How to Get Out of Jury Duty (Legally) 3 perfectly legal ways to avoid serving.
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- Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
- You want to know how to get out of jury duty. Well, there are 3 ways to LEGALLY get out of Jury Duty. Sure you may have already seen our explanation about how to avoid jury duty, but since you can’t avoid it, you need to know how to get out of it.
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:20 - Get Out of Jury Duty for Not Being Qualified
02:03 - Get Out of Jury Duty for an Exemption
03:28 - Get Out of Jury Duty by Claiming Exemption or Disqualification
04:10 - Sitting in the Hot Seat
04:34 - Get Out of Jury Duty for Bias
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Original Blog: matthewharrislaw.com/how-to-g...
Jury Duty Qualifications
The easiest way to get out of jury duty is by not being qualified in the first place.
The law says that all individuals are competent jurors unless specifically disqualified.
-See JURY SERVICE - Tex. Gov. Code § 62.101
To be qualified to serve on a jury, the person must:
• be at least 18 years of age;
• be a citizen of the United States;
• be a resident of this state and a resident of the county in which you are to serve as a juror;
• be qualified under the Constitution and laws to vote in the county in which you are to serve as a juror (Note: You do not have to be registered to vote to be qualified to vote.);
• be of sound mind and good moral character;
• be able to read and write;
• not have served as a juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court; and
• not have been convicted of, or be under indictment or other legal accusation for, misdemeanor theft or a felony.
-See GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR JURY SERVICE - Tex. Gov. Code § 62.102
Something to take note of:
The law doesn’t say that you must be registered to vote, just that you are qualified to vote. If you aren’t registered to vote, then that doesn’t mean that you are disqualified. The law specifically says that “failure to register to vote does not disqualify a person from jury service.”
-See FAILURE TO REGISTER TO VOTE - Tex. Gov. Code § 62.1031
So, DON’T let your desire to get out of jury duty be the reason you aren’t voting. GET REGISTERED AND VOTE!
Jury Duty Exemption
If you are qualified to serve on a jury duty, you may be able to claim an exemption to get out of jury duty. Being exempt doesn’t mean that you can’t serve, but it means that you can choose not to serve.
You can claim an exemption and get out of jury duty if:
• You are over 70 years of age.
• You have legal custody of a child or children younger than 12 years of age and service on the jury would require leaving the child or children without adequate supervision.
• You are a student at a public or private high school.
• You are enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education.
• You are an officer or an employee of the senate, the house of representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government.
• You are the primary caretaker of a person who is unable to care for himself or herself. (This exemption does not apply to you if you are a primary caretaker only in your capacity as a health care worker.)
• You are a member of the United States military forces serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from your home station and out of your county of residence;
• You have served as a juror in this county during the 24-month period prior to the date you are required to appear by this summons.
• You have been summoned for jury service in this county and you have served as a petit juror in this county during the three-year period prior to the date you are required to appear by this summons.
-See EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE - Tex. Gov. Code § 62.106
Get out of Jury Duty for Bias
This is the big one. When people ask about excuses to get out of jury duty, then they’re usually asking about what to say that will get them dismissed.
If you are trying to get out of jury duty, and you can’t claim disqualification or exemption, then your only option is to be labeled as biased. At the beginning of jury selection, the attorneys will ask you questions to try and determine whether anyone is biased.
The fastest way to get out of jury duty is to speak up and answer every question that applies to you. Being quiet during jury selection is the fastest way to get on a jury. So, don’t be shy if you want to get out of jury duty!
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Well, this is morally questionable, at best. Attorneys should not be telling ANYONE (at least in the U.S.) how to get out of jury duty; one of our fundamental rights is a right to a jury trial. Clearly, that won’t work if people weasel their way out of it. Yes, it sucks that you don’t get paid the same rate for those hours as you would if you were at work for the same amount of time, but that’s a separate problem (that needs to be addressed.)
Oh no! You didn't watch the video, did you? If so, then you'd know that we're just covering the exact same excuses and exemptions that the Court informs you about on the Jury Summon. 😉
We're actually promoting service on a jury because we LOVE jury trials! Did you see our other video on Who Gets Picked for Jury Duty? ua-cam.com/video/y119NPfuLhc/v-deo.html
Let me tell you though, if you really enjoy jury service, then you will LOVE our video on How to AVOID Jury Duty. Trust me. 😁 ua-cam.com/video/n0mM09un5ZQ/v-deo.html
Than maybe the government should pay jury members actual livable pay! Not the ridiculous minimum wage which is practically the same as it was whenever jury trails were written into our constitution or whenever Tf it was written. I don’t even know.
@@mandymoore5774 it's not even minimum wage they said I would be paid $15 a day
jury duty is enslavement you fool
kidnapping with threats of force
This is just a reminder that you have a right to decide a case any way you want - it's your sacred right under our law. If a judge or the lawyers have a problem with that, it's their problem, not yours. How is asserting your sacred rights in court "getting out of jury duty"? It's disgusting that judges feel the need to intimidate people into giving up their rights. This right should be celebrated, and all jurors should be informed of this right, not denied it.
I can't afford to miss work. That's what I told the judge, in court. He said that wasn't a good enough excuse. The lawyer asked if it would sway my opinion. I said yes, i will be thinking of how i can pay my bills instead of paying attention to the trial.
Jury duty is a joke. Fight me.
Nah you’re speaking straight facts fam
did they let you leave after that?
Period 💅
Jury duty is for chumps.
Exactly!!
When in college I was called to jury duty. At the end of the stay of selection the judge had everyone with an excuse to stand before him; there was a long line that I was in. He was denying mothers with kids, people with no cars, no money, he didn't care. Until I stood before the judge and stated that I was a college student and had no belief or confidence in the American judicial system and it's bias toward people of color and those of no means. These are my longstanding solidly-held beliefs and they will would not be changed. He said "With an attitude like that you can't serve on my jury." I said "Thank you your Honor" as I left, never to return.
I always flip the bird at these jury duty notices. NY doesn’t do anything to you. Why don’t they slip those notices into an illegals welfare checks.
