Jury Duty Starting at 34 weeks?

Gingermom15 · October 2015

I was summoned for jury duty, which would begin Novemeber 1st, the day I am 34 weeks, and lasts until the end of December. Not that I care at all to participate, but the days would be Tuesday (if I get selected) at 9 am which happens to be the exact date and time of all my Dr's appointments until bay is here. They are scheduled 8 weeks in advanced and are a pain to reschedule. Not to mention going clear through my due date if I get selected and end up attending a long trial. I am due 12/12. I'm going to fill out the questionnaire after speaking to my OB and possibly getting a note from her to send in as well. Does anyone have experience with jury duty? Could I possibly get them to end the summons date December 1st or postpone it a few months?

satindawl83 · October 2015

You should be able to do either. I had to postpone once because of a work project I couldn't miss (which was no issue, just had to make a phone call I think). And the date they rescheduled for was 6 months later, but a couple weeks before a planned vacation. When I got to the courthouse, I got a questionnaire that asked a ton of questions, one of them being if I was going to be out of town in the next two weeks. I answered yes, so they put me on a shorter case.

Sure it varies by state, but that was my experience. Hope it helps!

Gingermom15 · October 2015

Thanks! They've called me to jury in 2013 and 2011, both during finals for college. Now during the course of my due date. It's like they know the most inconvenient times for me or something.

taysun · October 2015

You should be able to send in a doctors note to get it postponed, but definitely call and see what the requirements are

missphil · October 2015

You can get it postponed until you're done with breastfeeding normally.

dec15mum · October 2015

You'll definitely get it postponed, no way could they expect you to show up when you'll be having a baby! Doctor should sign a note for you no bother

BostonBaby1 · October 2015

Did you serve in 2013? Because my understanding was that you only have to serve every three years. They give you documentation. Otherwise, you can get it postponed… You can also get disqualified due to a medical reason ( pregnancy/breast-feeding ) so you would need your doctor to send in the note immediately. If you don't show up without being dismissed, they could issue a bench warrant. Make sure that you call the jury hotline to see what your status is and if you are not dismissed, show up on the first day and repeat your request. Unless if it is going to be a very short case; sometimes you can be done the same day and it may not be worth recusing yourself... You never know ahead of time.

* edited because words are hard

Gingermom15 · October 2015

BostonBaby1 said:
Did you serve in 2013? Because my understanding was that you only have to serve every three years. They give you documentation as well. Of course you can get it postponed… You can also get out of it because of a medical reason so you need a doctors note sent in. Just make sure that your doctor sends the note in immediately because if you don't show up without being dismissed, they could issue a bench warrant. Make sure that you call the jury hotline to see what your statuses and if you are not dismissed, show up on the first day and I'm sure that the judge will dismiss you seeing how pregnant you are. Unless if it is going to be a very short case. Not that you need to worry about it, just as long as you handle it in a timely manner you should be fine.

I was dismissed in 2011 and 2013 for classes and finals. I have until the 23rd to respond, so I planned on sending the Dr's note with the questionnaire after my appointment this Tuesday the 13th.
It's reassuring that I will likely be able to get it postponed or be dismissed. I would hate to leave a case in the middle of everything if I were chosen for a lengthy trial.

BostonBaby1 · October 2015

sarahgn said:

BostonBaby1 said:
Did you serve in 2013? Because my understanding was that you only have to serve every three years. They give you documentation as well. Of course you can get it postponed… You can also get out of it because of a medical reason so you need a doctors note sent in. Just make sure that your doctor sends the note in immediately because if you don't show up without being dismissed, they could issue a bench warrant. Make sure that you call the jury hotline to see what your statuses and if you are not dismissed, show up on the first day and I'm sure that the judge will dismiss you seeing how pregnant you are. Unless if it is going to be a very short case. Not that you need to worry about it, just as long as you handle it in a timely manner you should be fine.
I was dismissed in 2011 and 2013 for classes and finals. I have until the 23rd to respond, so I planned on sending the Dr's note with the questionnaire after my appointment this Tuesday the 13th.
It's reassuring that I will likely be able to get it postponed or be dismissed. I would hate to leave a case in the middle of everything if I were chosen for a lengthy trial.

OK… Sounds like a plan. Definitely have your doctor send the note and I'm sure that they will understand. If they don't, you don't have anything to worry about because it wouldn't be on your shoulders.

vintner77 · October 2015

I have to testify as a witness for work at the end of October - not looking forward to it and have tried everything to get out of it.

Gingermom15 · October 2015

vintner77 said:
I have to testify as a witness for work at the end of October - not looking forward to it and have tried everything to get out of it.

I would think being a witness is quite a bit different than being randomly selected for jury duty. I wouldn't mind doing my duty as a civilian if it didn't run through my due date.

