Anyone here serve jury duty in Chicago? *UPDATE*

[Chicago526]

Specificly the courthouse on 26th and California (the criminal court house)? I have to go tomorrow, and have never been to this courthouse. I hear it's in a REALLY bad part of town, is this exagerated? I'm having my DFi drive me to and from, but was just curious about the area.

If you got picked for a jury, how long was the trial?

Was there a change machine for the vending machines, and what kind of food did they have in them?

Sorry for the dumb questions, I just want to know what to bring and what to expect. I already have my copy of Harry Potter to read, and my palm pilot so I can play Solitare.

TIA!

 

[Pollito916]

I have never served jury duty, but have been through the area, and it is definitely not the best. I believe the courthouse is known as the worst in the city.

Just curious - If you live in Elgin, why do you have to serve in Chicago? That's quite a trek.

 

[Chicago526]

I'm in the small part of Elgin that is in Cook County, jury duty is at the county level, and so often people who live fare away from the city have to go to Chciago to serve. The ironic part is that i move to Kane County in two weeks!!!

 

[PooohBear]

The area is not the best BUT you will be fine during the day, there are tons of police and people around, I went last year and wasn't afraid! As far as vending machines, I believe there was pop in one and chips & stuff in another, not sure about a change machine ?? There is also a caffeteria.

 

[GlennandAnn]

I worked there for 6 years. You'll be just fine- the area is not that bad, and you'll be there during the day. There is a parking lot across the street, and it's a short walk into the courthouse. There is a newsstand (run by blind people) that has chips and candy, and there is a cafeteria on the 2nd floor that served pretty good food (when I worked there, but it's been almost 10 years since I left there). Get ready for some really good people watching- there are a lot of characters at 26th and Cal!!


Ann

 

[Dan Murphy]

I did a month of grand jury duty there some years back. As said, not the best part of town, but far from the worst. And when in the area, it is like a military base, lots of police everywhere. You'll be fine.

 

[KimRaye]

I had jury duty on Monday this week, but in Skokie, not 26th & Cal. Skokie is a SWEET assignment. My Mom has visited nearly ALL the courts for jury dury, EXCEPT the Sweet ones, and she's survived. I was released Monday by 12:00. Did I say SWEET?

Cook County is a one-day/one trial system. If you're not picked tomorrow, you're done. If you're picked for a trial, you must serve the entire trial. Some 10+ years back, I got picked while at Rolling Meadows (another SWEET one), and I was there 3 days total. The first day was mainly the jury selection, and that didn't start until the afternoon, and then 2 days for the trial. IF you're picked for a jury, your lunch is included besides the Whopping $17 they pay you. LOL

Let us know if they show you the same video - Chief Judge Timothy Evans and Lester Holt taking you through the whole process. Oh, and my uncle is a Chicago police officer assigned to 26th & Cal, so stay away from him if you're looking for protection! ROFLOL

 

[Chicago526]

Thanks everyone! It was a breeze (my panel got called, but I didn't get picked). It was kindo of intereting seeing the jurors get questioned by the judge and the lawyers. I wish the benches in the gallery were more comfortable though, my butt got numb!

You all were right, the area seems okay. I wouldn't want to be there at night, but daytime was just fine. Everyone I talked to acted like I was going in to the middle of a war zone, so I was kind of freaked out by it.

And KimRaye, I saw the same video!!! I've served at Skokie before, too, and you're right, it is nice! I got out early (around 2 PM) so I went accross the street to Old Orchard Mall and did some window shoping. It's an outdoor mall, and it was the PERFECT summer day to be outside. I've also served at Daly Center, and that was nice too.

Now I'm safe, I'll never have to go downtown again!!! In two weeks I'll live in Kane County!!!