Jury duty is a pain in my butt!

1. 74

   NaomiRposted 14 years ago

   These stupid New York City jury people won't leave me alone! I served my time last year, right around Christmas, and was told that we're exempt for two years. But lo and behold, a summons came for me today, almost exactly a year later. They have it set up so you can inform them if you qualify for an exemption, but still, I shouldn't even have to waste my time worrying about it this year. I thought I'd have a break this holiday season! Is this going to be a new thing where every November, I'm summoned for jury duty? How annoying!

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2. 0

   Denno66posted 14 years ago

   I love jury duty. I find it very interesting.

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3. 0

   Madame Xposted 14 years ago

   If you have to go in, ask the judge if his court's jurisdiction is Constitutional or Administrative. You will be dismissed at once.

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4. 74

   NaomiRposted 14 years ago

   Oh, I managed to get out of grand jury last year by telling the judge that my husband is a criminal defense attorney and I don't trust the prosecution. I was dismissed at once. I usually manage to get out of it because of my husband's profession, but I don't want to have to deal with it when I'm supposed to get a year off. In NYC, it's a six-year break between state jury duty stints and a 2-year break between federal jury duty stints. So I shouldn't be up for federal until December, 2010 and state until August, 2012. And you can't be called for both in the same year.

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5. 73

   thranaxposted 14 years ago

   It aint that hard. Don't even worry about it, just deal-your a New Yorker, you already have some of the most stressful traffic next to New England.
   
   ~thranax~

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      Denno66posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Um, New York is not a part of New England.

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6. 71

   wyanjenposted 14 years ago

   I've been summoned in Detroit twice. I got each summons within 6 months of getting a speeding ticket.
   Jury duty is a much bigger deterrent than a fine for me.
   I agree with Denno66, but missing work is a major problem.
   
   Sorry for your hassle Naomi

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7. 74

   NaomiRposted 14 years ago

   Yeah, it's not in New England ... and I don't have a car. :-)

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      Denno66posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I do agree with you, though, that borders on harassment.

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   Randy Godwinposted 14 years ago

   I've only been summoned once for Federal court.  I had a great time.  It was a typical southern case and was very entertaining.  I can see how one would not enjoy having to disrupt work often to serve jury duty though.

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   Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

   I've never been called for jury duty. I think I'd like it, as long as it didn't happen too often

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10. 0

    Denno66posted 14 years ago

    It is very exciting. I feel badly that I've not been called up in about four years.

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11. 91

    rmcrayneposted 14 years ago

    I got out of court martial duty last year.  When everyone was shaking their head no, I was shaking my head yes.  Do you know anyone with a drug problem?  Do you know anyone convicted of a crime?  Do you know anyone wrongly accused?  Ah the perks of a large Southern family.  I think even the hesitation on the questions would have done it.  I had a bad cold and wasn’t thinking top speed.  My hesitation, to process some of what I heard, drew attention too.  Maj Crayne, it looks like you had some hesitation on that question.

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12. 60

    Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

    They have my name, and every time the three years is up I get called again.  A family member did a few days on jury duty and then the next week got called for the Federal court.  He was shocked to find out you can be tied up with it for nine months.

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    Pearldiverposted 14 years ago

    It is very easy to stand down from Jury Service and concentrate on a pain elsewhere!
    Simply State that you have Gang Affiliations and that you know all the Defendants in each upcoming trial.
    The Court Lists are available to peruse in advance if you look and speak like an attorney!
    (But it may be wise to leave your Flute at home and just carry your own Trumpet to blow at the appropriate time!)

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    jimcain207posted 14 years ago

    I was selected for a Federal grand jury. I was on it for 6 weeks and it was very interesting. Since my job paid me and Federal court pays real well, it actually was a small pay raise during that time. I had a chance to take a break from my job and spend 6 weeks in a court room. I would do it again if I had the choice.

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15. 74

    NaomiRposted 14 years ago

    When I was at Federal court last year, they wanted us to come down once a week for a grand jury case that could potentially last years. Years!! This is why I'll do anything and everything, and say anything to get out of it. I'm fine with being a jury for a week or even two. It's annoying, but keeps our court systems going, even though I think we'd do better with professional jurors. I mean, I wouldn't want me as a juror! But asking people to put years of their lives on hold, even if it's only once a week, is ridiculous. I wish we were offered the option to do some other kind of service besides jury duty. Like every two years you can either sign up for jury duty or do some kind of volunteer work, like for a hospital or helping to clean up the city's parks. This way, more than one system in our country would benefit and those who want to be jurors will be there.

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