I have to go to jury duty tomorrow and need to get out of it...

[nini]

.. because of work. Does anyone know if you can do that the day you show up?

urgh

[lizzieforkerry]

1. legally, I don't think "work" can stop you or punish you for jury duty.

If that is what they are telling you...

[nini]

11. no. it's me - the next 3 days are critical to what I do at work

the job isn't pressuring me.


thanks

[thoughtanarchist]

2. I skipped one...

by accident. No ill effects. Cannot pull that more than once in a blue moon though...

[JimmyJazz]

3. you have to show up and then hte judge will ask if anyone

has a reason why they can't serve. You approach the bench and give your reason - you'll get out of it. No judge, in my 15 years of jury trial experience has ever said no. They may give you the hairy eyeball, but they will dismiss you.

If at all possible though- you should serve. It's a great experience.

And, congrats on 5,000 - :yourock: I'm still trying to get to that thread :7

[Rabrrrrrr]

6. Wow! I've watched judges practically laugh at people for saying "work"

when the judge asked "Does anyone need to go?" except for doctors and lawyers.

Though I think I saw a judge say okay to a rather poor looking woman who was going to lose a lot of pay by being in the courtroom (I was in NY, and the state only paid something like $16 for the day of jury duty).

But every time I've been to jury duty and sat through process, the judges have said, "And work doesn't count!"

[JimmyJazz]

10. They SAY that, but they don't mean it. No judge ever forces a

potential juror to serve - they don't want that person on the jury. Plus, the attorneys will take note and, if for some strange reason, the judge makes the person stay, the attorneys will dismiss them. No one wants a disgruntled juror - trust me. I profile juries for a living.

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. By law, work has to give you the day off to go....

I had to go for jury duty a week ago Monday. Sssshhhh...don't tell anyone....I got sent home at noon and didn't head to the office. I felt really badly for the people who had to go to a courtroom to get interviewed from the one trial that didn't plea bargain. But not THAT badly.

[nini]

13. I'm tempted to just test my luck and only have one day

but because of my job responsibilities I'd rather put it off.

I hope I get to go home at noon too!! I won't tell on ya!

[Cobalt Violet]

5. I don't know how the law works in CA.

In MA we have stand-by jurors. You call the night before and either they need you or they don't. Even if they do doesn't mean when you show up you'll be seated as a juror.

[Pale Blue Dot]

7. Show up wearing a T-shirt that says "Hang the Bastard!"

This should work, since you live in CA. Here in Philly, a "Free Mumia" shirt would work.

:hi:

[nini]

14. LOL

:hi: How're you doing?


I was thinking of giving some wild answers but I'm too freaking honest! good to see you here.

[4morewars]

8. Usually they let you off the hook....

if the job really needs you. Or if a long trial would cause you grief at work. Be prepared to answer the judge's questions, though. It's been my experience that they try to make it as easy as possible on you. I've been set free every time on the first day. Grand jury is differant, I think you are on call for that, but I've never been to one.

[nini]

17. thanks.. I'm hoping it works out that way

I figure just showing up will help a bit

[HeeBGBz]

9. Tell them you need an hourly masturbation break

That might do it.

[Zomby Woof]

12. They give people a chance to state their case

Try it anyway. No guarantees...

[nini]

15. I'll try that..

but half of me want's to gamble and see if I get let go after the one day anyway so I don't have to postpone. Still got that gambling itch I guess.. :D

[medeak]

16. just say

whatever crime is being prosecuted that you have a close family member that was arrested for same....and be very forceful that you cannot be impartial.

It's a great experience however and urge you to comply.

[nini]

18. my dad was a cop too

though I hear that doesn't hold much weight any more.

I really don't mind doing the duty - it's just the timing is awful.

[medeak]

20. was victim of violent crime

that worked for a long time until got called for DUI trial. (was great...learned how to drink from toxicologists testifying)

Having a policeman family member may work tho..

sorry it's so unconvenient!

[nini]

22. sorry to hear of your experience

scary.

funny about the drinking tips ha...


thanks

[NV Whino]

19. you can postpone/reschedule...

but you should have done that in advance.

But a sure fire way to get dismissed if you are called to the jury box is to look the defendent directly in the eye and let a slow smile steal across your face. Works every time.

[nini]

21. when I registered these work dates weren't set.

It's just become a problem the last few days.

I wish I was a good enough actress to to that stare thing. :-)

thanks

[haele]

23. Check the back of your notice, or with the clerk as soon as you check in..

I've been able to reschedule at the last minute if something came up where it was critical I couldn't miss it, or I couldn't arrange a substitute for my presence. Most courts will happily reschedule you.

The back of your summons should give you more information.

Haele

[nini]

26. thanks.. It said I can request an excuse in the morning

but not guarantees :-(

[bettyellen]

24. i signed in once and then just left to go do some work and came back that

afternoon and snuck in (not really snuck- it was a big room- it was sooo easy)- and told the woman i had dozed off, had i been called? I hadn't!
I had been there thee days already, so knew it would be easy though. plus i was freelancing and they really didn't care to let me off, i was working all night and spending the day asleep in the waiting room. I had to run over to Manhattan for a fitting, so I did.
i have served so many days and never came close to serving. when they questioned us, they told us the crime being tried and asked if we had any personal experience with it,it's like an invitation to say any old shit to get out of it. so that's what people doing. i bitched about the waiting room, bit actually you could play cards and read and eat, and in the courtroom during the questioning (i did this three times in one week!) no food, no reaing, nothing... it was like lockdown.

[nini]

25. thankfully I'll only have to be there one day if I don't get picked

CA finally got smart and quit making people sit around for a week.

I'd rather be on a jury than just have to sit around.. I hate that.