They won't fine you. Approximately 20% of people who receive jury summons actually show up. You really think the city's gonna go after the other 80%? I agree with the other posters who said you should do your civic duty and show up. I served on a jury a few months ago(the trial lasted 2 weeks), and it was not a pleasant experience. But at least I was ok with the fact that I hadn't lied to get out of it like a bunch of other people in my jury pool did.
What happens if you do get picked for a long trial say like as long as OJs was... do you get paid in anyways or just miss a lot of work?
I ask because I know most people can get the day off but there are many a self employed persons that if they had to do a trial would have a lot of problems paying things that month if it was long at all... that being said.. do your duty and go.. although I wouldn't want someone on my jury who was upset that he was there
I am self-employed. I am now leaning towards just going and mentioning some of the personal and business lawsuits that I've been involved with, along with a few criminal cases that actually happened. I'm thinking that's enough to get me off. Now I just need to find someone to open my store up for me tomorrow. Damn all you people giving me a guilty conscience. Being picked for an extended court case would be a very bad financial predicament.
daman.. that's why I brought it up. If you are self-employed it's not the "free day off" type situation are employers required to pay you or just give you the day off?
If everyone put the energy into our civil responsibilities that they put into getting out of those responsibilities we'd be much better off. Reading this thread makes me think we really do have the government we deserve. Sad.
The court system can be accomodating for self-employed people. If you explain to the judge that your business cannot operate without you (without being a jerk while you're saying it), he may well dismiss you. During my jury selection, we were asked if there was any circumstance that would make serving burdensome. Then, you miss only 1 day. But, you probably can't avoid going in that 1 day and stay in the court's good graces.
thanks juan.. I'm of the feeling that you go do your duty even if it causes you a little trouble.. the self employed and missing money that you need for the family or not being able to get pay for missing multiple days of work is the only reasons I could see as having a reason to want to get out of it. but even then you should go explain it to the judge like you said.. and if he makes you still do it.. then you have to do it... we owe it to our fellow citizens.. we could all be accused of a crime one day and we would want the best jury possible.. not just the one where the people weren't able to find a lie to get out of being in it
