I received a jury summons in the mail yesterday. What should I do?

2015-07-18T18:54:49-04:00

Should I call them and explain or can I just ignore it? I have been very busy lately, and have no time to deal with this nonsense.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 7:02 PM

2015-07-18T19:02:02-04:00

This is not nonsense. It's a very important part of being in a community if I were you I would try to do my best and show up. once you've done it you'll understand why it's important. Good luck buddy!

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 18 at 2015 7:04 PM

2015-07-18T19:04:48-04:00

Nonsense? This is one of the rights and responsibilities we have as Americans. That said, you can call them and explain your situation. Don't ignore it.

Response by SFC Andrew Kretz made Jul 18 at 2015 7:08 PM

2015-07-18T19:08:38-04:00

SPC Alexander Ackerman You don't want to ignore the government, call the number if they provided one, or the clerks office and explain (assuming you are active duty). Sometimes the government will want you to show proof such as orders. Also, provide your leadership with the information so that they can assist you if you come upon any problems. If you are not on active duty, still call them and explain your situation; however, more than likely you will have to attend the initial briefing and speak with the judge and or prosecutor/attorney present for removal.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Jul 18 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-07-18T19:11:53-04:00

you should call and explain.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 7:15 PM

2015-07-18T19:15:44-04:00

May want to read this:
http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/jury-service.asp

The Superior Court of California - County of Ventura - Jury Service

The official website of the Superior Court of California, County of Ventura

Response by PFC Chris Hemingway made Jul 18 at 2015 7:25 PM

2015-07-18T19:25:49-04:00

If you have been diagnosed with ptsd you can go to your psych and have them give you an exclusion letter

Response by CPL Eric Allen made Jul 18 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-07-18T19:26:30-04:00

Don't show up man don't call. But hey that's only if you want the cops to show up I don't what they will do if you don't show up but do you want to take those a chance. I have never been called for these but I will call and show up

Response by SFC Jacob Hinkkanen made Jul 18 at 2015 7:26 PM

2015-07-18T19:26:31-04:00

I got a summons for jury duty also. I called the court and had my service deferred until December. Where I live you can defer twice in a year. Of course that changes by county and state.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 18 at 2015 7:29 PM

2015-07-18T19:29:58-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member, as SSG Izzy Abbass and PO1 Private RallyPoint Member have adequately described, there's nothing nonsensical about jury duty. I've served jury duty many times in a number of different states over the years and almost no one, and I mean no one, is excused. Whatever system is set up for reporting in should be followed. The last time I served I simply had to call in everyday for a number of days. I never had to actually report to the courthouse, but if required, I would have done so with no hesitation. Some jurisdictions will send deputy sheriffs for you if you fail to call in or report as required. CPL Doug Hill

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jul 18 at 2015 7:38 PM

2015-07-18T19:38:06-04:00

Take the opportunity to serve on this jury duty SPC Private RallyPoint Member, the public needs to be exposed to the true Integrity of our Veterans!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 7:39 PM

2015-07-18T19:39:07-04:00

If you have an excuse (like deployment) you can get out. I know of some educators that got jury duties deferred to trials that happened in the summer, when they had more free time with no classes.

Of course, you could just show up and insist that you strongly believe in things like public caning and beheading, witchcraft trials, gladiatorial combat, and similar things.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 7:41 PM

2015-07-18T19:41:55-04:00

Don't ignore it. You need to respond. There should be a part in there that you can fill out stating why you cannot serve on a jury

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 7:47 PM

2015-07-18T19:47:07-04:00

First don't ever place you exact data out like this. Get it off for security reasons and start the question again.

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Jul 18 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-07-18T19:49:53-04:00

First of it is not nonsense, it is a civic duty and a subpoena and if you ignore it an arrest warrant can be issued for your arrest. IF you live outside of the jurisdiction that you received the notice from simply call and explain that you are in the US Military. If you are in the same jurisdiction show up in Class B and most likely you will be excused. I remember when I was summoned once while I was deployed to the Balkans my dad told the deputy sheriff that I had joined the circus at 18 and have not returned. The deputy asked my dad which circus which my dad said it was an international circus. Well eventually my dad stopped being a smart ass and told the deputy I was in the Army and which then took me off the eligible pool.