Show up for jury selection wearing a tshirt that says 'ask me about jury nullification' I suspect that would do the trick rather well
I see you watched the CGP Grey video.
real.
It would need to be a t shirt, they dont allow hats in the courtroom
Jury duties not a right if it was a right, then I could refuse to do it just like voting. 2:37
The biggest 'real world' reason I can give for dodging jury duty is that they only pay you $12 a day in this state, my employer has no obligation to pay me when I'm out, I have bills tobe met and being out of work means no income...
You're not wrong. This is a constant struggle and you're not the first person to raise this issue. Honestly, I'm surprised that the pay for jurors has remained so low. The Insurance Lobbyists are always seeking ways to avoid jury trials (and thereby limit their exposure) and increasing the cost upon litigants who seek jury trials seems like low hanging fruit. If you see an increase in the pay to jurors, and that cost passed onto litigants, you'll know that the Lobbyists have been greasing palms and making back-room deals.
My main reason I always want out
Can't afford to serve. I have bills.
The employer should not, the government should. It is insane that they don't match your income.
With high inflation and costs I have no desire to spend days in a jury losing money.
I recently received a jury questionnaire. I'd didn't fill it out, just wrote on the back that I I could not serve for a judiciary and state that violates the same laws it purports to uphold as well as violating citizens god given rights.
Got a letter back stating I was disqualified!
Just throw the summons in the trash. I've done that for 30+ years and nothing ever happened.
@@kitsune303 So they never came after you? No $1000 fine or imprisonment, communitey service, etc.
@@Megatron8379 trying to find that out too
@bleachedeyez182 If you find out anything please let me know.
Tell the judge you know about Jury Nullification and you therefore create the law, Worked for me
Wow! Yep, that would get the job done! 😆
I've read that judges have heard that excuse many times and will embarrass you by asking how jury nullification applies to this case, of which you know nothing about.
Have you wondered How to Get Picked to Serve on a Jury? We explain here: ua-cam.com/video/y119NPfuLhc/v-deo.html
The last time, when I was summoned and asked questions (the trial I was going to participate in had a gangster on the defense), I told them about my past, where I was jumped at least two times for wearing the wrong color, even though I was never in any gang. I expressed that I viewed any gang member as guilty whenever they were to appear in court, and I was dismissed right there and asked to leave.
LMAOOOOO
😂👏
Step 1: just throw away the summons when you see it in your mailbox, because they can't prove that you ever got it since they don't mail them via certified mail.
Step two: get caught
@@gianasap422 A civil court judge said they can't prove if a person ever got a summons in the mail, but I suppose you know more than a judge.
@@michaelproctor8100 You would be surprised how courts will flip that around when it works in their favor.
Not true...has upc code postal scans to show it WAS delivered.🤦
@@Railrider765 I served on a civil jury in 1996. After the trial was over the judge thanked us, and it was he that told us that when a summons is sent through the mail, the system can't prove if it actually got delivered. Maybe things have changed since then?
Spent 11 years as a cop. Selected for jury duty six times. Excused for Bais six times. The cases were all mixed. It appears the best way to avoid the justice system,..is to have been part of it. *shrugs*
From your POV, do you feel the justice system works? What could be improved?
Omg my anxiety is going to kill me if I am forced to do this, I have no idea about court/law stuff. And I have nothing nice to wear!
We need to get you some drip
I am literally in the same boat. I have panic attacks and everything.
Why don't they require people who don't work to serve as a juror?
In my experience, many of the people who actually show up to jury duty are retirees, or they work in government on salary so they aren't missing income by taking a day off.
They DO! I am 79 and retired, I have to appear on Oct 12 for jury selection.
@@TheOzthewiz people over 70 are exempt in my state. I REJOICED when I hit 70, after being called up every other year for decades. I think because as a public employee and I got paid while serving- I had no excuse. I HATED it every time; tedious and most cases should have been settled long before lawyers got involved. I wasn't always selected,but got called like clockwork.
How would I know if the court clerk is trying to kill me
All jurors would be liberal.
3rd time I got called for jury selection, I finally got seated. It was a carjacking case that would have taken up work days off, causing me to lose more money. After lunch break, I spoke up about having a bias against cops. It wasn't that I didn't participate in jury duty. It was I didn't want to sit in a courtroom for another 2 1/2 days, which is what the judge was saying that would take to get through the trial.
Well, that's one way to do it! lol If that's how you really feel, then its great to speak up.
Thank you for the video. Blessings to you.
Thank you!
Thank you!! God bless you
I'm glad I stayed through the first part that didn't apply to me because what you said about sitting in the back was a gem that I have not heard before ! I tend to show up early for functions but could showing up to a summons a few minutes late mean I'll get assigned a number that's not as likely to be called in a big pool ?
Now that is a great question. It usually doesn't matter because I know that we normally get the jury list several days in advance so we can begin our due diligence. The order is already set by then. Also, even if you did show up early and get assigned as Juror #1, either party can request a "shuffle" which will undoubtedly move you out of that #1 spot.
I appreciate you asking that! I'm going to include it in a future video. 😁
When I was summoned for many years as a young woman, I was always disappointed that I was dismissed immediately after they found out my uncle was a superior court judge in another California county, and that I had an attorney brother. Now I don’t even go to jury duty and have my rheumatologist write me out a medical excuse. The court system is inconsiderate of people who really wan to contribute and are actually biased against unbiased individuals. I never discussed the law with my uncle OR my brother and it never impacted my opinion on anything. They were simply family. That said, I feel its a huge waste of time to drag my ass down to a court house that will simply make me sit in a crowded room filled with covid and risk my health and well-being, just to send me home for some imaginary bias.
I agree! Bias shouldn't be presumed just because of your family relationships. However, don't discount your input during the selection process! Even the jurors who aren't selected can be extremely valuable by helping to get other people talking and uncovering real bias.
