I'm not an American citizen and I got a jury summons. What will happen if I show up and serve?
2007-03-17 05:09:27 · 7 answers · asked by Svavar S 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
I'm not an American citizen (much less a voter) and I got a jury summons. What will happen if I show up and serve?
They got my address from my drivers license and the county I live in (Riverside, CA) does not require you to be a voter so serve on a jury.
2007-03-17 05:18:30 · update #1
FYI: I emailed them and they said if I send them a copy of my passport they'll release me from service.
2007-03-17 05:26:37 · update #2
According to the court's web site you do have to be a citizen to serve:
Every person who is 1) at least 18 years of age, 2) a citizen of the United States, 3) a resident of Riverside County, 4) able to understand the English language, 5) not currently serving on any other jury, and 6) who has not been convicted of a felony is eligible to serve as a juror. [CCP Section §203]
http://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/jury.htm
2007-03-17 05:34:36 · update #3
You must be a citizen to serve, otherwise you are guilty of perjury and could serve jail time. Call your courthouse and explain the situation and ask them how to proceed.
2007-03-17 10:18:54 · answer #1 · answered by steddy voter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There wouldn't be a penalty because you are not ineligible to serve. You don't have to be an American citizen to serve on a jury. The only requirement, so far as I know, is that you must currently reside in the USA as either a citizen or legal alien. From what you are describing, it sounds like you would fit in the latter group. In any event, since you DID receive a jury summons, you should definitely go on the date of the summons and see what happens, or if that date is not good for you for some reason, telephone or fill out the form requesting a different date. You might not even be picked to serve on a jury, as frequently happens, but if you fail to show up on the date you are summoned for jury service, I believe (not sure about this) that you could get yourself in trouble for that.
2007-03-17 05:23:44 · answer #2 · answered by G A 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Call the Commisssioner of Jurors office, listed on the summons and ask to be excused because you are not a citizen. They will say not to show up duty.
They will take you off the list so no warrant is issued to bring you in for not going to jury duty, but let them know. MAKE SURE you get the name of the person you talk to, to be on the safe side.
2007-03-17 05:18:38 · answer #3 · answered by Outside the box 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you lie about anything during voir dire, you can be arrested and charged with perjury.
If you are not an American citizen, you cannot serve on a jury.
2007-03-17 07:04:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They go by the voter registrations. When you vote you get put on the list of potential candidates.
Not being a citizen you can't vote....unless you vote for a Democrat, then that's okay
2007-03-17 05:13:02 · answer #5 · answered by Delphi 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They wouldn't allow you if you tell them you are not a citizen. They'd relieve you of the obligation (since it is one reserved for citizens) and essentially let you go home.
2007-03-17 17:10:49 · answer #6 · answered by Rob 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could be prosecuted for perjury (lying under oath) and you could go to jail. They may also decide to send you back home (if you are not permanent resident)
2007-03-17 05:14:19 · answer #7 · answered by TV guy 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