🏖️ San Diego Jury Pay Summary

Day 1 Pay
$0/day
Day 2+ Pay
$15/day
Mileage Rate
$0.34/mile
Transit Pass
Free (Day 2+)

If you've been summoned to the new San Diego Central Courthouse (1100 Union Street) or the regional courts in Vista, Chula Vista, or El Cajon, managing the commute is usually the biggest challenge. Like the rest of California, San Diego follows the state-mandated pay guidelines but has some unique local transport benefits.

⚠️ The Parking Warning: The Central Courthouse in downtown San Diego does not provide free parking for jurors. Paying for a public garage can cost you $20 to $30 a day, which completely wipes out your juror stipend.
🚈 The Transit Solution: MTS Trolley Pass

To help jurors avoid parking fees, the San Diego Superior Court offers free transit passes starting on Day 2 of service. You can park for free at one of San Diego's transit centers (such as Old Town or Qualcomm Stadium) and ride the MTS Trolley directly to the Civic Center station, which is just two blocks from the courthouse.

San Diego Juror Pay Rates

San Diego follows California's standard pay schedule:

  • Day 1: Unpaid ($0) by the court system.
  • Day 2 and beyond: $15.00 per day for every day you report.
  • Commute Mileage: $0.34 per mile, calculated one-way from your home to the courthouse.

Employer Wage Laws in San Diego

Under California Labor Code Section 230, San Diego employers must allow you time off to serve and are prohibited from retaliating or firing you. They are not required to pay your regular wage. If your employer does not pay, and serving would cause you extreme financial hardship, you can request an excuse or postponement through the San Diego Court Juror Portal.

Lunch and Breaks

The Central Courthouse has a juror lounge, but you are also surrounded by the Little Italy and Gaslamp districts. During the lunch break (typically 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM), you can exit the building to grab food. Many local cafes offer small discounts to jurors showing their badge.