Also, and it's unfortunate, but one of the attorneys on the case may have lost their butt with one of your family members and they just aren't willing to take a chance with you. You scared them! 😁
How or when did you find out if your medical excuse was accepted? Over the last 20 years I have served on a jury 4 times, and was recently called for a 5th. I have an inflammatory bowel disease making stuck in a jury box very difficult; you can't use the restroom as needed, but have to wait for their assigned breaks. I have to fast completely to make it through, and once fasted for 3 days as that is how long the jury served. After that I decided I was not doing jury duty anymore. If I sent a written doctor's medical exemption for jury duty the next day after a summons, how do I know if the letter was accepted? I received my summons on 02/06/23, saw my doctor and mailed my doctor's medical excuse on 02/07/23, and they received it on the 9th of that month. Calling Frank Murphy Hall in Detroit is useless.
YOU HAVE EVERY RIGHT TO BE ON THE JURY OF YOUR MUNICIPAL/COUNTY IRRESPECTIVE OF YOUR BLOOD RELATION'S PROXIMITY TO THE GOVERNMENT. AFTER ALL, IT IS YOUR CITY AND YOUR COUNTY.
@@sidhuprakash1949 Well, I don't know that you have a "right" to serve on a jury. There's no lawsuit for being denied service on a jury regardless of blood relation. All that matters is if you're qualified to serve, will apply the law, and are not biased towards one side or against the other.
I got a jury duty notice last week and am supposed to go at the end of this month. I am in group 5 so for sure they will make me go to jury selection. I am disabled and do not have a car or any way to get there if chosen so I must get out of it somehow. Thanks for this video! Hopefully it will help me out.
I was told that my lack of childcare was not an excuse to get out of jury duty. I homeschool my children and I nanny a baby under 1 year old. This would affect them as well! I'm infuriated. I have no one to watch my children. Im in maryland.
What? That is crazy! How in the heck can Texas provide more exemptions for parents caring for young children than Maryland? I wish I could help you with more information, but being that I'm based in Texas I'm afraid I don't have many resources to direct you to. 😥
Hey Mathew. Stopping in to check out your informative vids and give my support as always. I get out of jury duty, cuz I have PTSD from the war.
Hey TAG! I'm a combat veteran myself. (Iraq, March-June 2003) Thank you for your service. And thank you for checking out our little corner of UA-cam!
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC oh wow. We served at the same time. Thank you for serving as well my brother and happy veterans month to you too😋
@@TAG77 What was your MOS? Branch? I was a USAF TACP, attached to the 101st ABN DIV from 2000-2005, and then stationed on a Seabee base in CA from 2005-2008.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC I was an Army combat medic. I served six years. I served in the army band first in Virginia and switched MOS and then served at Ft Jackson MEDDAC and then Germany 6/52 ADA Bataillon. I was attached to the 31st in Iraq.
Ohh, your ADA battalion made my close air support nervous! 😆
i wish you could just pay the federal government $2000 to get a lifetime exemption...It would be worth it. Shit is stupid. Nobody wants random people that hate doing jury duty already to sit in a courtroom bored out of their mind deciding your fate and giving approximately 2% of a crap, all while listening to some money hungry prosecutor/plaintiff trying to force guilt
Great video! It's so refreshing to find an attorney actually providing value, by giving specific solutions to problems such as this one. Question: If on the juror summons questionnaire in Texas someone puts "Not of sound mind and moral character", "Has to take care of kids less than 12 years old", and "Has to take care of a disabled person", and the ignorant jury bailiff sends that someone an "Excusal request denied" notification, then what's the best way to go about superseding this bailiff's denial? Wouldn't the "signing" of the electronic questionnaire and submitting it with these statements be sufficient to satisfy Sec 62.107 (procedures for establishing exemptions)? Thanks in advance!!
Thank you! We really strive to produce value-added content.
If it were me, I would call the District Clerk to explain the excuses to see if they will overrule the jury bailiff. Usually, the jury pool will meet in a central location to review disqualifications, and that might be your last chance to be excused. It would still require you to appear, but hopefully it will be a short appearance.
My wife made me afraid of squirrels. Why? Because she said I was a NUT.
Does that make me not of sound mind?
About signing - Under UCC, contracts are supposed to be written. Electronic is NOT written.
Only fictitious things can sigh with a signature. All others Autograph.
Oh and must be in RED INK.
Ink color makes a difference too.
Clicking 'submit' or 'I agree' does not allow you to insert anything into that agreement. Like without prejudice, all rights reserved. Non Assumpsit. Vi Coactus.
Those kids of contracts are adhesion contracts.
Avoid them like they are lethal to your life.
The Constitution guarantees one the UNLIMITED right to contract.
Adhesion contracts violate your rights because you cannot properly contract.
All contracts must have certain elements for them to be enforceable and legal.
Names of both parties, terms, including a start and END date. Other components.
You cannot contract for anyone else other than yourself.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC if you don't respond to the summons ,it states you will be fined . how much would that be and do you get out of duty for that?
@@amadueskooler6559 that's a good question. What state do you live in?
Just leave your cell phone alone and act bored! People who can't stay off their electronic devices are easily manipulated, and you're being watched while waiting in the Jury room. After that, the rest is determined by your social behavior with other members around you. The amount of information gathered during this time speaks volumes more than any questions that can be asked of you by either side from the attorneys.
Thank you for another useful video. There is NOTHING unethical about it. People should know their options and you are helping them know it here. Even if some people are qualified and go for further selection they still get another chance to get out of it by parties' attorneys interviewing them or exercising their preemptive challenges as they know who they prefer in jury box as they know their clients and cases.
Thank you! I agree. My goal is to educate the public on the laws. I don't write the laws, so I don't know how explaining the law could ever be unethical.
I’m very nervous to be a juror, so that’s why I started watching court cases on yt. I can say with watching your yt channel and RA and others has helped me understand jury duties. Thank you for your wisdom Sir! 🌺
You're so very welcome! I'm glad to know that you've received value from all of our hard work. The Hot Seat/Cold Seat is probably the most valuable thing you can know before jury duty that I've never seen covered by anyone else. Most attorneys don't even cover it during actual jury selection, lol.
Just say you're racist against whoever the defendant is
@@highlymedicated2438 Funny.
@@highlymedicated2438 🤣 Isn't that too obvious? Are they allowed to say, "I know you're lying"?
