Now this is just ridiculous

[Nurian]

So all year, all friggen' year, I've been unemployed. I've had nothing but time on my hands. Suddenly I get a job. HOORAY!

It's at home! DOUBLE HOORAY!!

I get a letter in the mail from the local courthouse. I have jury duty...during my mandatory initial training.

......FCK!!

I go through the process of filing for an exception, but of course I get denied. I have to wait until Monday to talk to them about a deferral, for February.

I have no problem doing my civic duty. Had it come earlier, I would have been happy to have done it. Thrilled even. It just HAPPENED to fall into the one time it could screw me up.

[teh_blumchenkinder]

I know what you mean. I live in an area where trials that require peer-juries don't happen a whole lot (comparatively). I'm in my second-to-last semester in college, and I had been out sick for a while, and really can't miss any more school.
I got a jury summons, with a low number.
I, fortunately, had no problem getting a deferral until July.
Deferrals are made for people like you, and if you don't get it, see if you can take the county court office to task with the media. Or something.

[Nurian]

I hope I'll get it. Trying to strong arm the office with the media would be...difficult.

Apparently, the Jury Coordinator is in court today (surprise, surprise). Left a message. Praying to God.

[blas]

We don't get deferrals for work. Only valid excuses for getting out of jury duty = medical conditions, vacation (you need to go to the courthouse and prove it with paperwork/plane tickets, whatever), school, and age (70 or older).

They haven't a freaking clue how much money you miss out on, asking for two weeks of someone's time. Employers like MINE don't pay you a god damned thing. You have to use PTO or take it unpaid. Working nights, I can still work, but I'll be more than damn tired and probably will suffer a lot. But I'd rather do that than get arrested for not showing up and owing a $500 fine.

I am not excited for next Monday. They're all guilty. Let me stay home.

[Amina516]

Oh, Nurian...thats horrible!!

Maybe with you explaining the "economy" and how this is the first job youve gotten..theyll have a heart?

I hope you get this sorted out.

Just as an FYI..what happens if you skip out?

[Nurian]

I forgot today was Columbus Day. I don't think the coordinator is in the office. *sigh*

As to what happens if I skip, the way they spelled it out to me was: $1000 fine, contempt of court charge and a warrant out for my arrest.

If I skip the training, I lose the only job I've had a chance at all year.

FML

[blas]

It's a hard choice, isn't it

Here, we can be miserable together.

[Nurian]

It's a hard choice, isn't it

Here, we can be miserable together.

Cheers.....

[teh_blumchenkinder]

Yeah, it's hard when the judicial system is ass-hattish. If you skip out on training-- no job. If you skip out on court-- jail/still no job.

[Solumina]

Have you tried talking to the new job? Maybe they could make an exception if the courts can't?

[Jack]

Yeah, I'd think the new job can just put you in the next training class if they really want you.

[RestaurantDude]

Getting out of jury duty is pretty easy, IF you know what you are doing. First off... read up on jury nullification. Judges hate that bit of law. Also, get your employer to write a note stating that you cannot possibly miss work for any reason, or you will be immediately terminated. If you are a student, have your academic advisor write a note saying that failure to attend classes would result in the loss of financial aid (better be friends with your academic advisor for this one (either that, or swipe some of your school's letterhead)).

Plan b: "Your honor, It is my firmly held belief that all governmental organizations, including law enforcement are completely and totally corrupt, to the nth degree. Therefore, there is no circumstance under which i could, in good conscience, find any person guilty of any crime, regardless of any evidence presented."


You could also, during the jury selection process, comment that you "object to being held against [your] will." Argue that as jury duty is mandatory (as failure to appear results in a warrent issued for your arrest) and it is against your will to be there, you are being held against your will.

[Mytical]

Hmm, if I am not mistaken..at least in America..companies have no choice but to make exceptions for just about everything when it comes to jury duty. Take your Jury Duty paper to your new job, explain things, and most likely they will wait till you are done with Jury Duty. They might even HAVE to if I am correct.

[Nurian]

Well, the issue with talking with the job is I work at home, and trying to get through to the company can be like pulling teeth, at least for now.

But my training comes before my jury date and I'll be talking to the coordinator today. Here's hoping, anyway.

[KellyHabersham]

Hmm, if I am not mistaken..at least in America..companies have no choice but to make exceptions for just about everything when it comes to jury duty. Take your Jury Duty paper to your new job, explain things, and most likely they will wait till you are done with Jury Duty. They might even HAVE to if I am correct.

That sounds about right.....not sure how it is in other states, but where I'm at, companies "have" to allow employees time off for jury duty, they just aren't required to pay that person for any work time missed. (which is where it gets sucky being a part-time person)