Well maybe not my WORST fear (serial killers), but it's pretty close.
I have a confession to make. I've been living in Baltimore City for about 5 years but only registered to vote IN the city last year... and that registration was accidental. Don't get me wrong, I voted in all general elections (because I was registered in the county) but never voted for Baltimore city positions.
Why? Why would I abuse a right that I hold so dear? Because I didn't want to get selected for jury duty. Let's be honest folks, I live in Baltimore City. Murders happen all the frickin' time. The chances of getting picked for jury duty are pretty high so I was avoiding it as much as possible.
When I changed my last name last year, I selected a little checkbox that said to update my voter registration card. I was also sure to check the "update name only" box so that my address would not change. Well dammit, they changed it (those sneaky little bastards) and what did I get in the mail yesterday? A Jury Qualification Form. The weird thing, however, is that they used my maiden name.
There was a big notice on the front that stated that I had to return this form within 5 days or I could face a penalty up to $1000 or 30 days in jail. Seriously?
Argh! The Mr. tried to be optimistic and said, "they pay you for jury duty!". Boo. I think I can do without the $20 check they give you.
The Mr. said I should just pretend to be ultra-conservative and say things like, "I belong to the NRA!" and "I hate the poor!" to get out of it. Maybe I should also say something like, "I hate myself for being a minority". Or is that going to far?
How do you get out of jury duty?!
11 comments:
I've never had jury duty and I've always wanted it. Perhaps I should go in your place?
I'm the weirdo that doesn't mind jury duty, so I'm not sure I can help you here... I was called immediately after I registered to vote, and had to sit on the jury of a DUI case. It wasn't bad, actually. People try all sorts of things to get out of it - making some remark about knowing someone who had a DUI or being an alcoholic seemed to get people out of that one, but I've heard they've become much more strict about letting people go in the last few years... Good luck!
Yup, I'm with addy. I actually don't mind jury duty. I think it's fun to be part of the judicial process.
The one time I've been called for jury duty I made into the jury duty but got dismissed.
I have nooooo idea. :( I've never been selected.
It's painless, just bring a book. Maybe it's different in NYC, but I got jury doody before I changed my voter status.
A friend of mine was on the jury for the person who kept a tiger in their Harlem apartment.
I got summonned(sp.) for jury duy freakin twice! Each time I said I was away in school to get out of it..lol That's why I never switched my license over because my excuse will stay the same FOREVER!
I have never been called for jury duty...my mom was called years ago, but she actually got selected so obviously she's no good at getting out of it! lol.
I wish they would call me!!! I want to be nosy!
ooo I JUST WENT!!! But for the county. And they tell you there to stop thinking its tied in with your voter registration, because they've updated the system and it actually draws from the mva records off your license! Haha they actually said, please vote and stop saying that this will happen if you update your voter info!
Oh...and I only got paid $15 which pretty much all went to the cafeteria there because lunch was so much!
Bring a good book! I sat from 8:30am until 3:30 and did NOTHING!
All you need to say is that you favor the death penalty for all crimes and you will be dismissed quicker than a news reporter from Martin O'Malley's bedroom.
It’s so weird because I actually think it’d be cool to do jury duty, but I’m in the minority there. And I’ve never ever been summoned. Everyone who dreads jury duty gets the letter. I kind of want to do it, and I never hear a word.
My husband got called recently, but he never even had to go to the court house. Hopefully, you won't either.
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