Recieved a grand jury summons and can not go, what to do?

Question

My wife recieved a grand jury summons here in New York City. She can not attend nor postpone it. We have 2 young children that she cares for. I must work and we have no one to turn to for babysitting nor can we pay for one. According to the summons there are no exceptions. How does one attend jury duty if one has such an important responsibility like taking care of children. We appreciate any suggestions.

Answer 1

I will tell you what the Judge on the 9 Circuit in Calif said to one of the grand jury panal I was called for in 1979.  "You have had the joy of all the privileges and rights of being an American Citizen. You will accept the joy of the Responsibilities of being an American Citizen or you will renounce that citizenship right now. Your choice, make it now!" The individual he was speaking to shut her mouth and sat down and was never picked for the jury. The two individuals who were no shows had bench warrants issued for contempt of court.

Answer 2

You do have rights. If it creates a financial hardship, then you have a right to opt out. If it infringes on you religion, and or moral beliefs, you can state those reasons as why you cannot serve as a potential juror. Good Luck

Answer 3

Welcome to America, land of the free. [Note the sarcasm]

However, it IS your reasonable service agreement to attend jury duty.

Just be glad you aren't in Russia where they force you to join the military for two years, as your reasonable service.

"Freedom doesn't come free, but the Marine Corps will pay most of your share" =D

My Grandfather had the same problem recently...they just postponed it for a year.

As for you, just plead your case and they most likely will postpone your calling.

However, I must ask why it is you live in the land of opportunity and expect that you will still be in the same situation later on?

Answer 4

I have this little problem...everyone wants all the freedoms and benefits of living in the US... so why is it such a big deal when you are (once in a great while) asked to accept just a little bit of responsibility ...... I have served on a jury and a grand jury and I think is was a great leaning experience and I felt like in some small way I was doing my part.....

Answer 5

start them phone calls now......in Texas they are real bad to people ,,,that don't show up...

Answer 6

Some states allow exceptions for hardship cases.  DON'T WAIT to call the office of the Clerk of Court to examine and apply for exceptions.  Saying "there ARE no exceptions" is patently false or misunderstood.  There are ALWAYS exceptions.

Answer 7

you can go and plead your case to the courts but usually unless your on your death bed they expect you to be present with no exceptions.