@@Dave_of_Mordor 🤣🤣😭 I know but they do seem to make it easy to come with an excuse
There are three times I, unintentionally, was excused from Jury Duty (Dallas, Tx):
1.. The first time I was ever called for JD was when I was 50 years old. My jury date: Sept 11, 2001. Yeah, that day...
2. Prior to the selection process, we were to fill out a form. I stated in the comment section that I supported Jury Nullification. In the courtroom, the judge questioned me about that principle. I clearly described it, even quoting Chief Justice Oliver Wendall Holmes. Judges and attorneys hate jurors who do not blindly accept the information they are fed.
3. During selection, the Prosecutor asked "Do you need to hear the Defendant's side of the story?" Each potential juror was polled individually. When it was my turn, "I asked, "What do you mean? Yes, I expect to hear the Defendant's side as presented by the Defense. No, I do not need to hear from the Defendant on the Stand. Which do you mean?" The Prosecutor replied, to hear from the Defendant on the Stand. I said, "No". At that point, about a half dozen jurors, who had already been polled, raised their hands, and stated they wished to change their answer based upon my response. All potential jurors were then re-polled. Judges and attorneys hate jurors who do not blindly accept the information they are fed.
4. I'm now over 70 years old. So, I'm exempt in Dallas County.
As a self employed person, I always worry that I might get seated on a long trial. That would be a significant financial problem for me. There's no provision for delaying the paying of bills, a mortgage, and utilities in a long trial. While the defendant deserves a jury of their peers, at the same time, if that service impacts one's ability to pay bills, that hardship deserves to be recognized. Civic duty aside, I have a duty to provide for my family and to meet my financial obligations also, and those things should not be casually dismissed by the courts.
But financial concerns aside, I hear about so many stupid verdicts that I also want to try my best to render a truly fair verdict if I'm ever picked.
Unfortunately, based on the exposure that I've had to the justice system, the goal of the system doesn't seem to actually be justice. Frequently, prosecution is based on politics and the prosecution's perception of whether they can win a case or not, even when they shouldn't be trying it in the first place.
And one of the most telling aspects that the system is broken is that one can very frequently predict a judge's future verdict by their political party affiliation. If you can predict a judge's verdict with a great degree of certainty, then that judge should probably not be a judge.
In my opinion, every potential juror should read up on the concept of Jury Nullification. If the law is unfair, stupid, or unconstitutional; or it seems that it is being applied unfairly, then you owe the defendant a Not Guilty verdict. It doesn't matter want the judge says, the judge is human, so they could be wrong, and all too often they also have an agenda of their own.
Bad guys need to be punished, and contracts need to be upheld for society to function. But based on what I've seen of our justice system, I would operate on the assumption that everyone involved is lying, or at least hoping to further their personal agenda, and that includes the prosecution and the judge.
In my opinion, a healthy dose of skepticism and distrust of the system is a good step towards rendering a truly fair verdict. That's why we have juries, to protect each other from the system and its minions.
I served on jury with a guy that was illiterate, and he did try to use it to avoid serving. They still sat him because the judge said it didn't matter. Does this one vary by state? It was in Illinois if that helps.
I just got one and talked them into delaying it. But in 11 weeks they will send another one! I should have just ignored it like SO many people told me to do! Now I have to get out of the next one when it comes
Hey Matthew Harris! I came over from Recovery Addict's Channel. ?What about Oklahoma? I lived in the County but not the City, when I was selected for Jury Duty. They let me out of that one. It was a criminal trial and I knew the people charged. I didn't know them personally but recognized their names on the first day of the trial. I was indirectly involved with the gathering of evidence. All that aside, was it legal for them to call me for Jury Duty, since I didn't live in the City the trial was in?
Presuming OK jury laws mirror Texas's (dangerous presumption) it would have been fine to summon you but you wouldn't have been able to serve on the actual jury due to your prior knowledge. You also wouldn't have been to serve if it were a municipal case when you weren't a resident of the municipality.
My brother lives in a different state, can I use the excuse that I’m moving out the state to get out of jury duty?
I can tell you straight up. Working on a ship if i miss 1 day of work for any reason I'm guaranteed to lose 3 weeks because ship only makes port every 3 weeks so if i have to miss for jury selection and/or duty I'm gonna be extremely pissed off
Matthew informative. I was dismissed from jury duty this week. I did get to see how jurors are selected. There were two cases on the docket. I was a possible juror in the second case. What are the rights of a juror? I think this would be a good podcast. What do you think of people volunteering instead of the sec. Of St. Closing? Ty ✌️
Chosing not closing Matthew MeChelle Johnson
Historically, that's a slippery slope when you have volunteers instead of choosing randomly from the citizenry. What if few locals volunteer, but everyone on the police/sheriff/county/city volunteered. It could stack the deck against Defendants.
Your goal is to have a jury of your peers.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC ... my last call to jury duty was a doctor versus his client. Somehow, I don't think my blue-collar rates as a peer to a doctor. OTOH, I was excused for other reasons so don't know how it panned out.
I’m about to have to do this. We only have 1 car, kids have to be at school at 7:40 & 9:00. My wife don’t even get home from work till about 7:15am. There’s no way I’d be able to even be there, so, I hope they take that into consideration.
Have you attempted to contact the Clerk of the Court? If excused in advance, that could prevent you from having to show up on the day of the notice. I'm not sure what state you're in, or if that would be permissible.
What to do...? Is it possible to request a translator?
I was called to the super jury for next month. After listening to a lot of videos online I understand 30-40% of what they say since English is my second language. How to not make decisions if I don’t understand much about what is being said
Last time I got called for a jury duty but I didn’t get picked thank god , the court house is In down town , parking at a parking garage 8 hrs is too expensive, taking the city bus it cost $2:50cent one way only. I’m sure they going to send for me again. I wish people stopped doing stupid things and end up at the court . And dragging others into the mess that they made.
Many cities provide free bus passes if you're attending jury duty. Be sure to ask about it if you're called again.
Also, don't forget that jury trials aren't solely limited to people making stupid mistakes. Sometimes, they just aren't able to agree on what the facts are (whether the light was green, which parent is the better caregiver, whether the contract was followed, etc.) and the jury is necessary to settle the dispute.
Most places provide free parking for jurors. or passes. Here in Polk Country Florida, they do.
