Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

[18rabbit]

New law in California went into effective Jan 1, 2004…if you do not respond to a summons for jury duty, you can automatically be fined $250 the first time, $750 the second time, and $1500 every time there after. It is a presumption of guilt until you prove your innocents. You will be mailed a notice to pay your fine make an appt to show at court and explain why you should not be fined. Good luck…the new law is the result of effort by the Judicial Council of California.<br /><br />Ironically, anyone making in excess of about $360K annually is now given a pass on jury duty; it’s cheaper for them to not go at all. If you make more than $62.5K, only skip the first time; $180K, skip the first two times. Everyone else would probably be better off showing up every time...<br /><br />Bare in mind, if you ever end up on trial in California, your jury will likely be comprised of those with the greatest incentive to show…people with the lowest income.<br /><br />Fwiw, there are problems finding a jury for Scott Peterson…the guy that makes his own boat anchors out of cement and 5-gal buckets…with his pregnant wife’s neck tied to the anchor. Seems all the perspective jurors are stating they have already made up their mind…he’s guilty.

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

Here in NY, you don't show up for jury duty, a warrant is written for your arrest!<br /><br />You are then prosecuted and face a $1000 fine and 30 days in prison!<br /><br />No ifs, ands, or buts!!<br /><br />One thing NY does right!

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

They are all GUILTY,....now lets go fishin.<br /><br />Will that get me out of jury duty?

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

Never been picked, been in the jury pool twice. Yep Carpy, works everytime. The Governor of our state just served jury duty. How would you like to be facing time and having the Governor on your jury...DOH!!! The jury did acquit the defendant, can't remember what the crime was

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

gaugeguy,<br /><br />Must have been a politician!!!!

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

 

[JoeW]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

I heard of a woman being excused from jury selection because she was holding a copy of Michael Savage's book The Savage Nation.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

If you want to get excused, just say HUH a lot.<br />Matter of fact, say HUH ever time they ask you something.<br />It works.

 

[Elmer Fudge]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

Did any of you see the movie Runaway Jury?

 

[wilkin250r]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

The easiest way to get out of jury duty is to proclaim "I would be perfect for this jury. I can spot a guilty person across the room! That guy over there, he's guilty!" <br /><br />It's even more funny if you are pointing at the judge.

 

[BR549]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

The best way to get out of Jury duty is to look the defense lawyer in the eye during jury selection and repeat the following - " I believe criminals should be held accountable for their actions and punished to the fullest extent allowed by law" Has worked twice for me in the last 4 years.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

Well I for one don't do that. I feel it is my duty as an American to serve on as many jurys as I can, during winter time.

 

[18rabbit]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

I am called to Superior Court, criminal division. I appear for screening in rape and murder cases. Go every couple of years. I have never been chosen. I have never been interviewed! It is a miracle anyone ever gets selected…obviously they do! 50 to 100 perspective jurors get called in, the judge explains the details of the trial and asks for juror to present a reason why that can’t do their civic duty… the judge asks if anyone in the whole bunch was ever called to as a perspective juror and not selected. Inevitably, someone says yes…the entire panel is dismissed. The reasoning is that one person may have said something that tainted another perspective juror’s way of thinking. Closest I ever came in a murder trial was having the last juror seated with just 2 of us left to be interviewed.<br /><br />The problem I have with this new law is that 1) it presumes guilt. They may be a valid reason (injury or illness) for a person to miss duty. In our society it is never supposed to be incumbent on someone to prove their innocents; and 2) there is now a monetary motive for low-income people to be seated as jurors in all things.<br /><br />People that choose not to serve should be exempted. As pointed out above, they will disqualify themselves anyway. Hell, just take their names off the list and get on with life…saves $$$, too. Only ones left are willing to do their duty, so they’ll likely show. The article I read said jail is not possible due to over crowding and costs…etc. Bottom line: California needs the bucks! No one gives a rats butt about “fair” trials…we need the $$$!

 

[Carphunter]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

Huh.

 

[Whaler Proud]

Re: Skipping Out On Jury Duty In California

Arnold said he would balance the budget, looks like he is busy trying.<br /><br />I was only called once during my 37 years living in California. Granted I was only eligible for 19 of those years. I have been in Texas for almost 9 years and have been only called once.<br /><br />Texas uses the drivers license records, what is California using now? There was a time that registered voters seemed to be the only ones called up in California. <br /><br />One thing I have noticed here in Fort Worth is that it seems like the government folks keep track of the people who work for companies who will pay the individual while on jury duty. I'm not sure if it is law here trhat a company must keep you the payroll, but a whole lot of my co-workers (10 years tenure or more) seem to get callled up at least twice a year. We are required, for compensation, to donate our juror's fees to one of the company approved charities in trade for compensation.<br /><br />Let's see, I make ***XX and the county pays -X per day, I think I'll let the charity have it.