastfeeding

In all cases, the person must submit provide evidence of the grounds for exemption.

No. The court will only exempt government employees and officers who should be exempt from serving as jurors due to the nature of their duties. This includes those under active duty as a law enforcement officer, members of the Armed Forces, Judicial Branch officers, elected officials, and prosecutors, including family advocates and advocates for minors’ affairs.

The request must be made to the judge presiding over the trial.

You must present evidence to the court showing that you are ineligible on the day you are summoned to appear. The Court may defer or postpone your service only for health reasons, illness or death of a family member, or the serious danger or ruin of your property or property under your custody.

The request for a deferral must be made to the judge presiding over the trial and must be accompanied by a medical certificate or other document that excuses your participation in the proceedings. The judge will examine it in the presence of the prosecutor, representing the People of Puerto Rico, and the attorneys representing the defendant, also known as the defense. Considering the circumstances of each request, the judge will objectively decide on each of the excuses.

Each person summoned as a prospective juror is required to appear in court for the duration of the selection process of all 12 jurors and alternates who will hear the case. The selection process is known as the examination of prospective jurors. Once a person is selected to serve as a juror, they will remain in that role for the duration of the trial.

A person who receives a summons for jury duty has the following rights:

• Not to be forced to serve as a juror for more than the terms established in Law No. 281 of 2003
• To be treated with dignity and respect by the Judicial Branch staff with whom the entre in contact.
• To have an adequate place available while in active service in the court.
• To be summoned to serve as a juror no less than ten days before the required date of attendance.
• To receive their salary from their employer while in active jury duty for the duration of the trial and in accordance with the guidelines established in Law No. 281 of 2003
• To receive a fee for each day of jury duty if unemployed or if jury duty leave has expired.
• To receive payment and reimbursement for transportation expenses incurred to appear in court, and to receive transportation supplied by the Judicial Branch if the court find there are circumstance that so warrant it.
• To receive payment or reimbursement for meal expenses while on active jury duty.
• To not be fire from your job or penalized by their employer for serving on a jury.
• To be covered by the Judicial Branch worker compensation insurance while acting as a juror.

Payment of per diem and mileage is subject to the rules for fixing fees, travel expenses, per diems, and lodging for jurors and witnesses in criminal cases. Available in Spanish: Reglamento para Fijar Honorarios, Gastos de Viaje, Dietas y Alojamiento para Jurados y Testigos en los Casos Criminales.

If an employer takes any action against an employee for serving as a juror, such as firing the employee, reducing their salary, or imposing any type of onerous work conditions, the employee is entitled to financial compensation. The action can be brought by the employee or by the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources on behalf of the employee, through a special labor-claims proceeding established by Law No. 140 of 1974, known as the “Controversies and Provisional Legal Status Act,” as amended, or through an ordinary civil action.