Nevada County has one of the lowest percentages, if not the lowest percentage, of available jurors in the state. The latest numbers from the Judicial Council, for 2012-2013, show just 5-percent out of the total number of potential jurors, with the rest disqualified or excused. It’s 43-percent statewide out of more than 8-point-2 million. Percentages vary widely from county to county. Potential jurors are pulled from DMV and voter registration lists. You’re disqualified if you’re not a citizen, have a felony conviction, have inadequate comprehension of English, or you’re a law enforcement officer. But Assistant Nevada County D-A Joe Alexander says the jury pool here hasn’t been much of an issue for him…

click to listen to Joe Alexander

Alexander also questions Nevada County’s low number…

click to listen to Joe Alexander

Common valid reasons to be excused from a jury include a serious medical condition, no reliable transportation, and if you’re the only source of income for a family and would not be paid by your employer while serving. Meanwhile, El Dorado County has the second-highest availability, at 84-percent. It’s only 22-percent in Los Angeles.