Jury duty

[MEmama]

I've received my first ever jury duty notice and it's a doozy. One week per month for *4 months* on a grand jury. 
 

What can I expect? 

[Tenaj]

My dh did this several years ago.  He loved the experience and still refers to it often.  His was one day a week for four months so a little bit different than yours.  He really learned a lot about the court systems and became interested in becoming a GAL or CASA.  Because of work and family responsibilities he hasn't been able to follow up on that but maybe someday.

I hope your experience is as positive as his was.  

[HomeAgain]

I had jury duty about 2 weeks ago.

We arrived right as the courthouse opened.  It was a smaller court, so a bit more intimate than the larger county courthouse.  We were given a pin with our juror number and then sent to a room to weight.  For us, it was worth it to get there a few minutes early because the table only sat half the people and the rest were squeezed into chairs around the walls.

I brought a book and snacks.  There were water bottles available in the room.  After about half an hour the judge came to talk to us and explain the process.  We watched a short video about the history of jury duty and our rights to compensation (employer obligated to pay wages for the first 3 days, the court paying a stipend after).  We got a bit about the history of the courthouse, too, and what to expect that day.  In the other room the prosecution and defense were seeing if they could come to an agreement.  The judge told is it would probably be a bit to see which way it went, and we were welcome to leave and get a cup of coffee if we wanted.  We just needed to return 45 minutes later.  I took a walk, texted dh, and had a snack.

Back in the room we waited another 2 hours.  I finished my book - and I'm glad I brought it because the provided reading material was waiting room rejects.  One was a volume from This Old House on redoing the electricity.

By noon, it was announced that a deal was reached, we were thanked for our service, and released. A follow up letter was sent saying the same thing, providing records for employers, and stating that we would not be called again for 3 years, per state law.

 

Dh's jury duty was less eventful.  They cancelled and forgot to tell everyone.

If we had not been released, that afternoon they would have picked the jury and the trial would have started the following day.

[Eos]

I was called a couple of times but haven't served yet.  All potential jurors were called to arrive in the morning, then were given a number.  There were over 100 of us!  They did an introduction to the process of the day then we all waited while a few cases were called and resolved without need of a jury.  The judge then asked some overarching questions pertaining to the next cases to which we were supposed to respond by standing up.  For example, please stand if you have been a victim or family member of a victim of domestic abuse/driving under the influence.  Whoever stood tended to be dismissed, though not always. I was also called for a grand jury but was released before it ever met.

Dh served on a jury years ago that still gives him nightmares, you might remember it.  Three teens in a car crash, one was killed, the two others (who were cousins) argued between themselves as to who was driving at the time since they were all under the influence.  It was horrible and sad, dh came home and cried several times during the trial.  

Edited April 5, 2023 by Eos

[Kassia]

2 hours ago, MEmama said:

I've received my first ever jury duty notice and it's a doozy. One week per month for *4 months* on a grand jury. 
 

What can I expect? 

I was on grand jury many years ago.  I think mine was twice a month for four months plus two visits to the county jail.  Most of the time it was boring - lots of thefts (mostly chainsaws) for drug money.  Sometimes there were some really hard cases that really upset me and still haunt me today (child porn.  😞 )  

 

Edited April 5, 2023 by Kassia

[mom2scouts]

DS got called for jury duty for two weeks and didn't have to go in a single time. Our county asks jurors to call in the night before to see if they are needed to appear. If the recorded message gives your juror number, you have to go in. Otherwise, you don't go in at all that day. DS called in every night for two weeks and each time the message told him he wasn't needed that day.

I was called for jury duty once and was almost put on the jury as an alternate, but was ultimately sent home. It was an interesting experience, but I had a nursing newborn and it wasn't a good time to be called.

[Ann.without.an.e]

Only four months?  Mine was every other week for a year. ETA: Wait, is yours a full week?? Mine was only Every other Monday for a year. Man, that is a doozy.

Edited April 5, 2023 by Ann.without.an.e

[Ann.without.an.e]

As far as what to expect, it is nothing like basic jury duty. You will get a brief run down of everything that could go to court. Like hundreds and hundreds of cases sometimes. Usually it is the arresting officer or a representative for the force who explains it all to you. You can ask questions. They leave the room and then you vote if it goes to trial. You are not deciding guilty or innocent. You are only deciding if there is enough evidence for it to go to trial. 