Response by PO3 Aj Grieves made Jul 18 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-07-18T19:51:22-04:00

Ha!! Scare tactic! This notice wasn't sent through registered mail requiring a signature. No way for them to prove you even got it. I've always wanted to be part of a jury, but never had the time when recieving notification. It's been like ten years now since my last request. Never responded on the three I was summoned for. Today I work for an airline (18 years now). Every year I have to renue my badge with an extensive TSA background check with my fingerprints included. No warrants.. Call the number and explain why you can't make it if you are paranoid. Better have a good excuse if you do though.. Obligations with your children or job will absolve your problem..

Response by SGT Kristjan Rahe made Jul 18 at 2015 7:57 PM

2015-07-18T19:57:55-04:00

Do your civic duty

Response by PVT Robert Gresham made Jul 18 at 2015 8:01 PM

2015-07-18T20:01:18-04:00

If you are not active duty, then each state has its protocols for acceptable reasons that you are unable to serve. Being "very busy" will not be an acceptable excuse.

If you are handicapped, have a mental, or physical condition that would preclude you from reaching a fair and impartial decision, or if you can not physically sit for extended periods, or can show other just cause that you should be excused from jury duty, and mind you, you will have to provide proof, then you may be excused.

Just remember that many are called and few are chosen. You may not fit into the defense, or prosecution's target type. Also, your duty may be one that you can leave in the evening, return home, and return the next morning, thus not overly taxing your busy lifestyle.

As so many have pointed out however, this is a right and a responsibility. You may also just learn something, or meet someone who could be instrumental in your future plans. If that is the only reason that you go, however, you are truly missing out on what it means to be an American.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 8:39 PM

2015-07-18T20:39:57-04:00

You can't ignore a summons to appear in jury selection. Report on the given day and present your case. If the reason you can't perform jury duty is military related, most likely you'll be excused.

Response by LCpl Mark Lefler made Jul 18 at 2015 8:51 PM

2015-07-18T20:51:18-04:00

You should never ignore it, never, if your active duty then call them, if your not active duty you probably should show up.

Response by PO3 Jody Wangen made Jul 18 at 2015 8:58 PM

2015-07-18T20:58:37-04:00

if you actually live there then you take your summons to work and present it to your CO. arrangements will be made at work for you to be there. if you do not live there, call and explain you are military and not located there you will be excused. I did jury duty 2 times in texas . I am busy and do not have time is no excuse.

Response by PO3 Jody Wangen made Jul 18 at 2015 9:04 PM

2015-07-18T21:04:44-04:00

this is what living in a democracy is all about. citizens put on the uniform to defend this right, which many other countries do not have. a fair and impartial trial before your peers. Russia has the gulag, china has reeducation camps.

Response by PO3 Aj Grieves made Jul 18 at 2015 9:17 PM

2015-07-18T21:17:36-04:00

The better question would be, "Why are they hitting up our national servants?" So my time serving this country wasn't enough? You need my opinion on civil actions as well? Guilty!! You suck as an American! Next..

Response by TSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 9:18 PM

2015-07-18T21:18:07-04:00

Keep in mind that we have our liberty due to four boxes we have at our disposal. Those being the soap box, the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box. We, as citizens must utilize each one appropriately and in a manner to preserve that liberty, not only for ourselves, but for those that will follow us.

Your profile states you are currently unemployed. Report and while you might not have to serve on a jury, you may make a contact that can help rectify the employment situation.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Jul 18 at 2015 9:19 PM

2015-07-18T21:19:33-04:00

By law, you either have to show up or call, write or send smoke signals but you have to respond! DO NOT, I REPEAT, DO NOT JUST IGNORE IT or your ass will be grass and the Court will be the lawn mower.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 18 at 2015 9:34 PM

2015-07-18T21:34:44-04:00

As a young SPC, I was a summoned to be a witness in a murder trial. I tried everything to get out of it and I wasn't successful. That was a very long three weeks.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 18 at 2015 10:18 PM

2015-07-18T22:18:07-04:00

You should edit your actual address...

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 18 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-07-18T23:13:39-04:00

Definitely do not ignore it. A bench warrant CAN be issued. Do as others have suggested and call to see if you can get excused. If you cannot and have to go in, you must make the time. If you're working, your job HAS to give you Jury Duty leave.