Got a summons when I was in the process of moving. Told the court that by the time I was supposed to be there I wouldn't be a resident. Thought that would have worked but they said that I was currently a resident so no disqualification. Well low and behold the date came and I had actually moved, and I showed up. Finally, after sitting waiting for over an hour I was able to show them I was no longer a resident with my ID card and told the clerk my new address so they could mail me the pay for coming in and they said I would not be paid. I told the clerk 'Then why the hell would you force me to come in knowing I couldn't serve?". Got a deer in the headlight look from her. I just walked off saying a few profanities. Because of this experience and others, I have ZERO faith in our court system. It is broken!
Just throw the summons in the trash. I've done that for 30+ years and nothing ever happened.
What if I call and tell them that I will be out of the state or country that week? Will they need prove? Please let me know thanks I can’t afford to lose out on work if I do get selected for that whole week
not a declared ( kaiser hospital prohibits the Dr from ding this do to liability).
but i have a sleep disorder, even after a number of good nights sleep i can fall asleep for no reason, and just sitting still does put me to sleep. heck just sitting still hurts like hell. and is painful when when i try to get up. do i must move around a lot.
so i should not “sit” on a jury. .
i am only 63 so have a number of years to go for the age out rule. if i live that long. ( yes a real problem).
In California, the jury supervisor will receive a request for a panel of jurors to be sent to a courtroom. Those names will be picked at random. When the jurors arrive at the courtroom, the court clerk will pick twelve or more jurors to sit in the jury box for voir dire. As jurors are eliminated by challenges, another name is picked to fill that seat. Depending on the case, the original twelve may all be gone by that time.
Also, there is no financial hardship exemption for any case lasting seven or less days, even if the employer does not pay for jury service. Medical hardship must be signed by a physician, along with their state medical license number.
Get this. I just got a summons, I'm an ex felon, been to prison and all that. I always just call and tell them this and I'm disqualified. THIS TIME apparently my state passed a law that makes ex felons ELIGIBLE for jury duty even in CRIMINAL trials. Can ANYONE explain to me how the hell an ex felon/ex convict is NOT going to be biased in a criminal case or any case for that matter? What SENSE does that make?
What about going south for the winter ?
Question: I recently was summoned for jury duty but I have a criminal record. What do I do?
Is the criminal record for one of the charges/conviction that would disqualify you from jury service?
I have orientation for school the day after I am scheduled for jury duty. If I don’t go to orientation then I won’t be able to reserve my seat in the program. Honestly, if I am chosen I know I’ll do anything to make it last only that day or less, regardless if I think it’s wrong or tight. Is that a valid reason to get out of Jury Duty?
Are you in Texas?
Quick question. What if I moved to a different county a year ago but still got asked to attend jury in the previous county? Would that be considered a disqualify?
It sure would! You should inform the Central Jury Pool, and you should be good to go.
My Fiancé is having our son next month and I’m scheduled to appear that week for Jury Duty. Do you think it’s possible I can get my Jury Duty responsibilities postponed?
Great question! Although that isn't specifically outlined as an exemption, if you contact the District Clerk, or even the Court Coordinator for the Court that you've been summoned to, then you can request a postponement of your jury duty.
Does your county use an online check-in? If so, then it likely said it on your summons.
I'm disabled & unable to sit through a day of trials. I've had doctor excuses for when I was called up. I would LOVE to do my duty & serve but I physically can't handle it. Such a bummer. My niece has already been called up twice at age 20. She's a criminology student, so she was excited. The judge ended up excusing her because of a previously scheduled vacation & she hadn't been picked with only one day left. He was a really reasonable judge.
That definitely sounds like a reasonable judge! I always love working with reasonable judges.
I got a letter back in November to serve starting next month and I wrote a letter letting them know that I take care of my disabled father and I work for the state. I had my employer also write a letter too. In the letter I wrote that I am the only son he has, and I help him with taking meds, cooking for him and taking him to his doctor's appointments. We live about 45 minutes away and I can't be driving that distance every day and having my disabled father sit in court for a few months. Anyway, I sent the letter and never got a response from them, so I decided to call, and they told me that I wasn't dismissed. So, what do I do? Any feedback would be helpful thanks.
Wow, that surely sounds like it falls under the exemption for being the primary caretaker for someone who can't take care of themselves. Did you select that exemption when you returned the Jury Summons?
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC Yes I selected the exemption and wrote a letter explaining why I can't serve. I even had my employer even write a letter, but I guess that isn't enough. I talked with the court today and they said they were sending out the letters this week, but she didn't say if I would get one but all she said was that the judge didn't dismiss me from serving. So, fingers crossed that I don't get one but if I do my employer said show up in person with my father and explain that he can't be there every day and that I am his only child and caregiver who does everything for him.
What do you think? How do I go about this Mr. Harris.
@@thewildone4536 I hope everything worked out for you! Sending positive thoughts your way.
Dude they told me the same thing as u
I once was excused from jury duty because of health concerns. I told my doctor that I received a summons to report for jury duty selection and my doctor wrote a letter for me to present to the courthouse.
A few months later, I was moving out of state and received another notice to report for selection. I went to the courthouse and explained that I was moving out of state the day immediately after selection. They excused me for that one, too.
In my home state, Ive never received a summons to report for jury duty selection. But when I lived in a different state for 4 years, I had the experiences I listed above. I just find it very interesting.
My point is that if you have significant medical issues, you can be excused - as long as your doctor acknowledges that you have a compromised condition and is willing to write a letter for you.
I have a legit doctor's letter saying I suffer from very bad anxiety so I'm protected from not serving on jury duty
That's interesting! Have you used it to get a permanent exemption from even getting jury a summons?
I haven't officially used it but I don't think any courtroom will want a juror who has been taking anxiety medication on a daily basis since May of 2010
I do! The question becomes whether the anxiety medication is managing the anxiety.
They help but there are side effects like drowsiness
This is gonna be my excuse as I do have some social anxiety.
I was told by my Dr. that I was leaglelly deaf. I asked for a letter from him, to the court,, and no more jury duty!!! However, ( I can still vote).