[Ann.without.an.e]

Oh and yes, @Kassia is right. You visit the jail. You are responsible for inspecting it here. A quick checklist to make sure outside eyes are observing. 

It is very, very, very boring. Mostly small petty things. We did have one chief of police for a smaller town (the one I live in now actually) who would come in and say "I know you're bored" and try to make it as interesting as possible by adding humor and funny little details. We always looked forward to him. 

It is actually pretty much red tape. Everything gets passed through where I am. It feels so pointless. 

 

ETA: I'm sorry for responding in 3 posts. I saw Kassia's comment after I replied and my brain is full on ADHD this morning lol. 

Edited April 5, 2023 by Ann.without.an.e

[Pawz4me]

Is it a state grand jury or a federal one? That’s going to make a difference in the types of things you’ll hear. 

[Kassia]

16 minutes ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

It is actually pretty much red tape. Everything gets passed through where I am. It feels so pointless. 

 

That's how I felt too.  I think there was always enough evidence to go to trial.  

[Ann.without.an.e]

17 minutes ago, Kassia said:

That's how I felt too.  I think there was always enough evidence to go to trial.  

I think the fact that they are required to bring it before a grand jury is what keeps senseless things from going to trial? That was always my guess at least. So it does serve a purpose but it doesn't feel like it when you're doing it lol. 

[MEmama]

35 minutes ago, Pawz4me said:

Is it a state grand jury or a federal one? That’s going to make a difference in the types of things you’ll hear. 

The paperwork says State Superior Court, so I guess state.

I thought maybe a grand jury would be for an extra big case, but my state doesn't really do lots of Big Crime, and from others experiences it sounds like I was wrong anyway. I don't think they'll find I'm lacking in opinions about much at any rate (cue my perimenopausal rage).

[MEmama]

2 hours ago, HomeAgain said:

I had jury duty about 2 weeks ago.

We arrived right as the courthouse opened.  It was a smaller court, so a bit more intimate than the larger county courthouse.  We were given a pin with our juror number and then sent to a room to weight.  For us, it was worth it to get there a few minutes early because the table only sat half the people and the rest were squeezed into chairs around the walls.

I brought a book and snacks.  There were water bottles available in the room.  After about half an hour the judge came to talk to us and explain the process.  We watched a short video about the history of jury duty and our rights to compensation (employer obligated to pay wages for the first 3 days, the court paying a stipend after).  We got a bit about the history of the courthouse, too, and what to expect that day.  In the other room the prosecution and defense were seeing if they could come to an agreement.  The judge told is it would probably be a bit to see which way it went, and we were welcome to leave and get a cup of coffee if we wanted.  We just needed to return 45 minutes later.  I took a walk, texted dh, and had a snack.

Back in the room we waited another 2 hours.  I finished my book - and I'm glad I brought it because the provided reading material was waiting room rejects.  One was a volume from This Old House on redoing the electricity.

By noon, it was announced that a deal was reached, we were thanked for our service, and released. A follow up letter was sent saying the same thing, providing records for employers, and stating that we would not be called again for 3 years, per state law.

 

Dh's jury duty was less eventful.  They cancelled and forgot to tell everyone.

If we had not been released, that afternoon they would have picked the jury and the trial would have started the following day.

Thank you, this is really helpful. I'm going to be an anxious wreck, but it helps to have some sense of what to expect.

[Kassia]

37 minutes ago, MEmama said:

The paperwork says State Superior Court, so I guess state.

 

Is it far from you?  I was lucky and only had to do county court.  My MIL was called for state or federal (I can't remember) and that was held downtown and she was excused because of her age.  I would hate to have to drive that far and in that area.

[Acadie]

Wow, I knew nothing about being called for grand jury duty before this thread. Dh has been called for regular jury duty 4 times and dd20 was just called, but I never have. So weird. 

[Acadie]

1 hour ago, MEmama said:

 I don't think they'll find I'm lacking in opinions about much at any rate (cue my perimenopausal rage).

