Grand jury duty is a civic responsibility, but it can also be a major inconvenience. If you’re not prepared, you could end up spending weeks or even months serving on a grand jury. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your chances of being picked.
Understand the Basics of Grand Jury Duty
The first step to avoiding grand jury duty is to understand how it works. Grand juries are composed of a group of citizens who are responsible for hearing evidence and deciding whether or not to indict a person for a crime. Grand juries do not determine guilt or innocence, but their decisions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a case.
Know Your Exemptions
There are a number of people who are exempt from grand jury duty. These include:
- People who are under the age of 18
- People who are not citizens of the United States
- People who have been convicted of a felony
- People who are currently serving on a jury
- People who are unable to speak or understand English
- People who are mentally or physically disabled
- People who are full-time students
- People who are actively serving in the military
- People who are over 70 years old
Request an Excusal
If you do not meet any of the above exemptions, you can still request an excusal from grand jury duty. To do this, you will need to write a letter to the court that explains why you should be excused. Some common reasons for excusal include:
- Financial hardship
- Childcare responsibilities
- Medical conditions
- Work obligations
- Religious beliefs
Be Prepared to Answer Questions
If you are called for grand jury duty, you will be asked a series of questions during the jury selection process. These questions are designed to determine your eligibility for service and your ability to be fair and impartial. Some common questions you may be asked include:
- Have you ever been convicted of a crime?
- Do you have any strong feelings about the defendant or the charges against them?
- Do you have any biases or prejudices that would prevent you from being fair and impartial?
- Are you able to serve for the duration of the trial?
Be Yourself
The most important thing to remember when you are called for grand jury duty is to be yourself. Do not try to hide your true feelings or opinions. The jury selection process is designed to find people who can be fair and impartial, so it is important to be honest about your beliefs.
Additional Tips
In addition to the tips above, there are a few other things you can do to reduce your chances of being picked for grand jury duty. These include:
- Avoid volunteering for grand jury duty.
- Do not respond to jury summonses promptly.
- If you are called for jury duty, show up late or dress inappropriately.
- During the jury selection process, be negative and argumentative.
Conclusion
Grand jury duty is a civic responsibility, but it can also be a major inconvenience. By following the tips above, you can reduce your chances of being picked. However, it is important to remember that there is no guarantee that you will not be selected. If you are called for grand jury duty, be prepared to serve.
FAQs
-
What are the consequences of not showing up for grand jury duty?
If you do not show up for grand jury duty, you may be fined or even jailed. -
Can I be excused from grand jury duty if I have a job interview?
Yes, you may be excused from grand jury duty if you have a job interview. However, you will need to provide the court with documentation of the interview. -
What happens if I am selected for grand jury duty and I cannot serve?
If you are selected for grand jury duty and you cannot serve, you will need to contact the court immediately. The court may be able to excuse you from service or reschedule your service for a later date. -
What is the average length of grand jury duty?
The average length of grand jury duty is two weeks. However, some grand juries may serve for longer or shorter periods of time. -
Do I get paid for grand jury duty?
In most cases, you will not be paid for grand jury duty. However, some states do provide a small stipend to grand jurors. -
What happens if I am selected for grand jury duty and I have a medical condition?
If you are selected for grand jury duty and you have a medical condition, you may be able to request an excusal. You will need to provide the court with documentation of your medical condition.