Need to be excused from jury duty in nyc?

Question

I just received a summons. I stay at home with my 11 month old, as well as a full time grad student. I really cannot afford to go to jury duty at this time. Neither financially nor time-wise, now that I have a child and also going to school. Especially having a child.. I have no one to watch him, and I can't afford a babysitter. I was sent a summons in 2006 but I requested a postponement b/c I was pregnant on bedrest. It says the first request is fulfilled automatically. Not sure about subsequent ones. Do you think I can be excused again this time? What proof would I give them?

Answer 1

You can try, but  believe me, the judges are becoming less and less sympathetic. Everybody wants to be excused from jury duty, so who is going to be left to sit on a jury??? The judges have heard it all, and are becoming tougher and tougher. Good luck, but don't be surprised if your request is turned down.

Answer 2

Please don't listen to the advice of those who encourage you to lie to get out of jury duty.  Beyond the ethical considerations there, if it was ever discovered that you lied, you could be held in contempt of court and ordered to pay a pretty hefty fine.

You're in a really tough situation.  On the one hand, I firmly believe that everyone should serve on a jury, and even do so if it's a sacrifice, because it's one of the ways we participate and give back to a government that (mostly) protects our rights.  On the other hand, you're clearly in a situation that makes it very difficult to serve on a jury.  I would request a postponement again, sending in proof of your child's birth and proof that you're currently a full time graduate student.  Even if the postponement is not granted, they call a huge pool of people, so there's no guarantee that you'll be chosen.

If you are chosen, I encourage you to fulfill your duty as a citizen.  I know it's tough for you, but a couple days as a juror is nothing compared to all the benefits you reap living as a citizen in the United States.

Answer 3

Can't you just like, fake an accent and pretend you don't speak English?

Answer 4

You can claim financial hardship and that you have a child care issues as well as a child in school you need to be home for.

Answer 5

just say your a racist then again that wouldn't work in some parts of America. you'd be the judge then

Answer 6

all you have to do is tell the judge your situation and he might excuse you