Hell to the yeah, sister! 

[Ann.without.an.e]

1 hour ago, MEmama said:

The paperwork says State Superior Court, so I guess state.

I thought maybe a grand jury would be for an extra big case, but my state doesn't really do lots of Big Crime, and from others experiences it sounds like I was wrong anyway. I don't think they'll find I'm lacking in opinions about much at any rate (cue my perimenopausal rage).

 

wow, state superior court would be totally different and I’m sure far more interesting. How far do you have to travel though? I’m sure those are the bigger cases? 

[Carol in Cal.]

I was called in for a grand jury, and the obligation would have been ‘any time we say for 6 months’, adding up to about half time but unpredictably.  They did not tell us in the call up that this was a grand jury.  We found that out when we were being questioned by the judge for hardship preventing service.  I went in thinking it would be for one little trial, and this was a shock to me.  I have my own business so the schedule was impossible, but I hope to get called for this again when I retire as it sounds like a much needed service and would be very interesting.

[MEmama]

1 hour ago, Kassia said:

Is it far from you?  I was lucky and only had to do county court.  My MIL was called for state or federal (I can't remember) and that was held downtown and she was excused because of her age.  I would hate to have to drive that far and in that area.

Not too far, no.

[MEmama]

53 minutes ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

wow, state superior court would be totally different and I’m sure far more interesting. How far do you have to travel though? I’m sure those are the bigger cases? 

Well that sounds promising. I'd rather not drive all that way just to read a book and go home.

[Miss Tick]

3 minutes ago, MEmama said:

Well that sounds promising. I'd rather not drive all that way just to read a book and go home.

Maybe this is because your ds is off making his way in the world. With three kids still at home I would be secretly thrilled for an impeachable excuse to spend the day somewhere reading without interruption. I would also bring a couple of knitting projects and maybe a picnic style lunch, earbuds for music, some language learning activities, my Kenken book... I'm an over packer, obviously. Plus, you know just when I get everything arranged just so on my picnic blanket in the back of the room they would send us home. 😄

[MEmama]

4 hours ago, Eos said:

I was called a couple of times but haven't served yet.  All potential jurors were called to arrive in the morning, then were given a number.  There were over 100 of us!  They did an introduction to the process of the day then we all waited while a few cases were called and resolved without need of a jury.  The judge then asked some overarching questions pertaining to the next cases to which we were supposed to respond by standing up.  For example, please stand if you have been a victim or family member of a victim of domestic abuse/driving under the influence.  Whoever stood tended to be dismissed, though not always. I was also called for a grand jury but was released before it ever met.

Dh served on a jury years ago that still gives him nightmares, you might remember it.  Three teens in a car crash, one was killed, the two others (who were cousins) argued between themselves as to who was driving at the time since they were all under the influence.  It was horrible and sad, dh came home and cried several times during the trial.  

That must have been traumatizing, I'm so sorry he had to endure that 😞 

[Jean in Newcastle]

3 minutes ago, Miss Tick said:

Maybe this is because your ds is off making his way in the world. With three kids still at home I would be secretly thrilled for an impeachable excuse to spend the day somewhere reading without interruption. I would also bring a couple of knitting projects and maybe a picnic style lunch, earbuds for music, some language learning activities, my Kenken book... I'm an over packer, obviously. Plus, you know just when I get everything arranged just so on my picnic blanket in the back of the room they would send us home. 😄

At least here, knitting needles of any size, shape or material are strictly prohibited in the court building. 

[MEmama]

4 minutes ago, Miss Tick said:

Maybe this is because your ds is off making his way in the world. With three kids still at home I would be secretly thrilled for an impeachable excuse to spend the day somewhere reading without interruption. I would also bring a couple of knitting projects and maybe a picnic style lunch, earbuds for music, some language learning activities, my Kenken book... I'm an over packer, obviously. Plus, you know just when I get everything arranged just so on my picnic blanket in the back of the room they would send us home. 😄

The instructions are very clear that no knitting needs or crochet hooks are allowed. Sorry to burst your dream lol

[dsmith]

3 hours ago, mom2scouts said:

 

I was called for jury duty once and was almost put on the jury as an alternate, but was ultimately sent home. It was an interesting experience, but I had a nursing newborn and it wasn't a good time to be called.