Dang, I'm sorry to hear about your condition. However, I'm very happy to hear that the Courts in your area were compassionate! ♥
what if I have severe social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety and panic disorder?
I have been summoned. In fact I have to go tomorrow. I have to travel about an hour away and im not sure if my car is going to make it there. Im still going BUT, if there is a chance I break down on the way, what do I do? 😅
Oh no! Transportation issues are commonly raised by those who get called to jury duty. If you break down, call the court clerk immediately to let them know so that way you won't be marked as an intentional no-show.
I have epilepsy and have been having petite seizures but my doctor won't sign anything to get me out of serving. It effects my driving and even my functions till it passes. Looking for a new doctor. Can that get me out?
What a jerk of a doctor.
I live 25 miles away with no transportation there are buses but I would have to spend the night outside the office or be 1 and 1 half hour later thank you. SoCal Stevie.
Hey great video!
I got an nyc county summons about a year ago went to the courthouse and was not chosen. One of the officers there told me that i won’t get another letter for 7 years.
Today I got another letter saying I got randomly selected for the district court. Is that possible? Also I am a primary care taker of my mom, the transportation will be difficult, and I do have anxiety lots of times. Do you think I can be exempt?
Thank you for your help!
Oh no! I'm not sure about NY law, but in Texas you're exempt from service for a certain period of time after serving. It sounds like that's what the Officer was trying to tell you.
Here's what I found on this website: ( www.nyjuror.gov/pdfs/hb_EE.pdf )
"A person who serves in a State or Federal court in New York- either by reporting in person or by being available to serve via a telephone call-in system-will not normally be required to serve in the New York State courts for at least six years. A juror who serves for more than ten days will not normally be required to serve in the New York State courts for at least eight years. Jurors who physically report to serve in Town and Village courts are not required to serve again for two years."
Thank you for your help!
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC Wait so i'm from Texas and if i say that i'm bias against cops....will i be let go and never have to come back??
@@OniNoodle4808 If the case involves police, and you inform them that you'll disregard the law and be unfair towards police, then yes you'll probably be let go.
However, that doesn't mean they won't ever call you again as the next jury service could be for a civil case with no police component.
Yes
💯
I’ve gotten a summons but I’m leaving the state to live somewhere else. I’ve resigned from my job and everything prepared. I leave in 2 weeks but my summons is set in 4 weeks. I’ll be in another country for little bit before i head back to my hometown of Saipan (US territory). I cant afford to reschedule my flight or come back to Oregon to attend the jury duty. I’m not sure what to do. I need advice on what to do. Can anyone help me?
Contact the Court to obtain an excused absence. Shouldn't be much of an issue.
Ok 2 questions. My English is not very good I don’t understand all English number 2 i work alone auto shop is my business I don’t have employees just me. That can be my unable things to not qualify? Or I’m still need to go for jury duty
Both great questions and your English is developing well! You will probably still need to show up for jury duty for initial selection, but I imagine if you explain this to the Judge and the attorneys, then they will likely release you even though it is not technically an exemption or excuse. That part is usually finished by lunchtime so you'd only miss a morning of work..
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC thank you… can I put I don’t read and write English on the excuse circle ⭕️ and send it? What happened if I send it
Im 19 and I’m got summoned for jury duty and i put yes on the question will you appear for jury but I can’t go because i need to work to pay bills. What do i do?
About 90% of people who go to jury duty are finished by 10am. There is a high likelihood that the case will settle the morning of, or that you simply won't be selected. Have you seen our video about Who Gets Picked for Jury Duty? (ua-cam.com/video/y119NPfuLhc/v-deo.html)
This is important because when it comes to jury selection, it would be helpful for the attorneys and court to know that serving on the jury would cause you substantial financial hardship.
Hey 😊 over from @RA channel..
Re my ability to serve in jury sadly is 🚫😓
Dr sends in response due to significant memory loss..I think I should be able to give it a go... I am "a thinker" n dig in on all the court cases..Wah
If I have a bad day-a ptsd moment from say a difficult fellow juror, I know I do it's best I'm not there in a jury
Dang, that's gotta be really tough. Usually during jury selection, I'll ask them if there is anything that I've missed or any reason they don't think they should serve. This would be a great opportunity to bring this up. That way the attorneys can decide whether this is the best case for you to serve on.
Just by showing up, you've performed your duty even if you haven't been chosen to decide the case. 😊
I was summoned for jury duty and couldn't get out of it. Got selected. Had to drive way further than anyone else to get to the courtroom. (Hour and a half one way) Spent three days sitting in the box. Was the only juror who voted innocent. (Still feel the same.) The pay is pathetic, but you know what; it's not about the pay. It's about giving back to the just society that we live in. It was an unforgettable experience and I'm glad I did it.
Interesting perspective! I hate that it was so time intensive for you, but glad that you enjoyed the experience. Your attitude about the service is perfect. Thank you!
Did jury service give you any new perspective that you didn't have before?
You may have prevented a grave miscarriage of "justice". To the defendant, your time and effort were no doubt invaluable, and life changing.
I don’t believe that ours is a just society. Most people don’t want to serve on jury duty. I think it’s great you had a positive experience. My problem is I. don’t work I don’t get paid. I also have my elderly mother who has Alzheimer’s disease. I am her sole caregiver.
Being active duty got me out of 3 selections for jury duty. Which sucks because I'd actually have liked to go through it once.
Hello, thanks for video and information.
If i say to the judge that i dont feel ok with the fact of judging people, i feel bad.
Do you think that could be a reason to be excuse.
Thanks ahead for your time.
Best.
yes, that could very well lead to you being excused. I come across this often during jury selection. I have found though that even people with such beliefs feel relieved when the case is a civil one and not criminal. There is no judgment of the person, but simply a question of fact to be determined. (Did John breach the contract? Y/N?) See, not so much judgment of the person but a question of fact.
Do you think you could determine facts as a juror?
@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC hello thank you for your answer.
