The Dreaded Jury Duty Summons Letter

LuciaDisturbed · 10-17-2007, 07:25 AM

I wasn't sure where to put this thread in, so if this is the wrong place to put this thread in, MODS, please feel free to move it to a more appropriate place.

Anyway, I got the dreaded jury duty summons letter. I'm to show up at the courthouse at 8 am on the 29th. I honestly don't want to go in, for so many reasons. It's not that I don't wanna do it.

I have health problems. I have 2 injured discs in my lower back and I cannot sit in a waiting room all day to be interviewed to see if I am a candidate for jury duty. And if I am picked to do jury duty, I would be missing my electrotherapy sessions at PT (they help me with my back pain - like a TENS unit - google it and you will understand). I cannot postpone or miss my PT appointments. If I miss one my back bitches at me for missing it. I need to go regularly to keep my back/spine pain in check. I cannot serve on a jury adequately if I am constantly in pain due to lack of electrotherapy treatments. I can't even sit for two hours straight at my PC anymore due to my spine pain. My spine will really hate me for sitting all day at the courthouse and I will pay dearly for it for days afterwards with lots of pain.

And...honestly, I don't wanna go wait in a room all day to see whether they want me or not. I don't want to get up at 6 am. I hate mornings.

I don't care if it sounds unamerican. I don't care. Please do not preach at me that it is my "duty" to go serve on a jury. You know the reasons now why I can't serve on a jury.

Now, I am researching on how to get out of even showing up at the courthouse to be interviewed to see if I am a candidate to serve on the jury.

Anyone got any ideas?

Sunshine1 · 10-17-2007, 07:43 AM

Yes you can get an excuse for not going by getting doctor's note. Alot of people got doctor's notes for not being able to go for jury duty.

I just learned that you're using TENS unit. ha ... I used to have it for home use (four hours daily) for a month and it didn't help me so I took it back. Now I'm taking pain pills and patches daily anyway.

Roadrunner · 10-17-2007, 07:48 AM

Thread moved from 'General Chat' to here--

Regarding to your jury duty notification, it's more likely you'll be excused due to your health issues and/or hardships.

Just submit a certified letter from your doctor prior to the actual date requesting that it's a viable medical issue so that you can be excused from even having to go through the entire process.

Good luck.

~RR

**Liebling:-)))** · 10-17-2007, 08:21 AM

I want to have double check with you all first...

Is it obligation to duty to go serve on a jury?

I remembered at other thread somewhere that it's obligation for US citizons to serve on a jury, no matter either they want or not. They said that the police will come to your house to get you to serve on a jury... which is a scary...

Anyway, for you Lucia, You have to request your doctor with reason in writing why you can't make it.

Good Luck

diehardbiker · 10-17-2007, 09:46 AM

Most cases they would drop you off if you are deaf and ask for Interpreter. The only city that I know won't excuse you if you are deaf and get terp for you, that is my hometown.

If Dr actually said you can't sit all day, then have his or her note showing to the jury duty selector and they will be likely to cancel your summons.

LakeTahoe · 10-17-2007, 10:05 AM

I agreed with them...call your doctor and get an excuse note to excuse you from being in jury. My hubby love to go and be in the jury. Me so so...sooo wish you best of luck get a note and get excused.

SxyPorkie · 10-17-2007, 11:29 AM

Since you are in Texas... i dont know about the courts there would get an interpreter??? But you are under Doctor s care right now... You can ask your doctor for a proof of your health issues.... More likely you will be excused...

J'explique · 10-17-2007, 02:09 PM

It sucks. I personally don't want to be called into jury duty myself, I hope not in my lifetime. Good luck with your decision!

Liza · 10-17-2007, 02:28 PM

Flunk some of the interview questions on purpose if you feel stuck

Tousi · 10-17-2007, 02:42 PM

Hmmmm, I am the other way; I would almost have to be comatose to get out of jury duty. But that's just me.

Kaitin · 10-17-2007, 09:48 PM

Lucia: I am so glad I read your post! I remembered I got the summons letter and have 10 days to ask for excuse - but I don't remember the day the letter arrived and no date is on the letter or instructions. I'm maybe too late.

