Legal Question in Administrative Law in California
I failed to attend jury duty after two summons and as a result, I've received a letter "Order to show cause notice for failure to attend jury service". In the letter it says "In accordance with California code of civil procedure section 209", follows is that I'm being summoned next month to show cause why I should not be held in contempt for failure to attend jury duty. My reasons for failing to appear aren't excusable in my opinion. The reasons are, I work full time, go to school full time, and care for my child. My concern is, what should I expect when I appear on my summons date and will I be likely imprisoned, fined or both? I don't have the money to pay a 1500 so I would like some advise on how to handle this matter in the best possible way. Thank you
2 Answers from Attorneys
Each county probably handles the failure to appear dilfferently. It used to be about 50% of the people summoned never showed up. Call the jury commissioner and apologize and see if there is something that you can do. Find out if your employer woud pay for service so that you can volunteer to show up if they will drop the hearing. I doubt that you would be imprisoned; tell lthe judge of your economic hardship and lack of time and your deep apology. There probbaly will not be a fine but there might be a requirement for community serve for a time and/or a stern lecture. Tell the judge that you tried to see the Jury comissioner to reach some solution.
How do you handle it? By going and turning yourself into the court at that hearing, and plead your 'excuses' as best you can, tell the truth about your situation, ask the judge to let you serve jury duty instead of jail time or fines. Understand, judges hear long sad 'excuses' all the time from people that don't want to serve their duty.
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