Jury Duty

[havasu]

For the first time since 1984, I have been called for duty for Jury Duty today.

I have a outdoor patio PVC baseboard installation job I am in the middle of, and still need to finish about 200 L.F. of baseboard at the gal's house.

Everything has to stop so I can get all dressed up, sit in a room all day, hoping to be picked for a trial.

The bad thing is the fact that their first question to me will be, "Do you know anyone in law enforcement?" This is the time I will have to explain that was my occupation for 25+ years.

I will then be excused and hopefully sent home.

Anyone have any Jury Duty stories they would like to share with me?

 

[Chris]

Several years ago I got a jury duty summons and went down to the court house and sat there all day for the to release me as time served. For the next five years I was called every year at the same time like clock work. It seemed that once I didn't have an excuse and showed they put me on a different list like the guy who actually showed. After the five years I had told them that I moved to my mountain house which is in a different county and haven't been called since.

I don't mind doing the service but when you call me every year to either call in everyday or sit in a room with 200 other people just to say see you later is not cool. If you want my service use it damnit.

 

[Admin]

My first thought was "Havasu you're exempt.".

I sat a few seats down from Nolan Ryan once. I was to star struck to say anything.

I've never made it to the selection stage, always hoped I would, I see it as an opportunity to be a part of what makes America great so I am more than happy to put things off to participate.

 

[havasu]

I wish I was still exempt.

 

[Admin]

It's not a life long exemption?

To my knowledge my Father has not been called for this reason.

 

[havasu]

After reading Austin's message, I immediately went to the front desk and asked if the exemption was lifelong. The head honcho jury lady said that the exemption only lasts as long as you are still an active cop. She admitted it was stupid, because if I do get picked for a jury, they will ask that law enforcement question and I will be excluded immediately. I feel proud to do my civic duty, but seems like a waste of time.

I personally believe I could be unbiased and probably understand the evidence a little better than most and render a fair and impartial verdict, but they just can't take a chance.

Right now, I'm on a 2 1/2 hour lunch break.

 

[phishfood]

I was called up for "The Vampire Killings" maybe 10 years ago. They didn't pick me.

 

[havasu]

I would love to sit on a big case where one needs to be sequestered, but it will never happen.

At the last minute today, they placed me in a pool of perspective jurors for a seven count case. Tomorrow, I will explain my previous occupation and I have no doubt they will say "buh-bye!"

 

[Admin]

After reading Austin's message, I immediately went to the front desk and asked if the exemption was lifelong. The head honcho jury lady said that the exemption only lasts as long as you are still an active cop. She admitted it was stupid, because if I do get picked for a jury, they will ask that law enforcement question and I will be excluded immediately. I feel proud to do my civic duty, but seems like a waste of time.

I personally believe I could be unbiased and probably understand the evidence a little better than most and render a fair and impartial verdict, but they just can't take a chance.

Right now, I'm on a 2 1/2 hour lunch break.

I sent him an email and have yet to hear back. The rules may be different here.

That's a long lunch break.

I was called up for "The Vampire Killings" maybe 10 years ago. They didn't pick me.

I remember that. I've also seen documentaries in the mean time.

Not for weak stomachs.

I would love to sit on a big case where one needs to be sequestered, but it will never happen.

At the last minute today, they placed me in a pool of perspective jurors for a seven count case. Tomorrow, I will explain my previous occupation and I have no doubt they will say "buh-bye!"

Seven count case?

 

[havasu]

Charged with seven felonies.

 

[Chris]

Charged with seven felonies.

Sounds like half the people I went to school with.

 

[Admin]

Well sounds like he's guilty.

 

[havasu]

Was there another 4 hours yesterday. Seems like everyone is trying to avoid this case and get out of it. I don't know if it is the way the judge is treating us, or having to be part time jurists. Have to return again today at 1:30, just to see if they need more from the pool.


The wheels of justice have slowed to a crawl................

 

[Chris]

Was there another 4 hours yesterday. Seems like everyone is trying to avoid this case and get out of it. I don't know if it is the way the judge is treating us, or having to be part time jurists. Have to return again today at 1:30, just to see if they need more from the pool.


The wheels of justice have slowed to a crawl................

How else are they gonna spend all my tax money. If things went fast they would be cheaper.

 

[Caduceus]

My grandmother lived alone after my grandfather died and I would visit her daily. Checking her mail was part of the routine and I found a jury summons for grandpa. He passed away 10 years earlier. I filled out the response indicating that he was deceased and mailed it. A few weeks later another notice arrived stating that he had to appear for court or would be found in contempt. I wrote another response indicating that he wouldn't attend due to "not being alive". Another week had passed and the county court called while I was visiting. I explained the situation, but the woman on the other end insisted that my grandpa must "personally submit a good reason why he cannot attend jury duty or a warrant would be put out for his arrest". Confused, I hung up. Two weeks pass and we are having a big dinner at grandma's when an irritated constable shows up looking for pap with handcuffs ready. After a few minutes of explanation, he apologized and sheepishly left assuring us that grandpa will be taken off of the jury list. Ya gotta love bureaucracy.

 

[phishfood]

^made a good case for less bureaucracy.

 

[havasu]

I still get phone calls asking for my dad, and when I say he is unavailable, they still demand to speak with him. I just tell them to start talking away while looking in the heavens, and if you are lucky, he will answer you. Makes for a good time!

BTW, I was finally picked for a jury and when asked if I could be fair and impartial, I told them "no." When the judge asked for an explanation I kindly asked her why on earth would a police officer lie and jeopardize his career for that, while pointing to the suspect. I was quickly excused, went to the jury room, and received my Certificate of Completion. Woo-hoo....I also earned $30! Done!

 

[Chris]

But spent 50 on gas driving back and forth.

 

[Admin]

My grandmother lived alone after my grandfather died and I would visit her daily. Checking her mail was part of the routine and I found a jury summons for grandpa. He passed away 10 years earlier. I filled out the response indicating that he was deceased and mailed it. A few weeks later another notice arrived stating that he had to appear for court or would be found in contempt. I wrote another response indicating that he wouldn't attend due to "not being alive". Another week had passed and the county court called while I was visiting. I explained the situation, but the woman on the other end insisted that my grandpa must "personally submit a good reason why he cannot attend jury duty or a warrant would be put out for his arrest". Confused, I hung up. Two weeks pass and we are having a big dinner at grandma's when an irritated constable shows up looking for pap with handcuffs ready. After a few minutes of explanation, he apologized and sheepishly left assuring us that grandpa will be taken off of the jury list. Ya gotta love bureaucracy.

I still get phone calls asking for my dad, and when I say he is unavailable, they still demand to speak with him. I just tell them to start talking away while looking in the heavens, and if you are lucky, he will answer you. Makes for a good time!

BTW, I was finally picked for a jury and when asked if I could be fair and impartial, I told them "no." When the judge asked for an explanation I kindly asked her why on earth would a police officer lie and jeopardize his career for that, while pointing to the suspect. I was quickly excused, went to the jury room, and received my Certificate of Completion. Woo-hoo....I also earned $30! Done!

I get phone calls for my mother's Hospital bill (years after she died) asking to speak to her.

I would jut say sure then leave the phone off the hook and walk off.

 

[phishfood]

Love it!!!!