This process is very uncomfortable for me,
the anxiety is killing me, up to the point of losing my sleep time.. do you think that if I say I am a bias person i cant be fair or my English is not 100% could help.. thank u in advance 🙏
I was selected for federal jury duty a couple years ago, and I made very clear to write on the form that I am a strong believer in jury nullification. I've always been under the impression that it's tabboo to even whisper that in a courthouse. I know the lawyers can't mention it, but is there any legal jeopardy if jurors or potential jurors say or hear of it? Would it cause a mistrial if a juror said it and was still seated?
I have not ever been asked on a questionnaire about my views on the matter of Jury Nullification. However, the validity (constitutionality) of a particular law, reasonableness, and its specific application in that instance are legitimate considerations in my opinion. Otherwise, why have a jury of one's peers? I think any reasonable response to that question answers any objection to the idea of Jury Nullification.
@@yellowdog762jb The point is to never get to the jury questionnaire. The initial jury summons paperwork they make you return has a spot for anything that might prevent you from serving as a juror. That's the best time to mention it so they can exclude you from the second pool.
I have a question. I was called for Jury Duty but I have a learning disability which I was diagnosed with in Middle School. I still have the documents and proof that I have an IEP. The learning disability I have is Auditory Processing Disorder. APD is having difficulty processing information. Like nothing goes into my head when I’m listening to people talking for a long period of time. It’s like listening to someone speak the entire time in another language. Am I able to be dismiss from Jury Duty? Since I don’t see the point going there if I’m not even able to process the information that’s being said to me. 😬 But if I can’t be dismiss then that’s fine with me. I’ll just be there having no idea what’s going on and won’t be much of help either.
I received jury duty with a date but not the time of when do I have to be there
There is usually a date on the summons, or some counties give you the option of checking in online where they provide the start time.
If there's no time on the summons, then you should call the Clerk and ask (and probably tell them that their summons is deficient.)
I am having serious health issues and that is NOT on the list here in Texas. I did not go, just ignored it since there was not a health reason for not attending.
Did u call them to let them know u weren’t going in?
What of your job doesn't Pay you is that a good enough excuse to be excused or have the date postponed
Unfortunately, that isn't one of the listed reasons to be excused. However, if you appear for the morning of jury selection, inform them of the hardship, I've seen Judges agree to dismiss jurors for such hardship as long as the attorneys/parties don't object.
In Ct the call is every 3 years and they just raised the max age from 70 to 75. They also pay "gas money" ($20 / day?) but only after you are selected. IOW, you get nothing for that first day... plus you have to pack a lunch.... and go through more security than TSA at the airport. My family is full of cops, lawyers, and firefighters, but I got tossed out because the client in my case was also a customer with my day job. Basically, if you have met someone then you are no longer partial.
Here in Texas, it takes a lot more than just knowing someone for you to be stricken for Cause. My son's 3rd grade teacher was in our jury panel for a case, and the other attorney asked her if she thought she could be impartial, and based on her answers the Judge didn't strike her. The other attorney had to use one of his discretionary strikes.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC ... to be honest, they did give me a series of questions first. One of my replies probably struck home when I said I had been to the guy's home, and it wasn't what I expected for a doctor's place. Looked more like a dumpy rental. They said I had obviously formed an opinion.
@@rupe53 😆 oh, yeah. That'll definitely do it.
I've been summoned multiple times now. In the past, the issue of being self employed and jury duty causing financial hardship was sufficient to get excused until the second to the last attempt when they haggled me over it. I got super abusive verbally to the clerk and they excused me before having to go in. This time they are not excusing me on the grounds of financial hardship so I went and intentionally exposed myself to influenza in a hospital waiting room. They pushed me out 6 months and I told them that I will go expose myself again right before the reporting date. There is a vast pool of potential jurors out there who would be more than happy to serve, but I am completely unwilling to do so.
I learned on youtube many people talking about unconscious Bias .
That's what voir dire attempts to uncover. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to uncover them all.
5:10 Answer the question with a question about jury nullification. Instant win
Does Jury Duty Exemption #6 "Care for Disabled Individual" apply to Legal Guardians?
It sure does.
What if a person has an active restraining order? Can that person still be a juror?
Great question! If the Restraining Order stems from an ongoing criminal case, then the criminal case alone would be a disqualifier. However, if it is a civil restraining order, then it likely is not a disqualifying factor.
Is having a mild form of dyslexia excuse me from jury duty? I can read fine enough with a few words being difficult but I have a harder time with spelling.
No, a mild form of dyslexia won't get you excused. Fortunately, there isn't any required spelling as a Juror. 95% of the questions for the jury during deliberations are Yes/No. Those other 5% just require you to write one of 2+ names provided for you to choose from as the winner.
What if you're the only caretaker of a disabled family member can that get you out of Jury duty? Also what if you don't have transportation at the moment and no public transportation is available would either of these reasons get you out of jury duty?
You sure can, so long as that family member cannot take care of themselves. I'm not sure how the lack of transportation is handled. The Court has discretion to excuse attendance in unusual circumstances.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC thank you so much for your help.
It is truly my pleasure. 😁
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC do they go so far into asking for evidence that you are taking care of a disabled family member? It says I have to send a letter within 10 days and I got my letter yesterday. So can I tell them I have a disabled family member to take care of? Or would they ask more
I live in Ohio and unregistered to vote. Being selected for jury duty this state mainly goes on voter lists. I can still get selected but my odds are heavily reduced.
That's true. If you're not registered to vote, then that's not a guarantee that you won't be called to serve, but it might reduce your chances. The downside is that it costs you your right to vote. 😢
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC I always forgot to vote anyway most of the time. Most of the time don’t know who I am voting for. I would rather not vote than be signed up to vote risking jury duty.
When you're in the jury pool just yell, "Guilty!" when they call your name. That'll work.
😆 Well, that might work in SOME cases. What about Civil Cases that aren't determining Guilt or Innocence?
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC I don't know. It's just something I remember from the 80s in OC, CA someone did that and got 3 days in jail for contempt or another charge.
I have a jury duty summons for next week. I lost my brother to an overdose. If the case is about drugs and I explain how I'm uncomfortable with it due to the loss of my sibling, will I be disqualified?
