I am about to cry....

[Hannahsmom]

I know in the grand scheme of things this is not a *problem*, but I am about to cry. We leave for DisneyWorld on Fri. 9/14 for 11 days. Today, in the mail, I got a Summons for Jury Service for the U.S. District Court. I am supposed to report on Mon. 9/17. The kicker is, I can write a letter asking for a postponement, but I won't find out if my request has been granted until Fri. 9/14. Do you see my problem? Has anyone had this problem before? What are my chances they will grant my postponement for vacation? Man, I feel sick to my stomach....

 

[brymolmom]

Postponements are requested and granted all the time - if you have requested it more than once is the only time it might be a problem. Try calling...you might be able to do it over the phone (I have).

Another thought - is there any way you could get out of this permanently? Are you your child's primary caregiver during weekdays (even after school or whatever?). If so - you can send in a letter stating this and have it postponed indefinitely (not sure if this works for all levels of courts - but I did this when I last was summoned...I watch my children 2 days a week and since they don't provide childcare - they don't want me there with my two kids tagging along). Now, don't do this if you don't have to - I, personally, have served on a jury before and would love to do it again. I really enjoyed seeing and being a part of the process (yes, and seeing its flaws up close). It was very educational and I would do it again if I could.

 

[Hannahsmom]

I don't mind serving on a jury, just not the week I am on my long-planned, long-paid for, non-refundable vacation. The only other time I have ever been summoned, was the month after my DD was born and that was for the County. I am a little concerned since this is for U.S. District Court that they may be less understanding, and it doesn't help that I can't even find out if my request has been granted until after I have already left for Florida.

 

[connab]

I got a jury summons about 4mths ago and I actually forgot about it. I was dropping my son off at school and when I turned the radio on it just so happens the morning show people were talking about jury duty and I freaked out. I went home and called on Thurs and I was supposed to be there on the following monday! I told them I was the primary caregiver to my 2 children and she said fax me a note saying that. I called to confirm she rec. it and she did and said if there's a problem I would hear something. I really wouldnt worry about it- you can always show them proof or your reservation stuff.

 

[Mkrop]

I also was not able to serve local or federal jury duty because of childcare issues. I had to fill out a form and I too thought I would have to wait until the night before to find out if I was excused but I did get a letter in the mail saying I was excused before my date.

 

[mommytobug]

Call them ASAP and explain. I am sure you will be fine.

 

[TheDizMom]

I was summoned twice and was able to get out of it both times. The first time I had to try per my companies rules to get out of it and I was able to. The second time I got lucky! When I tried to call in and see if I could get out of it again because of work, they had just changed computer programs and my name got kicked off of the list during the change over. I can't say I was disappointed. Both time though I was able to call and do all of it over the phone and get an immediate reply. This was county though, not federal. I think you have a legitamate reason for not going and at the very least I would think they would be willing to delay it until the next session after you get back. I'd call and if you haven't heard anything by the end of the week before you leave call again. You may not have gotten your official letter by then but I would be surprised if the decision hadn't been made by then and they could let you know over the phone whether or not they had ok'd your request. It might be worth calling Disney and your airline (if your flying) telling them what is going on and see what they do when someone gets called for jury duty and can't get out of it. I would think Disney could adjust your reservations, but of course the airline would be more difficult. I know it doesn't help in terms of your DH and work etc., but at least you would know what your options are. Good Luck!!! I hope it all works out.

 

[CEDmom]

Call them up immediately and tell them you'll be out of town during that time. State it as a fact not in a way that you're asking for permission.

 

[tadamom]

I was going to say the same things as some of the other posters about caring for your children (if they aren't school age). I was able to take care of getting out of my duty over the phone. Mine was county as well but it's worth a shot to call them ASAP. Good luck!

 

[livie1205]

I would not worry, they let people out for far less reasons..but I would call...my dh is a deputy on the road(until next week,he put in for the courthouse) so I can not serve even if I wanted to,but when i was 18 i served on the grand jury for 6 months and I loved it..

 

[waltskids]

I have served on a grand jury and since it was once a week it conflicted with our already planned vacations during the summer months. I was allowed to miss those days since they only needed 12 people at a minimum and there were 20 of us on the jury. I am not sure how US district court works, but if you show proof that you are leaving for vacation they should change it with no problem.

 

[theduck619]

They have to know that Disney is more important then that case!!!

 

[tonilea]

I would not worry, they let people out for far less reasons..but I would call...my dh is a deputy on the road(until next week,he put in for the courthouse) so I can not serve even if I wanted to,but when i was 18 i served on the grand jury for 6 months and I loved it..

It all depends on where you live. When I was called for jury duty, dh was a police officer and I was a deputy sheriff. I was told I could serve on civil cases, so I still had to participate. My DH was just called up for jury duty this month - still a police officer - he will not be excused either.


To the OP - call the court clerk's office and let them know you are going to be out of town. It really isn't a big deal. I made sure they knew I had a vacation planned when I was called and it was not a problem. I just had to let them know the dates.

 

[a1tinkfans]

Totally agree, just call and tell them that you will be out of state and you can fax/mail proof of same.
I'm sure it will be fine!
Have a great Vacation!

 

[Patti_C]

My husband got a notice last fall and he had 2 weeks vacation planned and he sent in his paper and told them it was planned and paid for, he would be glad to serve the next month, he was excused until the next month. but he found out before, so it didn't interfere with anything. I would think you should be able to talk to someone and find out before that day, or you could always just go on vacation and be in contempt of court. LOL! Good luck and have fun in Disney

 

[LoveMyDisneyCats]

Check and see if they have a website to put in a request at. In my county, they had a place to do that and I heard back in a week (Even though it said it could take longer). I was just asking for a postponement and they actually just gave me a complete release with no further action necessary (until they call my name again in a few years, right?)
Good luck!

 

[ZPT1022]

It all depends on where you live. When I was called for jury duty, dh was a police officer and I was a deputy sheriff. I was told I could serve on civil cases, so I still had to participate. My DH was just called up for jury duty this month - still a police officer - he will not be excused either.

Weird. I got out of mine because I had just given birth to twins and wasn't able to drive. I called and explained that I was unavailable because of that. The first person I talked to said I should come anyway (but I couldn't get there!) so I said "Sure" and called back, the next person was able to handle it right away. My mom though, actually went and they saw her last name and said "Why are you here, you're related to ***** ********** right? When she said yes, they said "goodbye" My cousin is very high up in the state police so she got off because of that. I thought that was kind of standard.


OP, I would just call and state as fact that you will not be in town during that time. Worst case scenario they ask you to come at a later date. If you do have young children, you can use that if you prefer, and you will at some point get called again, but that would take care of it for now.

Have a great trip!

 

[agnes!]

OP -

Please keep us updated.

agnes!

 

[MickeyNicki]

I have been able to call the phone number on the summons, tell them I am out of town on a paid for vacation and they are able to send you a summons at another time...should not be a problem for you

 

[Hannahsmom]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I've calmed down and am looking at the situation rationally. I did finally get through to a human at the courthouse this morning. I explained my situation simply stating that I will be out of the state that week leaving on the day I am supposed to call and check if I have been granted the postponement. She wasn't very friendly, but she told me to fax my letter ASAP, and I can call and check after about 2 weeks if I have been approved. So we'll see. Keep your fingers crossed for me............