Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in California

I'm in Los Angeles.

I got a jury duty form couple of months ago but I could not do it because I would have lost work for that day. So I filled out the form and said so in the form and mailed it back.

Then I moved to a new address. Just last week, I got another mail in my last address saying that I must report for jury duty on July 1 because I did not show up for earlier duty.

Now I've work lined up on July 1. The new document says I must show up or face contempt of court.

What rights do I have to avoid jury duty? Since they don't accept phone calls, will it be better to show up in person and talk to the clerk about it?

Thank you.


Asked on 6/21/10, 2:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
George Shers Law Offices of Georges H. Shers

You have a right to be on a jury, not the opposite way around. In some countries you do not get a jury of your peers. But for people to have this fundamental right, other people must serve on juries. If you are tried for a crime you did not commit, would you want a jury panel made up only of people who were not smart enough to evade service?

Normally, you call in the day before to find out if your group even has to report; some courts most of the jurors get sent home by about 10 a.m. So call the jury department and find out how they handle it.

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Answered on 6/21/10, 7:17 pm


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