Oh goodness. I am so sorry to hear that! If the case is about drugs, you MIGHT be disqualified. If you're simply uncomfortable, then that is not enough to disqualify you. If you hold a prejudice (just meaning that you have prejudged) drug users or accused drug users, and your prejudice or bias is so strong that you'll likely ignore the Court's instruction when it comes to the law, then you'll definitely be disqualified.
@Matthew Harris Law, PLLC Thanks
And thank you for being so quick to respond to others. MOST people upload and leave it in the dust. Your knowledge is appreciated.
What if you hate cops and don't like most prosecuters and have almost no trust for judges? As well as mentioning jury nullification?
Well, I'm pretty sure that the Criminal Defense attorney would LOVE to keep you on their jury panel! lol Truthfully though, you can hate every single cop, judge, attorney, and court reporter in that courtroom, but the only thing that matters is whether you will allow your prejudice to affect your judgment or if you will refuse to apply the law as given to you by the Judge.
@Matthew Harris Law, PLLC I would but not because of "prejudice but because of experience and what I have interacted with...
Serving member of the National Guard or reserves are exempt in California by Military and Veterans Code.
That's fantastic!
What happens if you are unable to attend Jury duty due to health reasons like type 1 diabetes? I sent a doctor's note, and it still says able and available on the website. Not sure if the note went through.
If you are medically unable to attend, then you should call the Clerk to find out whether your exemption went through.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC Waiting to get the exemption through, but they take so long to get through. Checking on it again to see.
@@kevinsisler9379 Good on you! As someone who relies on jurors, I appreciate you staying on top of that. If they exempt you, then they'll fill your spot with someone else, and we have literally had to continue cases before because we didn't have enough jurors.
My sister got this card (letter) but she can't speak English what does she need to do?
Great question! Does the jury summons provide a section where she can claim an exemption?
Our mailbox in our complex has been broken several times. What if I never received my letter to serve jury due to thief, would law enforcement come after me for failing to serve jury??
No, if you didn't receive the summons, then they won't just show up and arrest you. If anything, law enforcement may show up and give you a date to appear to answer why you didn't show up for jury duty.
@Matthew Harris Law, PLLC I always thought of that. Thanks for letting me know 😊
@@timelessmusicfamilymusic9175 You're very welcome! 😁
Question why would anyone want to get out of jury duty? Second question, would I be automatically dismissed by the prosecution because I am a felon even though that felony is 7 years old.
Ask during voir dire what the courts view is on jury nullification.
Asking that question in front of a jury pool will certainly exclude you and might even spoil the jury pool.
As George Carlin says, just tell them you can spot a guilty person just like that! (snap fingers)
HAHA! But then you have to look at the Defendant real close before looking the attorney dead in the eye and snapping again without smiling.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC George Carlin was one of the best.
His jury duty advice.
ua-cam.com/video/gwQmu0xfQeQ/v-deo.html
You left out exemption,
If you have been a prison guard, so on
What if I pretend to be sick or have the flu? Can I dodge showing up altogether?
I've never seen this happen with a juror, but I've seen the Judge call the person and instruct them to send a Doctor's note by 5pm. The downside to "pretending" is that you'd have to lie to the Judge, and those ramifications are far worse than skipping jury duty.
I just got surgery for my neck and moving my neck around still tight .
That could very well be a valid reason to be released, even if not a legal exemption. You should contact the Court since it isn't a legal exemption. Perhaps you can reschedule?
What if you never get your mail?
I have a permanent exemption because I’m hearing impaired. I actually get along pretty well but I do need things repeated to me often. I just had to submit my audiology results.
Wow! Where did you have to submit your audiology results in order to obtain the permanent exemption? Do you still get notices that you have to submit the permanent exemption for?
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC it’s been about 10 years since I submitted it at the courthouse & I’ve never been summoned again. They told me that I was permanently removed from the list.
Very interesting! Is this in Texas?
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC yes. I asked if there was anyway for subtitles to be provided and I was told no. I rely heavily on context and lip reading to communicate efficiently. I think I would really enjoy the experience if I knew I could keep up with everything going on in the courtroom.
Am annoyed because I'm a medical student who works everyday so I can't go, but on the website they don't have any options for me
What state? If Texas, then you should qualify for an exemption for being a full time college student
California
@@Uko4466_ check with the clerk because you may qualify for a deferral for up to 90 days due to school commitments.
@@MatthewHarrisLawPLLC I’m in a similar position but In the trades ..
What if I don’t wanna go because I don’t speak or understand enough English?
Well, you might have to appear for just a short while because I'm pretty sure they'll excuse you if you have difficulty with understanding their questions.
I got summoned for a grand jury selection tomorrow, which would be up to a month if I'm selected! If I actually have to miss a month of work it would have disastrous consequences for my place of work since I do something that no one else knows how to or can do, which is also something the future of my departments existence depends on me doing. I'm not being hyperbolic when I say that if I were to miss a month of work (or even a couple weeks) it would cause us to fail our audit to get certified by NIOSH to make N95 masks since it would the experiment I'm currently running (an experiment which takes months to complete), and by failing our department would get shut down by our CEO.
Wow! That sounds like a really important position! I've never served on a Grand Jury, but it's my understanding that grand juries do not convene for a solid month.
"The grand jury shall meet and adjourn at times agreed on by a majority of the grand jury..."
Now, that being said, even having to meet on agreed upon days once or twice a week for a month might also be detrimental to the experiment and severely impact your employer. I would suggest being open and honest about all of the impacts that this would have on you.
Attorneys are humans too, who also work and live in your community. Ask a lot of questions to see if there's a way that you can serve without it impacting your job and if not, don't be afraid to ask to be excused.
Finally, grand jury proceedings are generally secret, but that might just be for deliberations. So if they tell you not to discuss the selection process, then don't! But if they don't tell you that it is secret, come back and let us know how it went because I'm intrigued. However, even if it is secret, you can at least let us know if any of this information in this comment or the video was helpful. 😁
How did it go?
You can often call the court and explain and see if you can have your jury date moved back. I was lucky my employer paid me when I was on jury duty.
What if i get sent to a mental hospital when im supposed to go to duty?
That depends. Are you visiting a friend or being committed? If being committed, I think you'll be safe. I'd probably call in to the Court just to be safe if possible.