Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Jury duty excuses refused

My son, a UCSD full time student living in San Diego County, received a summon from Norwalk Superior Court, LA county to serve on Sept 6, sent to our house in West Covina, which is his former address. He has tried in vain to excuse but the court steadfastly refuses his request, despite sending documents on lease, bill, school record to prove his case. Not only that he has his driver license revoked and can't drive. Their response is his residence in San Dego is not a valid case because he is a student and there is always public transportation from San Diego to Los Angeles. I am sure this is a power abuse by those responsed for jury selection in Norwalk Superior Court. What could he do to get excuse and get the Norwalk court off his back? Isn't true that Norwalk Court has no jurisdiction over jury selection of residence in another county?

Thank you.


Asked on 8/28/05, 3:35 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. The Law Offices of Norman Gregory Fernandez & Associates

Re: Jury duty excuses refused

Your son needs to go to Norwalk Court and ask to see the presiding Judge, and then explain the situation. You cannot just ignore a Court Summons.

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Answered on 8/28/05, 3:43 pm
Edward Hoffman Law Offices of Edward A. Hoffman

Re: Jury duty excuses refused

Jurors are selected based upon their legal residence, which may be different from the place where they spend most of their time. This is especially true of full-time college students, whose legal addresses are usually their parents' homes no matter how far away those homes may be.

Were I in charge of the process in Norwalk I would let your son off the hook until winter break, but there is no law which requires such an approach and your son cannot compel the court to do what you and I think is fair and just. He needs to show up and explain his situation in person. My educated guess is that he will quickly be allowed to return to school.

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Answered on 8/28/05, 6:53 pm


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