jury duty

[rm]

I just got called for jury duty.

As some people may remember I received a summons at my parents house when I was in Australia and they mailed it back saying I don't live there. So today I get one at my house saying I've already postponed and I have to go.

I don't get paid when I have jury duty, I can't afford to do jury duty, but they won't give me financial hardship because they think I should just have fewer expenses than I do. Also, if I can't change it, I shouldn't be going to any of the auditions I have tomorrow either. And even if I could change it to when I have vacation days it would still be disaster, it means I couldn't go away until 2007. I know jury duty isn't a crisis, but it feels like one.

Am I remembering rightly that if they don't choose you they let you go after three days? And that they only keep you until about 1pm each of those days? Please please.

This is a stupid thing to want to cry over, but I do.

For the NYC locals -- how many days did they keep you? For how long? Did you wind up on a jury?

Comments

[justpat.livejournal.com]

Is this New York County, or Federal?

Federal keeps you for one mandatory day. The next morning you telephone a message system to find out if you have to come in, or if you've been completely excused. I've never known anyone who had to go in more than the one day. If you're chosen for a jury, of course, all bets are off.

[rm.livejournal.com]

New York County.

Okay, that's good.

And different than how it was the last two times I had to do this (one, I wound up on a case, but my job paid me for it then; the other I had to spend three days in voire dires and didn't get picked for anything and then they let me go).

[rm.livejournal.com]

BTW, sending you mail I owe you later tonight.

[ratkrycek.livejournal.com]

Sorry to (possibly) bug you, and further apologies if I've asked you before and have forgotten, but every time I see your icon around LJ, I'm reminded of someone I used to know, and I wonder. Did you ever live in Rhode Island (or work in Johnston, RI)? I wonder if you might be zir. If so, hi there; I wonder how you're doing and hope you're well - I remember you very fondly as someone kind to me and willing to share your wisdom, as well.

If you aren't this person, my apologies again. Though you also seem like a kind and perhaps wise person. :)

[rm.livejournal.com]

Nope. I've been to Rhode Island a couple of times on business and dated a RISD graduate nearly 15 years ago, but have never spent much time there.

[alterjess.livejournal.com]

I was in the first group called, so I don't know how long they keep you in the selection room, but when I was in trial, the hours were very short. (Deliberations, on the other hand, are 9-5 until you settle.)

If you can make a case for being incapable of impartiality, they'll let you go. (Or, as one guy in my pool did, simply answer all questions with "I don't want nothin' to do with this case.")

I'm not sure how different the rules are in Kings County, but our jury selection was 3 days. Does it say "show up" on your ticket, or is there a number? When I was called, there was a number you needed to call to see if they needed you to come in.

[rm.livejournal.com]

It says to call the night before for specific instructions, but it implies that that one definitely has to show up.

[sola.livejournal.com]

well, in the bronx, they'll (yes) keep you coming in for up to three days, but most people will get called and/or rejected the first day. and they pay you for the waiting days.

i once got out of jury duty by telling the truth: they asked if i belonged to any religious of secular organizations, and i said: "The Church of Euthanasia."

[hodsthorn.livejournal.com]

I think the general rule is that they keep you until you get called for a case OR until three days have passed--if you get called for one, I suggest having a set of excuses as to why the dates of the trial would be an undue burden on you (family members in need of care, job, personal medical needs, etc). I also second the point about calling in to see whether you've been let off the hook--I got called in 2002, and got released the night before I was supposed to start showing up.

Of course, I got called again in 2004, but that was just bad luck...


Oh, yes--and if you haven't done this before--bring a book. Several if you're a fast reader. The tedium is murderous, but it's usually pretty peaceful if you can find a spot away from the gum-chewers watching Jerry Springer.

[schmidtybooger.livejournal.com]

I was there for one day and they didn't pick me for a jury at all. I got to leave at 4:00pm, actually and it wasn't too bad, just bring a good, long book. Good luck sweets!