I'm surprised you had to attend with a nursing newborn. I got out of it for homeschooling and being the main caregiver for my special needs son. They took me off the rolls completely in that county.

[Ann.without.an.e]

13 minutes ago, MEmama said:

Well that sounds promising. I'd rather not drive all that way just to read a book and go home.

 

5 minutes ago, Miss Tick said:

Maybe this is because your ds is off making his way in the world. With three kids still at home I would be secretly thrilled for an impeachable excuse to spend the day somewhere reading without interruption. I would also bring a couple of knitting projects and maybe a picnic style lunch, earbuds for music, some language learning activities, my Kenken book... I'm an over packer, obviously. Plus, you know just when I get everything arranged just so on my picnic blanket in the back of the room they would send us home. 😄

 

You actually have to sit at a table and seem engaged the whole time. Like you have to sign that you are present and actually listening. So, no reading or crocheting or picnics 😞 

[Ann.without.an.e]

4 minutes ago, dsmith said:

I'm surprised you had to attend with a nursing newborn. I got out of it for homeschooling and being the main caregiver for my special needs son. They took me off the rolls completely in that county.

 

I don't think they dismiss for that. It has been a long time but 20 years or so ago a friend had just had twins and she was nursing. They didn't let her off duty. She showed up on the first day of service with babies in tow. The judge said "what do you think you are doing??" and she said "they are exclusively breastfed and you said that wasn't a good excuse for dismissal so this is the only solution I have". He immediately said "I move we dismiss Mrs. Smith from service".  It worked 🤣

ETA: name changed to protect the innocent lol

Edited April 5, 2023 by Ann.without.an.e

[Miss Tick]

2 minutes ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

 

You actually have to sit at a table and seem engaged the whole time. Like you have to sign that you are present and actually listening. So, no reading or crocheting or picnics 😞 

Oh, I was just thinking of the "waiting to be called time", but I've never been called for a Grand Jury.

5 minutes ago, MEmama said:

The instructions are very clear that no knitting needs or crochet hooks are allowed. Sorry to burst your dream lol

What happens if I am arm knitting? Maybe I don't want to know!!

 

Ok, but thanks for setting me straight, all of you. I guess jury duty isn't looking quite as appealing after all.

[Carol in Cal.]

12 minutes ago, Miss Tick said:

Maybe this is because your ds is off making his way in the world. With three kids still at home I would be secretly thrilled for an impeachable excuse to spend the day somewhere reading without interruption. I would also bring a couple of knitting projects and maybe a picnic style lunch, earbuds for music, some language learning activities, my Kenken book... I'm an over packer, obviously. Plus, you know just when I get everything arranged just so on my picnic blanket in the back of the room they would send us home. 😄

I am not sure knitting needles would make it past security around here!  There are metal detectors, pat downs, and confiscations.  

[Ann.without.an.e]

Just now, Miss Tick said:

Oh, I was just thinking of the "waiting to be called time", but I've never been called for a Grand Jury.

What happens if I am arm knitting? Maybe I don't want to know!!

 

Ok, but thanks for setting me straight, all of you. I guess jury duty isn't looking quite as appealing after all.

 

With regular jury duty there may be a waiting to be called time actually? With Grand jury you show up at an assigned room at 8AM and the officers come to you one after another until they are done. Which is often a long day. 

[Carol in Cal.]

7 minutes ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

 

You actually have to sit at a table and seem engaged the whole time. Like you have to sign that you are present and actually listening. So, no reading or crocheting or picnics 😞 

See, this is where having a little journal or notebook is helpful.  You can appear to be taking notes but actually be writing down helpful sayings or a shopping list.  

I go to a lot of lengthy meetings and I always bring a journal.  I do actually take notes on the first page, but if something occurs to me that I need to do, which often happens, I flip the page over and add it to the next one, which is generally a to do list.  And then I have yet a third one which is a shopping list, and a fourth one which is a projects list for things I want to try to make or fix.  

I find that it’s much easier to listen politely if I’m not sitting there frozen and increasingly frantic.  Sometimes I even have a doodle page for idea maps of whatever I’m listening to, and/or a page of responses that I don’t want to forget, for later when we can ask questions or comment.