"Pursuant to California Labor Code Section 230, no employer may terminate or in any manner discriminate against an employee for taking time off to serve on jury duty. Prior to taking time off to serve, an employee must give their employer reasonable notice that they have been called for jury duty."

Response by TSgt Kenneth Ellis made Jul 18 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-07-18T23:14:06-04:00

You need to respond. I could go on telling you it is your duty. But if you do not reply or show up. You can be find and have a warrant put out in you.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 1:32 AM

2015-07-19T01:32:24-04:00

I will try not to be redundant: You are a veteran.
You served to protect the Constitution & The Bill of Rights.
You served to Protect the right to vote
It is a privilege to vote.

Now we know you really want to vote. So vote...Unless you are flying to Iran to tell them the deal is off, or you are about to give birth, have a bad case uf PTSD, or lastly have a heart attack while walking through the Courthouse door...You will learn a lesson in civics (something they don't teach anymore). Enjoy the experience. De Oppresso Liber.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 6:36 AM

2015-07-19T06:36:11-04:00

Fulfilling your civic duty is not NONSENSE. As a Soldier and a citizen of this amazing country you should be proud to perform your duty every time your name is called specially because this one of the freedom we fight for. Nonsense will be to disregard this opportunity.

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Jul 19 at 2015 7:35 AM

2015-07-19T07:35:47-04:00

Don't ignore it, you must address the situation head on and explain why you can't do it. Let there be a final decision on the matter.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 10:07 AM

2015-07-19T10:07:20-04:00

If you fail to appear a warrant for your arrest will be issued and you could go to JAIL. Follow the instructions in the summons. If you are still in the service, contact your JAG office and chain of command immediately.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jul 19 at 2015 1:13 PM

2015-07-19T13:13:25-04:00

Alexander, why do you want to avoid Jury Duty? Don't ignore it - to do so will result in a warrant for your arrest. You don't need that hassle.

If you have physical or emotional disabilities from your military service, have your doctor write a letter to the court explaining your issues, and that you can't sit for jury duty. I've done that in Philly and here in Olympia WA, and here in Olympia, they've never sent me another summons...

Be proactive - get this done before your report date, so you don't have hassles...

Response by SGT Juan Soriano made Jul 19 at 2015 1:16 PM

2015-07-19T13:16:53-04:00

Don't ignore it, make sure you call them and let them know that you are with the Government. Most likely they will remove you from the list.

If you don't comply then they MAY issue a warrant for your ARREST.

NO JOKE make sure you call them..
Good luck..

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 19 at 2015 1:26 PM

2015-07-19T13:26:53-04:00

Years ago while I was deployed off the coast of Singapore and my home of record was still my parent's house in Michigan they received a jury duty summons for me. My Mom not knowing any better threw it away. A bench warrant was issued for me and the court called them looking for me. My mom had to explain that I was active duty military, not in Michigan, and not even in the country at the time before it got excused.

Do yourself a favor and DO NOT IGNORE IT, CALL THEM (sorry for yelling).

Response by SPC David S. made Jul 19 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-07-19T15:31:33-04:00

First redact your address in the picture - I think this is one of our duties as Americans however if you really want out just call in a explain "According to the mother ship all are guilty" - I'm sure you will be excused in short order.

Response by MAJ Keira Brennan made Jul 19 at 2015 3:41 PM

2015-07-19T15:41:16-04:00

Ignore it and you might get a summons.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 19 at 2015 3:57 PM

2015-07-19T15:57:56-04:00

Step 1: Don't post your full name and address on the internet.
Step 2: Jury duty

Response by SSG Izzy Abbass made Jul 19 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-07-19T16:54:34-04:00

By the way, we all have your address now. When's the party??

Response by PO1 Rick Serviss made Jul 19 at 2015 5:43 PM

2015-07-19T17:43:54-04:00

Jury Duty is fun and interesting. If it doesn't get in the way of you deploying I think you'll like it I and think you should do it. I've been summoned about 4 times and I take it as my responsibility as an American.

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Jul 19 at 2015 6:19 PM

2015-07-19T18:19:06-04:00

Talk to your unit Commander. If you are available, you should do it. If you are not available, calling them may be sufficient. However, Legal Assistance from the nearest SJA Office is also available to help.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Jul 19 at 2015 6:50 PM

2015-07-19T18:50:37-04:00

I would show up with my Military Identification Card with a unit letterhead statement outlining my active duty obligation from my Commanding Officer as proof of conflict of interest, if you don't report in for jury duty and get arrested it won't good on your evaluation kiss your career goodbye.

