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FAQs

  • May I be late?

    No. It is extremely important that you be prompt both in the morning and when returning from lunch. It is particularly important when serving on a trial since the entire proceeding can be delayed because of the tardiness of one juror.

  • Will I serve on civil or criminal trials?

    This court tries both civil and criminal cases, and it is possible that you may be selected for service in either type of trial.

  • What happens if I don't report for jury duty?

    Any juror who fails to report for jury duty and who is not excused by the court may be served with a show cause order by the U.S. Marshal. Subsequently, those jurors will be required to appear in court to show cause why they should not be held in contempt of the Jury Selection Act. Contempt penalties range from a fine of $1000 to three days imprisonment, or both.

  • What should I wear for jury duty?

    Please dress appropriately for court. Casual attire is acceptable. The temperature can be quite cool in the courtroom, so dress accordingly.

  • How am I selected for jury duty?

    Your name is pulled by computer from the voter registration list for your county according to guidelines that assure a random selection from a wide cross-section of the community. You then are mailed a qualification and summons form and asked to complete it online and submit it to the court. After the court determines that you are qualified to serve, you are summoned for a two (2) month on-call term during which you may be called to serve. After the completion of your term, you are not likely to be selected again from the voter registration list in future years. If you are called again within two years of your service but do not wish to serve, you may be excused on request.

  • How do I get a copy of a sealed document?

    Sealed documents are not available to be viewed or downloaded. They are not available to the public, or to attorneys or parties on a case. The only way to view or obtain a copy of a sealed document is by order of the judge.

     

  • How do I get answers to simple legal questions?

    The court staff for the District of Utah cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal advice and can afford an attorney, please consider scheduling a consult with an attorney who practices in the area of law in which you need assistance. Visit https://www.licensedlawyer.org/ to find an attorney.

    If you are unable to afford an attorney, some free or low cost resources are:

    • The University of Utah’s S. J. Quinney Law College of Law provides free brief one-on-one meetings with legal volunteers to Utahns who cannot afford legal representation. Information about the services and locations is located at https://sjquinney.utah.edu/pro-bono-initiative/.

    • The Access to Justice Commission has created a website to coordinate request for low and no cost legal representation. Please visit www.utahlegalhelp.org to submit a request for legal assistance.  

    • The Utah State Courts have identified free legal clinics across the state. Please visit https://www.utcourts.gov/howto/legalclinics/ for additional information.
  • What is the phone number for the state court?

    In Salt Lake City, the State Court is Third District Court. They may be reached at (801) 238-7300.  The Utah Court's website is: http://www.utcourts.gov

  • How do I obtain information regarding my traffic ticket?

    Traffic tickets in Salt Lake City, not issued on federal property, are handled by the state. Traffic matters on federal property may be handled in our court. Click here for additional information regarding CVB Violations

  • How do I obtain information about my divorce?

    Divorces are obtained through the State of Utah. The state court in Salt Lake City is Third District Court. The phone number is (801) 238-7300.

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