Jury duty could ruin my trip

[living20057]

I have jury duty and my vacation at Hilton Head starts next week. Is there any exceptions to not losing my points if I have to cancel. Will the points go into holding?

 

[jdrais]

Not sure how it works in Delaware but most jurisdictions allow you to postpone your jury duty if you have some reasonable excuse. Now in bigger cities maybe they don't allow it but it's worth a try.

 

[Dizneydaz]

I've had several trips planned when I was called for possible jury duty. I was able to just tell them I already had reservations (plane, etc.) and was excused. You might want to bring proof of your vacation if you get called.

The way it works here we get the notice for service and have to check online or by phone the day before, for a week. I've only been called in about 1/2 the time I got the notice. I have yet to serve (work, vacation, etc). We are also allowed to postpone once per notice.

Hope you don't have to cancel your trip.

 

[aroundtheriverbend]

Hi there, I just postponed mine 2 months ago in Charlotte, NC. Most places offer you the option of moving it once, I even got to pick my replacement date online. I only had to select a reason from their list, didn't even have to talk to a real person. Good luck!

 

[Dean]

I have jury duty and my vacation at Hilton Head starts next week. Is there any exceptions to not losing my points if I have to cancel. Will the points go into holding?

There should be an option to reschedule, just call the number on your summons and discuss it. Sometimes they will excuse you but usually just reschedule. IF you've already rescheduled this one before they're less likely to work with you but still may.

 

[drusba]

I do not know of any place, big city or otherwise, that won't allow you one change. The last thing the court and attorneys on either side want is a juror who loses a pre-planned vacation to jury duty.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I also had a call for jury duty at the same time as a planned trip and was excused for that round. As it ended up the next one was cancelled so I never did have to go in. From notices I've seen from two states there should be a number for you to call.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Hi there, I just postponed mine 2 months ago in Charlotte, NC. Most places offer you the option of moving it once, I even got to pick my replacement date online. I only had to select a reason from their list, didn't even have to talk to a real person. Good luck!

This happened to me in Ohio as well. I was able to pick an alternative date. I hope it works for you!

 

[Red Sox]

As the others have said most states allow you to re-schedule with no questions asked the first time. Also all states bring in several extra people to fill very few spots. I do not know of any state that would "go after" you for being a no show. Good luck and have a great vacation.

 

[stmize]

In walker co ga if you can't serve you have to write a letter. If you are a no show they put out a bench warrant for you so if you get stopped for a traffic violation they will arrest you.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

In FL, you can write a letter and ask for a 6 month postponement but you have to do it right away, can't wait till the last minute.

 

[smjj]

Don't know how it is there but here if you can show a airline ticket receipt or a room conformation they let you out of it. They don't want people losing money or having to cancel a family vacation...smjj

 

[Dean]

In FL, you can write a letter and ask for a 6 month postponement but you have to do it right away, can't wait till the last minute.

I think it varies with the locale in FL and is always subject to approval.

 

[MinnieLee]

In NY, when your jury duty summons arrives in the mail, you can ask for a postponment and select another time, within six months, that you can serve. One postponment is allowed.

 

[living20057]

I'm already on a jury and the trial isn't going to be finished by the time my vacation starts,

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm already on a jury and the trial isn't going to be finished by the time my vacation starts,

Oh. Then the most likely scenario is that your points will go into holding if you cancel before the day you are to arrive.

You probably should call and get first hand information from MS. They will be unavailable on the 12th.

 

[stmize]

Oh crap I hate that.

 

[vicki_c]

I'm already on a jury and the trial isn't going to be finished by the time my vacation starts,

I was on a jury where the trial ran into my vacation. I spoke with the judge and they excused me and had one of the alternates serve in my place. It was supposed to be a short civil trial, but kept having postponements and things which was causing it all to drag out over a few weeks. In fact, one of the postponements was because the judge was going on vacation! So you might consider speaking with the court about it. If it will cause a financial hardship for you (flights booked, points used, etc.), they may excuse you.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I think it varies with the locale in FL and is always subject to approval.

Yes, I'm sure it varies everywhere! I have employees in 6 different counties and no one's ever been turned down who wrote asking for a reprieve! And that is without the employer having to get involved. But, trust that they will re-contact you in 6+/- month and at that point you must go!

My point, you have a pretty good shot of being excused/rescheduled as long as you communicate with the entity as soon as you're served the summons!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I was on a jury where the trial ran into my vacation. I spoke with the judge and they excused me and had one of the alternates serve in my place. It was supposed to be a short civil trial, but kept having postponements and things which was causing it all to drag out over a few weeks. In fact, one of the postponements was because the judge was going on vacation! So you might consider speaking with the court about it. If it will cause a financial hardship for you (flights booked, points used, etc.), they may excuse you.

This is a good idea. I was an alternative in a civil trial, so you may very well have a replacement for this case! As an alternative, I sat through it all, but when they went to deliberate, then I was excused.