Response by SPC Daniel Joslin made Jul 19 at 2015 7:02 PM

2015-07-19T19:02:36-04:00

I would certainly hope that if you are ever in need of an intelligent, qualified jury, those potential jurors don't shirk their civic duty and give some lame excuse for not wanting to serve. That way your fate will be left in the hands of 12 people who didn't finish high school and have very little to no common sense. Maybe, just maybe, your serving on jury duty is fate's way of ensuring a criminal gets convicted or an innocent person is acquitted. Quit being so self centered and think about someone else instead.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Jul 19 at 2015 7:45 PM

2015-07-19T19:45:58-04:00

SPC Alexander Ackerman, first of all- it is not nonsense.
I do understand, however; if you are transitioning.
I would decidedly call them and explain. I don't believe you CAN ignore it.

Response by Sgt Ken Prescott made Jul 19 at 2015 9:07 PM

2015-07-19T21:07:41-04:00

Notify your chain of command IMMEDIATELY.

If this summons is outside of commuting distance of your duty station, you are almost certainly exempt. But you have to get your chain of command engaged.

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jul 19 at 2015 9:10 PM

2015-07-19T21:10:20-04:00

I don't think this is nonsense. You were chosen to try one of your peers. Maybe you could be a life changer. But back to the original question, RESPOND. If your job deems you excusable everything will be fine.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jul 19 at 2015 9:47 PM

2015-07-19T21:47:23-04:00

If you are fortunate enough to e seated on a jury panel - it could be an experience you will never forget. My service on several juries cause remembances 30 years later!

Response by LCDR Thomas Doherty (USNR-R Ret) made Jul 20 at 2015 12:40 AM

2015-07-20T00:40:39-04:00

Now that you've posted your address, I hear there is a company in Lagos that will get you excused from jury duty if you provide them your date of birth, SSN, bank account number, a list of all cars you have owned and your mother's maiden name.

Response by SPC Nathan Acreman made Jul 20 at 2015 12:47 AM

2015-07-20T00:47:44-04:00

Don't ignore it, that is a violation of law, and will lead at the least to a contempt of court charge.

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Jul 20 at 2015 3:44 AM

2015-07-20T03:44:51-04:00

Open the envelope and read the instructions. I'm sure the fact that you are too busy and participating in one of your responsibilities as a citizen is nonsense will get you immediately excused.

Response by PO3 Shayna Stevens made Jul 20 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-07-20T11:14:59-04:00

I had an instructor in college that works for the court and she said ignor it. There is no way they can track these because it is random picks from the computer. If you go to it once though. Prepare to go again because THEN you will be in the database.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-07-20T11:20:00-04:00

As others have said, SPC Private RallyPoint Member, it's not nonsense. It's your civic duty. If you're serving on active duty, that might be a valid reason to be excused, but your profile says you are a veteran.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Jul 20 at 2015 11:34 AM

2015-07-20T11:34:30-04:00

Since active duty military can receive an automatic "excused" your response is dependent on 2 things; do you want to serve and more importantly will your supervisor approve your absence.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Jul 20 at 2015 11:59 AM

2015-07-20T11:59:13-04:00

Go Brother and eat that free Grub! LOL!

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Jul 20 at 2015 12:38 PM

2015-07-20T12:38:27-04:00

One of the reasons you likely don't have time to "deal with this nonsense" is because maybe you have a very selfish attitude and if it doesn't fit your style, it's nonsense? This is not nonsense - it's a privilege! AND your DUTY! Make better decisions! When you ignore things like this, it will take you a LOT more time to resolve AFTER the fact than the 5 min conversation you could have by responding as you are asked - which I suspect is why you don't have time now! I hope you find time to read the answers to your question!

Response by PO1 Ron Clark made Jul 20 at 2015 12:39 PM

2015-07-20T12:39:46-04:00

Call, walk, run or crawl, but always respond to a jury summons, ignoring it could lead to a contempt of court citation.

Response by COL Roxanne Arndt made Jul 20 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-07-20T12:49:42-04:00

It's your American duty.....

Response by SFC Clark Adams made Jul 20 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-07-20T13:04:52-04:00

How about this, follow the instructions in the summons?