[Vintage81]

11 minutes ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

I don't think they dismiss for that. It has been a long time but 20 years or so ago a friend had just had twins and she was nursing. They didn't let her off duty. She showed up on the first day of service with babies in tow. The judge said "what do you think you are doing??" and she said "they are exclusively breastfed and you said that wasn't a good excuse for dismissal so this is the only solution I have". He immediately said "I move we dismiss Mrs. Smith from service".  It worked 🤣

ETA: name changed to protect the innocent lol

That's crazy! I live in Texas...in the two counties I've lived in there is an exemption that if you are the primary caretaker for any child under age 12, you can claim an exemption. I got a jury duty notice this year right after might youngest turned 12, so I no longer qualified; however, it was right when I planned to start school. I called the clerk, explained my situation, and she said to just write that in on the form they sent me and turn it in and that would be fine as an exemption. Once I'm done homeschooling, I'd be happy to serve on a jury. I'm just worried I'd get stuck on one for several weeks or something, although I know that's rare. 

[Jean in Newcastle]

3 minutes ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

 

You actually have to sit at a table and seem engaged the whole time. Like you have to sign that you are present and actually listening. So, no reading or crocheting or picnics 😞 

I’m sure that she is talking about the jury room during the jury selection process. I am sitting in one as we speak. People are reading books, playing with their phones and even working on laptops. We can leave to get a coffee or snack. But no knitting. 

[Ann.without.an.e]

7 minutes ago, Vintage81 said:

That's crazy! I live in Texas...in the two counties I've lived in there is an exemption that if you are the primary caretaker for any child under age 12, you can claim an exemption. I got a jury duty notice this year right after might youngest turned 12, so I no longer qualified; however, it was right when I planned to start school. I called the clerk, explained my situation, and she said to just write that in on the form they sent me and turn it in and that would be fine as an exemption. Once I'm done homeschooling, I'd be happy to serve on a jury. I'm just worried I'd get stuck on one for several weeks or something, although I know that's rare. 

 

 

that is so nice 

 

When I was called for grand jury I had to serve all those days for a year and was homeschooling 4 kids. Youngest was 4.  The only thing that saved me from having to pay sitters was my oldest was 13 or 14 but even if they had all been under 6 it wouldn’t have mattered. They were very “we don’t care” about legit excuses. 

[GoVanGogh]

I received a grand jury summons the week after my DS was born premature and he was still in NICU. Thankfully they let me off! 

[Kassia]

1 hour ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

 

You actually have to sit at a table and seem engaged the whole time. Like you have to sign that you are present and actually listening. So, no reading or crocheting or picnics 😞 

That was my experience too.  It was a very small room, too.  I was surprised that the woman next to me regularly took her phone out and used it during our time there.  We sat at tables and she would hold her phone under the table.  

 

1 hour ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

 With Grand jury you show up at an assigned room at 8AM and the officers come to you one after another until they are done. Which is often a long day. 

Mine started later in the day - 3pm or around there (this was 2012).

 

43 minutes ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

 

. They were very “we don’t care” about legit excuses. 

That's the way it is here too.  I've been called for regular duty a few times in addition to Grand Jury and I only got excused once because I was 9 months pregnant.  They didn't care at all if I had childcare issues and made it clear that was my problem and not theirs.  

@Eos your poor DH.  That sounds awful.  I am still upset today over the child porn case during my Grand Jury session but that was only the one day and it was over.  I wouldn't have been able to handle what your DH had to experience.  😞  

[Vintage81]

1 hour ago, Ann.without.an.e said:

When I was called for grand jury I had to serve all those days for a year and was homeschooling 4 kids. Youngest was 4.  The only thing that saved me from having to pay sitters was my oldest was 13 or 14 but even if they had all been under 6 it wouldn’t have mattered. They were very “we don’t care” about legit excuses. 

 

47 minutes ago, Kassia said:

That's the way it is here too.  I've been called for regular duty a few times in addition to Grand Jury and I only got excused once because I was 9 months pregnant.  They didn't care at all if I had childcare issues and made it clear that was my problem and not theirs.  