Reading the letter again I see that it says "return by mail within 5 days". I know its more than 5 days.

Has anyone returned the "jury information form" late?

**Reba** · 10-17-2007, 09:54 PM

I served on jury duty a few times. It was inconvenient, yes, but I'm glad that I did it.

In South Carolina, if you contact the Court Clerk and notify him/her that you're Deaf and will need an interpreter, that usually gets you off jury duty. You don't even have to show up if you notify the clerk ahead of time and get excused.

Also, some courts send you a form to fill out ahead of time, and there's usually a section where you can justify an excuse from duty, such as for medical reasons, or working out of town. If you get that form, fill it out clearly explaining your situation, and you might get excused before the due date.

Whatever you do, don't just fail to show up. They will send the sheriff for you.

Tousi · 10-17-2007, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaitin

Lucia: I am so glad I read your post! I remembered I got the summons letter and have 10 days to ask for excuse - but I don't remember the day the letter arrived and no date is on the letter or instructions. I'm maybe too late.

Reading the letter again I see that it says "return by mail within 5 days". I know its more than 5 days.

Has anyone returned the "jury information form" late?

Who knows; that person would not be able to answer because he is currently in jail. Lol, j/k...

Tousi · 10-17-2007, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

I served on jury duty a few times. It was inconvenient, yes, but I'm glad that I did it.

In South Carolina, if you contact the Court Clerk and notify him/her that you're Deaf and will need an interpreter, that usually gets you off jury duty. You don't even have to show up if you notify the clerk ahead of time and get excused.

Also, some courts send you a form to fill out ahead of time, and there's usually a section where you can justify an excuse from duty, such as for medical reasons, or working out of town. If you get that form, fill it out clearly explaining your situation, and you might get excused before the due date.

Whatever you do, don't just fail to show up. They will send the sheriff for you.

Dang, that is so wrong....telling the Clerk Court in SC that you're deaf to get out of jury duty!! What if a deaf South Carolinan informs the Clerk BUT wants to serve?

Kaitin · 10-17-2007, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Who knows; that person would not be able to answer because he is currently in jail. Lol, j/k...

My roommate is laughing at your post, Tousi, and because I am panicing. I looked at the web site on instructions - no information about being late, about interpreters, about excuses for school. The form says I need "official documentation" with "dated material" - what? From my school? Who at school? What "dated material"? I never been jury before or got summons letter. So stupid for not reading carefully!! Now I'm late!!

My roommate is doing all. I give up and let her.

Tousi · 10-17-2007, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaitin

My roommate is laughing at your post, Tousi, and because I am panicing. I looked at the web site on instructions - no information about being late, about interpreters, about excuses for school. The form says I need "official documentation" with "dated material" - what? From my school? Who at school? What "dated material"? I never been jury before or got summons letter. So stupid for not reading carefully!! Now I'm late!!

My roommate is doing all. I give up and let her.

I'm sorry, I'd forgotten you got a summons and the response is past due.

**Reba** · 10-17-2007, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Dang, that is so wrong....telling the Clerk Court in SC that you're deaf to get out of jury duty!! What if a deaf South Carolinan informs the Clerk BUT wants to serve?

That's what my Deaf friend did; he got the letter and WANTED to serve. He contacted the clerk to request a terp, NOT to get out of jury duty. He was shocked when the clerk told him that it was too expensive, and that they would just excuse him. She said that was the standard procedure.

Kaitin · 10-17-2007, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

I'm sorry, I'd forgotten you got a summons and the response is past due.

No, Tousi. I paniced when I read the letter. You were funny - I'm just in a bad mood with the headache like

and hard day. I'm the late person. No apology needed.

My roommate sent my advisor a email (does this spellcheck work? so many of my words are red but seem ok to me "paniced" "advisor" "ok" -

) and filled out one form. I don't know about the deadline or consequences. Just a bad day.

Tousi · 10-17-2007, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaitin

No, Tousi. I paniced when I read the letter. You were funny - I'm just in a bad mood with the headache like

and hard day. I'm the late person. No apology needed.