Response by MAJ Bill Maynard made Jul 20 at 2015 1:23 PM

2015-07-20T13:23:15-04:00

I think you should ignore it and then wait for the court summons and ignore that too and then the arrest warrant.... ;)

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 3:07 PM

2015-07-20T15:07:42-04:00

Now you've gone and done it! Someone is going to impersonate you at the trial and get the big fat jury duty money!

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Jul 20 at 2015 4:54 PM

2015-07-20T16:54:02-04:00

The others who have responded have hit the nail on the head. I want to know why you think jury duty is nonsense?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 20 at 2015 6:06 PM

2015-07-20T18:06:24-04:00

It's a legal responsibility. Do it, and deal, man. We all get it eventually. I got mine on my 18th birthday. I know how ya feel.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jul 20 at 2015 7:51 PM

2015-07-20T19:51:19-04:00

Where I live we call the day before to see if we have to report. If not were excused for another year. Even if you do go, odds are you may not even sit for a trial.

Response by MSG Douglas Tolliver made Jul 20 at 2015 8:41 PM

2015-07-20T20:41:48-04:00

Nonsense, no. It's a civic duty. If you're out of state there should be a way for you to reply to it informing them you are stationed out of state pursuant to military orders.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jul 20 at 2015 9:51 PM

2015-07-20T21:51:39-04:00

When you have jury selection, tell the defense attorney that anyone who shows up to court is automatically guilty. They won't use you.

Response by SSG Matthew West made Jul 20 at 2015 11:25 PM

2015-07-20T23:25:21-04:00

Report for duty.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jul 21 at 2015 11:15 AM

2015-07-21T11:15:28-04:00

I can't see how being on jury duty is Nonsense - since you addressed this - please ignore it and a Bench Warrant will be issued and you can be arrested by the Police. If you have a valid reason you can be excused - but NONSENSE is not a valid reason.....

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Jul 21 at 2015 12:08 PM

2015-07-21T12:08:47-04:00

SPC Private RallyPoint Member - FIRST, SPC, NEVER< NEVER NEVER post you address out in the open like that EVER AGAIN! Have you lost your ever lovin' mind? Second, respond to the summons - don't ignore it.

Response by LTC Erik Price made Jul 21 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-07-21T16:21:31-04:00

Do not ignore. Contact them with your military status. If a reservist, you may have to go. If active duty, they will release you from the obligation provided you provide some documentation.

Response by SGT Scott Bailey made Jul 21 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-07-21T16:58:47-04:00

I think if you are active duty you can be dismissed. Call the clerk of the court. It can usually be resolved over the phone. Hope that helps.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Jul 21 at 2015 6:41 PM

2015-07-21T18:41:03-04:00

I see you live in Camarillo. I am LE in my other life in SoCal. The California courts have tightened up on folks who ignore Jury Subpoena's. So you need to at least respond and explain your reason for trying to get out of it. Even if you have to show up, if its a criminal case, you will probably be excused by the defense attorney anyway (military folks tend to be too judgmental on bad behavior). Unless his client is a veteran or military.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jul 21 at 2015 8:18 PM

2015-07-21T20:18:02-04:00

If you go, learn your rights as a juror. You have unique power, as you can choose, completely lawfully, to vote to acquit IF you believe the law to be unjust. You are judging the law, as well as the violation. This is called Jury Nullification, and applies despite what the judge may tell you to the contrary.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 12:36 AM

2015-07-22T00:36:05-04:00

If you ignore it, you could go to Jail. All depends on the Judge. And the Court doesn't care about your schedule. I have Court while I'm supposed to be on vacation with my family.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2015 5:11 AM

2015-07-22T05:11:38-04:00

You ignore it, the next summons would be for you to appear in court for missing your jury duty. If you are on active duty, you can get your chain of command to write a memorandum exempting you form the duty. Otherwise, show up or go to jail.

Response by SSG Richard Gaytan made Jul 23 at 2015 11:58 PM

2015-07-23T23:58:49-04:00

If you have "PTSD" send them your VA Letter and you will taken off the list, in CA.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Dec 14 at 2015 5:08 PM

2015-12-14T17:08:55-05:00

1) Black out your address. Not everyone on the internets are your friend

2) As a citizen you have responsibilities. This is one of them.