That really stinks that they don't care. 😞

[Kassia]

13 minutes ago, Vintage81 said:

 

That really stinks that they don't care. 😞

It's awful!  I was *lucky* that DH was able to come home from work to take over childcare but it was a huge hassle for him.  I know many people don't even have that option.  There are plenty of people who want to serve and it's unfair to force people when it's a clear burden to them and their families.

[busymama7]

My dad is retired FBI so we are always let off 😞. I called for small child exemption the first few times I was called.  I had a baby under 2 for 2 decades 🤪and was always breastfeeding. 

But this last time I didn't try to get exempt. I kinda forgot so I just showed up the day of and was actually kinda hoping I would do it because I thought it would be fun. But when they asked about family members in law enforcement I answered and got dismissed that round. 🤷☹️

[Ottakee]

I have never been called but likely would be dismissed.

 

father in law was constable, had a friend killed my drink driver, brother in law murdered, family member served prison time for accessory to murder and my ex husband is serving 90 years for child sexually abusive material.   Then add in I have worked with women in domestic violence and abused kids….

I have been in court hearings at least 100 times.   For a while I said I wanted frequent flyer miles.

[Jean in Newcastle]

9 minutes ago, busymama7 said:

My dad is retired FBI so we are always let off 😞. I called for small child exemption the first few times I was called.  I had a baby under 2 for 2 decades 🤪and was always breastfeeding. 

But this last time I didn't try to get exempt. I kinda forgot so I just showed up the day of and was actually kinda hoping I would do it because I thought it would be fun. But when they asked about family members in law enforcement I answered and got dismissed that round. 🤷☹️

That doesn’t work everywhere. My friend who is retired law enforcement was just telling me that he’s never been exempted for that reason. 

[Vintage81]

12 minutes ago, Jean in Newcastle said:

That doesn’t work everywhere. My friend who is retired law enforcement was just telling me that he’s never been exempted for that reason. 

I watched the Alex Murdaugh trial and I believe one of the jurors was the brother of one of the officers who had responded to scene of those murders. The lawyers were all aware of it and were fine with it. 

[busymama7]

28 minutes ago, Jean in Newcastle said:

That doesn’t work everywhere. My friend who is retired law enforcement was just telling me that he’s never been exempted for that reason. 

Oh interesting.  I will try again then. I would be fine doing it but have always assumed I would get dismissed. My mom always did and so have my sisters. 

[Just Kate]

I was just called for jury duty for my county’s petit jury. Funny thing is that my dad was called too! A few weeks ago, we had jury duty orientation, which was pretty interesting. The judge told us that in our group (about 100 potential jurors, I’d say), 85% wrote letters asking to be excused. So, the judge excused very few. He explained that many teachers asked to be excused, but said they’d be happy to serve in the summer. Obviously if they did this, they could easily end up having a jury of mostly teachers during the summertime. Likewise, he mentioned that many business owners try to get out of serving. But since we could see both criminal and civil cases, he explained how important it is that business owners are included as potential jurors. 
 

The judge was really interesting as he explained the process and I’m really excited that I got called. We have to call in each Friday evening to see if we are on the list for the following week. This only lasts for about 6-7 weeks. If we are chosen to serve, the judge said that most cases are 2 or 3 days - 4 maximum. Once you have served , you are removed from the list for the remaining time. 
 

The judge let us know that he has several cases coming up in April, so it is very likely that many of us would be called. This Friday will be my first time to call in for the possibility for next week. I wonder what would happen if my dad and I get called to be potential jurors for the same trial?  Oh and my dad  is 78 and could have been asked to be excused, but he is excited by the possibility of serving too. We are both nerds!! Lol

[KungFuPanda]

14 hours ago, MEmama said:

I've received my first ever jury duty notice and it's a doozy. One week per month for *4 months* on a grand jury. 
 

What can I expect? 

I’ve never heard of that level of commitment. I have a summons for next Monday. It’s my 4th one. I never get picked, so I read a book for a few hours until I’m dismissed. 
 

I like to prance around the house singing “I’ve got a golden ticket” when I get a summons. 🤣

 

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/speechless-preview-minnie-drivers-golden-161435618.html