Freaking out here....Jury duty

[DVCTiff]

Phew.....but I can totally relate. My husband was called to JD three weeks ago, got picked as an alternate his last day, then the trial lasted a week and he was moved up to juror (or whatever you are after an alternate). That left him one week back at work before our one week vacation at WDW! I was sweating it! Thank goodness his work is very understanding because I think a lot of workplaces wouldn't be (he works for HBO and they're pretty liberal). One of those snags you can't figure in when making plans!

Have a great trip!

 

[Miranda Danda]

In my opinion, I think your husband should let the judge know about the already planned trip. Having a legal studies/criminal justice background, I know that the judge would WAY RATHER your husband be excused than to have either side (defense or prosecution) be able to file an appeal on the verdict with the excuse that one of the jurors had a vacation planned and may have rushed deliberations. I am in no way saying your husband would do that, but it would likely be a way for them to weasel in an appeal on that basis! I hope you get to go on your trip!

 

[Miranda Danda]

Anyway, it does't matter now. He called me back. It seems that there was a mistake in what they were told. The trial is to last 4-5 DAYS not weeks. They judge misspoke and no one caught it until several of them called and said there were conflicts. Thanks for the advice

Oops! I guess I should have read the whole thread before I posted my response! Well, I am glad it worked out. Have a great trip!

 

[disneyaggie]

You can always avoid being selected for a jury by when in the interview or selecting process just start shouting "he's guilty! he's guilty! he's guilty! and then start shouting "Free Willy! Free Willy! Free Willy!"

Something tells me you may not be picked, but you may be required to visit the hospital for evaluations.

Works for me!

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

You can always avoid being selected for a jury by when in the interview or selecting process just start shouting "he's guilty! he's guilty! he's guilty! and then start shouting "Free Willy! Free Willy! Free Willy!"

Something tells me you may not be picked, but you may be required to visit the hospital for evaluations.

Another popular version of this goes, "Could I be fair and impartial? I guess so, but why is he here if he isn't guilty?" Bounce!


(also a surprisingly common attitude among the jury pool!)

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) Call the court clerk.
2) Almost every court exempts people for scheduled vacations.


NOTE: If he is called, he will be questioned by the judge and/or lawyers for impartiality. If it is true, he should get out by saying something like "I have a vacation scheduled and paid, and I don't know if missing the vacation would taint my opinion or have an influence on my decision."

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

Oh my gosh, that is terrible! Well lots of luck and be sure to keep us posted.

One question for any of experts... I know that airlines will refund all your money if you have a death in your family - and show proper documentation. And I know that jury duty is in no way similar to a death in your family; however, I would think that airlines would have some policy that allows a person to change their dates (without penalities) for a gov't stated duty. Does any such policy exsist? Or are you just at the mercy of the city???

Most airlines will work with you on this and waive the rebooking fee is you have to cancel your current tickets due military service or a death, etc. Some are more flexible than others. Your best bet is to get a hold of a sympathetic reservationist by phone and let them know your issue, that have documentation, etc.

Good luck!

 

[minkydog]

My sister was recently called for jury duty in Washington state. She was happy to do it--until all three of her ewes decided to drop in the same week. She has a small farm with horses, sheep, ducks,etc. and the last time her older ewe lambed she almost died due to uterine dystocia. If Laura had not been there to midwife, the ewe would not have made it. This time she had her older ewe and a first-time ewe ready to deliver any minute and she was just about frantic. They would not release her from her civic mandate.

During the jury selection it came to light that the trial was going to involve child sexual abuse. When asked if anyone had experienced this, she raised her hand(it's true;we were both molested by the same family member). The prosecutor jumped right on that--he really wanted her on the jury. He badgered her so much that she burst into tears as the memories came flooding back. The judge was so upset that he dismissed my sister and reprimanded the attorney.

Sister went home and delivered six lambs that weekend, all of whom survived as did their mothers.