My roommate sent my advisor a email (does this spellcheck work? so many of my words are red but seem ok to me "paniced" "advisor" "ok" -

) and filled out one form. I don't know about the deadline or consequences. Just a bad day.

Okay, there will be better tomorrows for you. GN

diehardbiker · 10-17-2007, 10:50 PM

Hey, tell her to move up to my hometown, and she will much likely not to be excused and get very darn good terp.

Actually, I don't mind serve jury duty! preferred in criminal court than in civil court.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

That's what my Deaf friend did; he got the letter and WANTED to serve. He contacted the clerk to request a terp, NOT to get out of jury duty. He was shocked when the clerk told him that it was too expensive, and that they would just excuse him. She said that was the standard procedure.

Tousi · 10-17-2007, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

That's what my Deaf friend did; he got the letter and WANTED to serve. He contacted the clerk to request a terp, NOT to get out of jury duty. He was shocked when the clerk told him that it was too expensive, and that they would just excuse him. She said that was the standard procedure.

And your deaf friend let this slide? That's a slam-dunk winnable legal argument.

diehardbiker · 10-17-2007, 10:56 PM

If she gets it documents, wow! This is gonna make case alot easier for EEOC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

And your deaf friend let this slide? That's a slam-dunk winnable legal argument.

Tousi · 10-17-2007, 10:59 PM

Right, DHB; and btw, according to Reba, the friend is a he. No biggie, tho.

**Reba** · 10-18-2007, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

And your deaf friend let this slide? That's a slam-dunk winnable legal argument.

I'm not sure about the legal aspect. Judges have a lot of leeway in jury selection. They can pretty much excuse anyone for any reason.

Now if he had been selected for the jury, he would have the right to an interpreter.

Aleser · 10-18-2007, 12:52 AM

Not true. Being deaf or blind alone isn't an excuse to get off jury duty- the person still has the right to be selected fairly through questioning, not dismissed on the basis of being deaf alone. If you -want- to serve jury duty and get excused straight away for being deaf, complain. It's your right and your responsibility.

**Reba** · 10-18-2007, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aleser

Not true. Being deaf or blind alone isn't an excuse to get off jury duty- the person still has the right to be selected fairly through questioning, not dismissed on the basis of being deaf alone. If you -want- to serve jury duty and get excused straight away for being deaf, complain. It's your right and your responsibility.

Is jury duty a protected "right"?

Tousi · 10-18-2007, 01:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Is jury duty a protected "right"?

I don't know but lotsa people sure act like it's da plague!

Levonian · 10-18-2007, 01:04 AM

My wife has been permanently excused from jury duty. Last time she got a summons, she wrote on the reply form that she is deaf and requires real-time captioning. She mailed it back, but never got a response. As the due date started getting close, she got a little nervous because they hadn’t responded, and she asked me to call and find out what was going on. When I called, I was told that somebody had flagged her in the computer as being permanently disqualified for jury duty. She will never receive another summons again in Ventura County.

**Reba** · 10-18-2007, 01:05 AM

Just FYI, some reasons to be excused from jury duty (in Connecticut):

The reasons for disqualification are listed in Connecticut General Statutes Section 51-217. The major reasons include:

*

You cannot speak or understand English.

You cannot serve because of a physical or medical disability (You must provide a letter from your doctor).

You are 70 years old or older and do not want to serve.

You already spent a day serving jury duty in state court during the three previous years OR you are scheduled to serve in the near future.

You have been convicted of a felony during the past seven years OR you are a defendant in a felony case now.

You are in jail or prison.

You are a State Senator or Representative and the legislature is in session.

You are a judge of the Superior Court, Appellate Court or Supreme Court, you are a judge of probate or you are a federal court judge.

You are not a citizen of the United States.

**Reba** · 10-18-2007, 01:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

I don't know but lotsa people sure act like it's da plague!

I know, it's sad.

