I just called the Court house. I've got jury duty tomorrow. I got the notice several weeks ago, and they told me to call today to see if I'd be needed. Yep, I have to report at 9:00.
I don't mind doing my civic duty, but I've been a cop for over 5 years. The notice is for a criminal jury. There is not a chance in hell that a criminal defense attorney will let me sit on a criminal jury. My only hope is to be called early and released early.
Just damn.
I've only been called twice, and as soon as they found out I was retired military, I was released immediately. :-)
ReplyDeleteThe last time I was called, they didn't ask any questions and seated the first 9 people; it was a grand jury - once a month for four months. the most interesting part was where we toured the jail and got to ask the warden anything we wanted (part of state law - citizens have to inspect the jail once a quarter).
ReplyDeleteIf I were a betting man, I'd say your chances of ever sitting on a civil jury rank close to winning the lottery. Especially in Louisiana. It's just the way the game is played.
ReplyDeleteI got the postcard once in the mail and chuckled. Since I work at the courthouse, showing up was not at all inconvenient. The admin folks in the jury room, all of whom I know personally, had no explanation for why I got the card. Anyway, they plugged me into the first crim case called and when I and the rest of the prospective jury pool walked into the courtroom the judge addressed me by name and asked why I was there. I explained and she said "might as well not bother sitting down, you won't be here long."
ReplyDeleteI wasn't.
On the other hand, I sat on two murder one trials during the time I was a uniformed LEO for INS then CBP.
ReplyDelete