How do i go about telling the court that i can't serve my jury duty??

Question

I receieved a summons to appear for jury duty, and I sent them all my paperwork showing that I've had reservations for 6 months. In my letter I stated that I would be more than happy to serve anytime except this particular week, I was denied. Tommorrow my duty is to begin, what can I say, and to whom do i say it, to try to postpone my jury duty until a later date?

Answer 1

As a former court clerk who sometimes dealt with these issues, I can tell you that legally, you still can be required to serve. However, you may find that the jury clerk is understanding and will put you back into the jury pool for the next round. I would contact the jury clerk first thing in the morning (ask for them specifically) and explain the situation. It can't hurt to try. We had one jury trial though in which the jury was excused for a few hours for a juror to attend a funeral, rather than excuse them from service. Most judges and jury clerks aren't too leniant on this.

Answer 2

It depends on what state you live in. In New York, you get to postpone your duty up to 3 times. After that you have to serve when they tell you. Have you the choice to postpone it, if so, find out the proper way to do it, in other words do it the "by the book" way and it should work out. If you have no choice, just go in to serve and try to speak with a worker in the clerk's office, bring all of your paperwork and proof, and MOST OF ALL, BE REALLY NICE. People in the courts are not always having the best day and can be very rude....whatever you do remember they are in charge - not you - so be really nice, try to even cheer them up...they'll do you the favor.

Answer 3

No. unless it causes a serious distress like the case will likely be really long and you can't afford to live on the $5 a day they pay you or you have class you cannot get out of jury duty it is your civic duty and responsibility. A vacation unfortunately doesn't constitute a serious distress. Be American and take responsibility there are unfree people who would die to be as free as you in Iraq.

Answer 4

if you need to show up tomorrow...it's probably too late to do anything about it. If you want to get out of it...act like an idiot. If it is a criminal trial...make it seem like you have a problem with authority..etc...the prosecutor won't want you on the jury. Or make it seem like you are Draconian in your punishments...then the defense won't want you there...
If the person on trial is a woman...you are a misogynist...ok don't go that far, you don't want to end up on trial here..but get the picture? Not that I'm condoning disregarding your civic duties....but reservations for 6 months....I'm sure if the judge had them...HE wouldn't be there...

Answer 5

You could speak to the clerk of the court, but it looks as though you are going to have to report as scheduled. That does not mean you will actually be on a jury but to not show up will cause trouble for you. Take all of your paperwork with you showing your reservations.

Answer 6

All I can tell you is that, I have never seen any punishment for no-show. I'm not recommending that. You may be the first case.
I do think that should you decide to be there, you do have the opportunity to speak to the judge and explain. Also, you do not now know what the case is about. When you are enlightened on that, you may actually feel prejudiced which will immediately excuse you.
If you have cash deposits on your reservations, this will cause you monetary loss. This may be enough.

Answer 7

You MUST show up and explain it to the judge presiding. If not, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. You will have a chance to explain your situation to a judge, but realistically, you're probably going to be there for a few days. The good news is, the odds are in your favor of NOT getting stuck on a long term jury...

Answer 8

It worked for me last year, probably because I made the point that we were taking my stepson to England with us during his Spring Break and could not reschedule without losing a bunch of money. They postponed it for 2 weeks and I did go and serve after that. I don't know what state you live in. Do you have any friends who are lawyers who could make a phone call to the courthouse for you, explaining the situation?

Answer 9

In California, you can postpone up to 3 times. If you have travel arrangements, I would go tomorrow and explain it to the judge, showing the paperwork. They can't force you to cancel a trip.

A vacation (travel plans that can't be changed) IS a legitimate reason for a POSTPONEMENT, unlike what some people have stated.

Answer 10

It may be too late if you need to show up tomorrow! I usuall address this all to the president Judge in a letter giving all reasons that this is a hardship at this time. They may not consider a vacation reservation a hardship unless you are going to lose money you can't afford to lose.