10-17-2007, 07:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
LuciaDisturbed Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 7,733	The Dreaded Jury Duty Summons Letter I wasn't sure where to put this thread in, so if this is the wrong place to put this thread in, MODS, please feel free to move it to a more appropriate place. Anyway, I got the dreaded jury duty summons letter. I'm to show up at the courthouse at 8 am on the 29th. I honestly don't want to go in, for so many reasons. It's not that I don't wanna do it. I have health problems. I have 2 injured discs in my lower back and I cannot sit in a waiting room all day to be interviewed to see if I am a candidate for jury duty. And if I am picked to do jury duty, I would be missing my electrotherapy sessions at PT (they help me with my back pain - like a TENS unit - google it and you will understand). I cannot postpone or miss my PT appointments. If I miss one my back bitches at me for missing it. I need to go regularly to keep my back/spine pain in check. I cannot serve on a jury adequately if I am constantly in pain due to lack of electrotherapy treatments. I can't even sit for two hours straight at my PC anymore due to my spine pain. My spine will really hate me for sitting all day at the courthouse and I will pay dearly for it for days afterwards with lots of pain. And...honestly, I don't wanna go wait in a room all day to see whether they want me or not. I don't want to get up at 6 am. I hate mornings. I don't care if it sounds unamerican. I don't care. Please do not preach at me that it is my "duty" to go serve on a jury. You know the reasons now why I can't serve on a jury. Now, I am researching on how to get out of even showing up at the courthouse to be interviewed to see if I am a candidate to serve on the jury. Anyone got any ideas? __________________ "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." - Philosopher George Santayana. Implanted left ear 10/11/06, activated 10/16/06 - Nucleus Freedom My own CI experience, my views on CI and ASL and Deaf Culture and Society DeviantArt

10-17-2007, 07:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
Sunshine1 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,449	Yes you can get an excuse for not going by getting doctor's note. Alot of people got doctor's notes for not being able to go for jury duty. I just learned that you're using TENS unit. ha ... I used to have it for home use (four hours daily) for a month and it didn't help me so I took it back. Now I'm taking pain pills and patches daily anyway. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~ My nephew/godson ~CM Punk~ ~~~~~~~~Dancer~~~~~~~~:

10-17-2007, 07:48 AM	#3 (permalink)
Roadrunner Registered User Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: NY Posts: 7,089	Thread moved from 'General Chat' to here-- Regarding to your jury duty notification, it's more likely you'll be excused due to your health issues and/or hardships. Just submit a certified letter from your doctor prior to the actual date requesting that it's a viable medical issue so that you can be excused from even having to go through the entire process. Good luck. ~RR __________________ "Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasures, costs nothing, and conveys much." - Erastus Wiman

10-17-2007, 08:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
Liebling:-))) Sussi 7.7.86 - 18.6.09 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Germany Posts: 31,032	I want to have double check with you all first... Is it obligation to duty to go serve on a jury? I remembered at other thread somewhere that it's obligation for US citizons to serve on a jury, no matter either they want or not. They said that the police will come to your house to get you to serve on a jury... which is a scary... Anyway, for you Lucia, You have to request your doctor with reason in writing why you can't make it. Good Luck __________________

10-17-2007, 09:46 AM	#5 (permalink)
diehardbiker Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: In back of Superduty Posts: 11,641	Most cases they would drop you off if you are deaf and ask for Interpreter. The only city that I know won't excuse you if you are deaf and get terp for you, that is my hometown. If Dr actually said you can't sit all day, then have his or her note showing to the jury duty selector and they will be likely to cancel your summons. __________________ J-MAC's quote: "People who try and fail are more superior than people who don't try at all" "If people let the government decide what foods they eat and what medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as the souls who live under tyranny." Thomas Jefferson (1778) Avatar picture is Cape Hatteras light house in OBX.

Today
Deafness	Sponsored Links __________________ This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members. Register your free account today and become a member on AllDeaf.com

10-17-2007, 10:05 AM	#6 (permalink)
LakeTahoe Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Lost somewhere in the outer space!! Help me to find my way back home to earth!! Posts: 14,205	I agreed with them...call your doctor and get an excuse note to excuse you from being in jury. My hubby love to go and be in the jury. Me so so...sooo wish you best of luck get a note and get excused. __________________

10-17-2007, 11:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
SxyPorkie Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: Southern California Posts: 3,095	Since you are in Texas... i dont know about the courts there would get an interpreter??? But you are under Doctor s care right now... You can ask your doctor for a proof of your health issues.... More likely you will be excused... __________________ Life Goes On!!

