Jury Duty Question
 

Hey guys. The first time I was summed to the jury duty for the first time was in March. I got out of it due to the court's location. Second time I got my notice I called in because I lost my summons and, because they couldn't send me a new summons in time for the court date, moved my service to a different time. Now I've received my third summons due in July. This time, I actually have a legitimate reason for not going. The date falls on my week-long vacation with the family.

My question is, how many times can I get out of the service until I get fined or dragged there in handcuffs?

Thanks.

I'm not familiar with how tough Illinois is on postponements but if you've been postponed twice already... you might not have a choice...

It's generally up to the judge as to whether or not you get excused...

Some places have the phone in.. where you call in every morning and see if you're needed - you might get excused right away.

I'd cave this time, but this is coming from someone who enjoys jury duty, so take it with a grain of salt.

I can't phone in in this case. When they want you to phone in, you get a special summons with the number to call. I got that the first time. All subsequent times have been for manditory attendance.

Is anyone here familiar with the Illinois law system and those regarding hury duty service?

As I understand it (never having been called for jury duty myself), you should consider yourself incredibly lucky that you are even getting a third chance. Most never even get that far. Unfortunately, I think that you're going have to figure out a way to show up, although they might let you show on an earlier date. According to one of my assistants, she did that a few years ago (with permission from the court) so that she could go on vacation. Then again she's married to a Chicago cop, so the rules could have been bent for her.

It's such a stupid law. I'm really not looking forward to this...

Don't they have to screen people for jury duty? Like, have you sit down with both lawyers and they ask you questions to see if they approve of your impartiality towards the case? I know that's how it works here in NC.

If they do that, just tell them what they don't wanna hear.

"Do you believe in the death penalty sir?"
"Yes and I fully support death by firing squad"

"Who, would you say, is the greatest man who ever lived?"
"Hitler"

Those kinda things will gaurentee you'll not be on a jury :)

tell em you agree with everything Neal Boortz says :lol:

/sorry I know nothing about IL law...I know here, you get 2 chances 3rd is mandatory

I htink skokie is Cook county, but if not -the same rules should apply - call the number and ask them

http://www.cookcountycourt.org/jury/index.html

Q. What happens if I do not show up for jury service?

A. Failure to appear for jury service when summoned is a serious matter. You may be held in contempt of court and could be fined up to $100.00. It is in your best interest to appear if you are summoned to avoid any further action.


Can I be excused from jury service?

A. You can be excused from jury service depending on the circumstances. Some valid reasons include:
You have a medical condition and jury service presents a hazard to your health.
You are an active member of the military. (National Reserve members are NOT exempt.)
You currently have a lawsuit filed in Cook County.
You currently reside in a nursing home or institution.
You will suffer extreme financial hardship.
You cannot obtain childcare.
You are the primary caretaker of another person.
ALL OF THE ABOVE REASONS MUST BE SUPPORTED WITH THE APPROPRIATE DOCUMENTATION IN ORDER TO BE ACCEPTED.

If you have any other reason to be excused other than those listed above, please call (312) 603-JURY and talk to a jury coordinator.

you get screened if you get selected for a trial - you are also put under oath during the screening process... most of jury duty involved sitting around and waiting

I read that back when I got my first summons. I believe that failure to show up fines only apply to when you skip the date without calling in first. I've called in two previous time and will call this time as well. I'm curious about my limits.

in ny and nj - you can ask for a deferrment ahead of time - if they say no... then you show up and you can try again and ask to be excused... then it's ultimately up to the judge...

call the number listed on your summons..

Well, I called them for the third time. I wonder if they know me by name now. I got an 11 week extension. So I guess I'm not serving in July. w00t!

When I lived in California, I was summoned three times, and the extreme financial hardship was easy to prove each time. I made a copy of the page in my employee handbook where it says that I don't get paid for jury duty time off, and that worked every time. No penalties, no problems, no nothing. If calling hadn't worked, you might have been able to send a copy of your itinerary, proving that you'll be out of town, and they may have been more forgiving... like I said, if calling hadn't worked. =)

I was summoned once, and served on a week long trial. You know its not as bad as people make it out to be (except going through half an hour of doctor's credentials). I learned a lot about our legal system, and sort of enjoyed the whole process.