GET GEPHARDT

Get Gephardt: How can a noncitizen receive a summons for jury duty?

Jan 8, 2025, 11:09 PM

SALT LAKE CITY — Juries hold fates in their hands. From defendants who swear they did not run a red light to those accused of much more consequential crimes.

Depending on your point of view, jury duty can either be an awesome civic responsibility or a time-sucking burden.

While many Utahns will be summoned, there are thousands who cannot serve. The list includes folks with a significant physical or mental disability, convicted felons, and people who are not U.S. citizens. That last one is germane.

A Venezuelan native living here in Utah contacted Get Gephardt after receiving a letter informing him that he was being summoned for jury duty.

The letter said he must go online to answer several personal questions. The educator asked not to be identified because he fears it could slow down his Talent Visa application and that he may be scammed.

It turned out the letter really did come from Utah State Courts. He really is being called to serve on a jury. That, of course, raises another potentially more serious question: Why is someone who legally cannot be a juror getting a summons?

A court spokesperson, Tania Mashburn, said there is a perfectly good explanation. In Utah, jurors are chosen, in part, from driver’s license records. The state’s Driver License Division feeds the court all those names.

“DLD does not sort the data by citizen or not, and then we have no way of knowing,” Mashburn said. “So, if they have a state ID or driver’s license – they would be in the pool. Then if they fill out the form and say they are not citizens, we update records so they don’t get into future pools.”

So, in the end, this wasn’t a case of someone pulling off a scam, identity theft, or someone invading Utah’s justice system. It was just the system working as intended.

If you do get a juror questionnaire, you should never ignore it. Those who refuse to complete the questionnaire or refuse to appear when called to serve are subject to fines and jail time for contempt of court.

Get Gephardt

When they made Tim Vincent an offer for his, he says UDOT's appraiser made a glaring mistake - not ...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage

UDOT moves to take Orem family’s home before resolving $175K price dispute

When they made Tim Vincent an offer for his, he says UDOT's appraiser made a glaring mistake - not taking into account his automotive shop in his backyard.

3 days ago

Virginia and Bob Baird explain to KSL's Matt Gephardt how a woman at a store tricked Virginia into ...

Matt Gephardt

Utah shopper duped into buying $1,000 in baby formula in likely scam

There may be nothing which pulls the heartstrings like hearing about a baby who doesn't have anything to eat. Scammers are banking on it.

4 days ago

Rehn says despite the her washer’s fifth breakdown, her extended warranty company will not pay ou...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Get Gephardt helps Washington City woman who says her warranty won’t pay out for her unrepairable washer

When a Washington City woman's extended warranty refused to cover the cost to replace her broken-down washer, she decided to Get Gephardt.

5 days ago

Viewers have spotted UTA vans with plates from several states including California, Colorado and Mi...

Matt Gephardt

Why do some of UTA’s ‘On Demand’ vans have out-of-state plates?

There is something brow-raising taking place on Utah roads: People are noticing UTA vans driving around with out-of-state plates. It prompted some viewers to Get Gephardt to investigate.

6 days ago

Christopher Maxwell says the most difficult thing about conning Americans as a romance scammer was ...

Matt Gephardt

A former romance scammer reveals his secrets to KSL showing how he conned people out of thousands of dollars

A man who says he's a reformed romance scammer shares with KSL’s Matt Gephardt how he made targets fall in love with him.

10 days ago

FILE – If passed, HB57 would delay a homeowner's financial obligation for a solar system until th...

Matt Gephardt and Sloan Schrage, KSL TV

Utah legislature considers stronger protections for residential solar customers

Utah lawmakers are mulling over a new bill that would give solar customers more protection.

11 days ago

Sponsored Articles

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

Get Gephardt: How can a noncitizen receive a summons for jury duty?