10-17-2007, 02:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
J'explique Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 289	It sucks. I personally don't want to be called into jury duty myself, I hope not in my lifetime. Good luck with your decision!

10-17-2007, 02:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
Liza Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Jacksonville Posts: 4,367 Blog Entries: 2	Flunk some of the interview questions on purpose if you feel stuck

10-17-2007, 02:42 PM	#10 (permalink)
Tousi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 15,798	Hmmmm, I am the other way; I would almost have to be comatose to get out of jury duty. But that's just me.

10-17-2007, 09:48 PM	#11 (permalink)
Kaitin Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 845 Blog Entries: 23	Lucia: I am so glad I read your post! I remembered I got the summons letter and have 10 days to ask for excuse - but I don't remember the day the letter arrived and no date is on the letter or instructions. I'm maybe too late. Reading the letter again I see that it says "return by mail within 5 days". I know its more than 5 days. Has anyone returned the "jury information form" late?

10-17-2007, 09:54 PM	#12 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,526	I served on jury duty a few times. It was inconvenient, yes, but I'm glad that I did it. In South Carolina, if you contact the Court Clerk and notify him/her that you're Deaf and will need an interpreter, that usually gets you off jury duty. You don't even have to show up if you notify the clerk ahead of time and get excused. Also, some courts send you a form to fill out ahead of time, and there's usually a section where you can justify an excuse from duty, such as for medical reasons, or working out of town. If you get that form, fill it out clearly explaining your situation, and you might get excused before the due date. Whatever you do, don't just fail to show up. They will send the sheriff for you. __________________ Tell us the truth about Benghazi!

10-17-2007, 10:59 PM	#23 (permalink)
Tousi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 15,798	Right, DHB; and btw, according to Reba, the friend is a he. No biggie, tho.

10-18-2007, 12:52 AM	#25 (permalink)
Aleser Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 965	Not true. Being deaf or blind alone isn't an excuse to get off jury duty- the person still has the right to be selected fairly through questioning, not dismissed on the basis of being deaf alone. If you -want- to serve jury duty and get excused straight away for being deaf, complain. It's your right and your responsibility. __________________ "She thinks... she can make people do what she wants or needs, what is right, by the sheer force of her own talent, not by forcing them... she can teach them and persuade them... that they'll catch it from her. This is still faith in their rationality, in the omnipotence of reason. The mistake? Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them."

10-18-2007, 01:04 AM	#28 (permalink)
Levonian Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Research facility. Posts: 3,914	My wife has been permanently excused from jury duty. Last time she got a summons, she wrote on the reply form that she is deaf and requires real-time captioning. She mailed it back, but never got a response. As the due date started getting close, she got a little nervous because they hadn’t responded, and she asked me to call and find out what was going on. When I called, I was told that somebody had flagged her in the computer as being permanently disqualified for jury duty. She will never receive another summons again in Ventura County.

10-18-2007, 01:05 AM	#29 (permalink)
Reba Granny Terp Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: South Carolina Posts: 39,526	Just FYI, some reasons to be excused from jury duty (in Connecticut): The reasons for disqualification are listed in Connecticut General Statutes Section 51-217. The major reasons include: * You cannot speak or understand English. You cannot serve because of a physical or medical disability (You must provide a letter from your doctor). You are 70 years old or older and do not want to serve. You already spent a day serving jury duty in state court during the three previous years OR you are scheduled to serve in the near future. You have been convicted of a felony during the past seven years OR you are a defendant in a felony case now. You are in jail or prison. You are a State Senator or Representative and the legislature is in session. You are a judge of the Superior Court, Appellate Court or Supreme Court, you are a judge of probate or you are a federal court judge. You are not a citizen of the United States. __________________ Tell us the truth about Benghazi!

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