how do i get out of federal grand jury service in new york (manhattan)?

Question

I was selected as an alternate juror for a special grand jury! This means I am required to attend two days a week for the next YEAR, and there is a possible extension of EIGHTEEN MONTHS for a total of THIRTY MONTHS. I am desperately trying to get out of it - this caught me by surprise and they made me swear in right then and there! It's not that I'm trying to completely duck out, but during the summers (two full months) I am able to work an extra job which provides me with a substantial part of my yearly income and I'm afraid I will miss out on this - I must work every day or the salary won't be the same, which will cause great financial hardship for the rest of the year. Can someone help?

Answer 1

Yes, we all speak about civic duty and to an extent, I agree, but there are circumstances that should excuse someone from this particular duty. Illness or physical disability is an obvious one, but why shouldn't financial hardship be a good reason? Is it fair that someone must lose their income for jury duty? What if that someone is a single parent? What if you can't pay your bills - should you ruin your credit or worse? A long time ago when I used to be self-employed I was called for jury duty. For me, not working meant no income. With this reason, I was allowed to be excused.

Answer 2

Sorry, there isn't much you can do. For five years I worked in a criminal defense firm and I'd help the attorneys select jurors from a jury pool. Financial hardship, unfortunately, was not a strong enough excuse to get out of jury duty.

Answer 3

You don't. Being a citizen of a free country has a price. It is your civic duty.

Answer 4

Maybe your should talk with the judge, but you should be responsible for performing your civic duties.