Is this a valid CALIFORNIA jury duty loophole?

Question

I read this on a website, can someone tell me if they've tried it or if it currently still works:

"In the evaluation of potential candidates for a jury on a specific trial, the judge will ask if anyone has any significant reason not to serve on a trial. One tack to try: Explain to the judge that you have a pressing, pressing commitment in the next week or two, and that you would be happy to re-schedule your jury service two weeks hence because of this very pressing work or personal commitment. Most judges will agree to let you come back and repeat jury service in two weeks, even if your commitment doesn't rise to the level needed for him to just let you go scott free. However (and here's the catch), by state law you will have served you jury service *already* by showing up for a day and not being selected for trial. When you return to the jury room, instead of getting your jury service rescheduled they will hand you piece of paper certifying you have completed it. Voila!"

Answer 1

Why would you want to get out of jury duty?

I have been called twice and went both times. It was quite interesting to see the process work.

Answer 2

Bozeema is right.  The judge is not responsible for rescheduling jury service--that is the job of the jury commissioner and his deputies, and is taken care of long before you are called to the courtroom.  If you engaged in this tactic most judges would simply tell you that it is too late, and that if you are chosen for the jury you will have to reschedule your "pressing, pressing commitment."  NO judge would allow you to satisfy your jury commitment in such a way, and you are flirting with contempt, or even perjury, for lying to the judge under oath.

All in all, a VERY bad idea.

Answer 3

I think it's pretty pathetic that so many people are wasting so much time and energy on trying to figure out ways to get out of jury duty! Just go and do it - it's your responsibility as an American citizen.

Answer 4

I have been sent a notice to serve. Whenever I get up there I just tell them I have a conflict of interest ...and then make up some reason after I fidn out what the case is going to be about. I have never been asked to serve.

Answer 5

in my county, LOL!   The judges have heard just about every  excuse there is, and , unless you have  been run over by a cement truck, you show up for duty!

Answer 6

Doesn't work.  The court requires you to call and ask for the deferment before your scheduled court date.  Once you appear, the judge won't hear it - you were supposed to take care of it earlier.  If he does grant it, he will make you report again because you didn't follow the instructions - and he has the discretion to do that.

Also all the c**p about acting like weirdo or saying you are a racist or your grandma was mugged can get you a contempt of court charge - judges have seen it all.

Answer 7

While you may escape from the statutory requirements (and I don't think that's true), this "tactic" will buy you a contempt of court charge instead, for lying to the judge and evading your obligation to her.

Answer 8

If you really want to get out of it, when they ask if you have a reason that you could not be objective, find one.  If the defendant mugged an old lady, tell them your grandmother was robbed once.  If the defendant is something other than your race, you can be really brazen and say you're racist (if you're not, it doesn't matter, just tell them you are.)  They can't hurt you for beliefs.  However, give it a chance.  I have heard numerous people say that, depending on the case, jury duty is interesting, and they pay you for work missed.

Answer 9

Not sure about Cali, but back in Ohio, when I got called for jury duty, I went in with a hangover, scratching my arms like a junkie, and it worked

Answer 10

Just tell them that you are considering joining the military and you may not be available for the jury duty.

WORKS EVERY TIME!!!

of course research your answer, you may even want to actually enlist....

the last time I went to jury duty about 20 elderly people got out of it by claiming a planned medical procedure that would have them bedridden or temporarily disabled.

they have years of experience evading jury duty so you should follow their example. the judge actually wished them good luck and hope the get better soon.