MBourne14 · October 2015

Not sure where you are located, since there are different rules for different areas. You can get a doctors note that would delay your summons. However, I was just summoned about a month ago and went and they dismissed me bc I was pregnant. This clears me for an entire year versus just being rescheduled 6 months or however long from now...just a thought : )

haylierm · October 2015

I would think even just a phone call would be enough. If you explain how far along you'll be in sure they would reschedule no further questions. I'm sure it varies but for example my husband was supposed to attend a summons on Monday and he called them (the morning of infact because he's a procrastinator) and asked if he could reschedule because of school and they said he could for the end of December. They didn't require any sort of proof or anything like that.

parkerhouse · October 2015

I have a summons for which I'll be 31 weeks. I asked my dr for a note and was told no. I tried playing the "I have gd and testing during the day would be inconvenient" and I was told there are sufficient breaks throughout the day as well as a 1.5 hour lunch, so that is not a valid reason. Not a biggie, I'll go, but anyone else get denied by their dr?

Gingermom15 · October 2015

I'll find out tomorrow. I don't see getting denied by my Dr as it runs through my due date. I will update what she says.
Maybe I'm weird, but I've kind of always wanted to do jury duty to see what it's like. Just wish they would stop calling on me at the absolute most inconvenient times of my life.

jcgirl1101 · October 2015

I just got called a few weeks ago at 30 weeks. I had already postponed once so could not postpone again. I was called for a case and during the jury selection process they ask any potential jurors to come forward if they feel they cannot serve. I was called to the bench as said that I could not sit for long periods of time and needed to use the bathroom frequently. The case I was called for was only scheduled to last a week. The judge and the two lawyers dismissed me. Spent the rest of the day sitting around and by 3 o'clock I was done and fulfilled my obligation and will not be served again for 3 years. Just because you are summoned does not mean you will serve. Good luck.

TomekiaB · October 2015

My summons was for 4 months but it came with directions for a medical excuse and the paper for my doctor to sign. I think I got called twice and the first time got cancelled, I was selected the second time for the jury. We also had to do about half a day as orientation. We were basically told that life goes on with jury duty but we had to give them dates we couldn't attend (can't miss appointments or travel dates).

I think at this point you're pregnant enough that sitting still that long is not a reasonable request.

EDA Selection of the jurors probably took 5 hours for a 2-3 hour case (we did it all in the same day).

ssn109 · October 2015

sarahgn said:
I'll find out tomorrow. I don't see getting denied by my Dr as it runs through my due date. I will update what she says.
Maybe I'm weird, but I've kind of always wanted to do jury duty to see what it's like. Just wish they would stop calling on me at the absolute most inconvenient times of my life.

As an attorney, being called for jury duty was rather entertaining for me. I was dismissed, since I had been an intern at the prosecutor's office and was on the panel of potential jurors for a criminal case. Honestly, most of the time the cases don't even go to trial and you just sit around waiting all day. The cases usually settle with the looming threat of having to rely on a bunch of random people to make a decision. I would say show up, see what the case(s) are, and see what happens. You may be able to serve your jury duty just by showing up and being dismissed without having to serve on a jury.

On the other hand, if it's a specific day every week for a set period of time, that sounds more like a grand jury or something similar. Since I don't know what state you're in I can't be sure, but it's a possibility. If that's the case, I would definitely let them know right from the beginning about your appointments and due date. That will likely get you dismissed as well.

At the least, get a note from your doc to bring with you that first day in case you need it.

Gingermom15 · October 2015

ssn109 said:

sarahgn said:
I'll find out tomorrow. I don't see getting denied by my Dr as it runs through my due date. I will update what she says.
Maybe I'm weird, but I've kind of always wanted to do jury duty to see what it's like. Just wish they would stop calling on me at the absolute most inconvenient times of my life.
As an attorney, being called for jury duty was rather entertaining for me. I was dismissed, since I had been an intern at the prosecutor's office and was on the panel of potential jurors for a criminal case. Honestly, most of the time the cases don't even go to trial and you just sit around waiting all day. The cases usually settle with the looming threat of having to rely on a bunch of random people to make a decision. I would say show up, see what the case(s) are, and see what happens. You may be able to serve your jury duty just by showing up and being dismissed without having to serve on a jury.

On the other hand, if it's a specific day every week for a set period of time, that sounds more like a grand jury or something similar. Since I don't know what state you're in I can't be sure, but it's a possibility. If that's the case, I would definitely let them know right from the beginning about your appointments and due date. That will likely get you dismissed as well.

At the least, get a note from your doc to bring with you that first day in case you need it.

It is a county court, but in a very high crime and drug population. I could imagine what cases are seen. I have to call in Monday mornings to find out if I am being called in the next morning, so it isn't a sure thing that I would have to come in once a week. Just a possibility that I could be called in that week.

april172010U · October 2015

I would rather get it out of the way than postpone to when you have a baby. Also, most trials are a week or less. They will let you end early if you have any pre-term labor problems.

ajkelley24 · October 2015

You probably won't get picked anyway, but you will get paid just for showing up... Some of the easiest money I have ever made.

amye02 · October 2015

sarahgn said:
I was summoned for jury duty, which would begin Novemeber 1st, the day I am 34 weeks, and lasts until the end of December. Not that I care at all to participate, but the days would be Tuesday (if I get selected) at 9 am which happens to be the exact date and time of all my Dr's appointments until bay is here. They are scheduled 8 weeks in advanced and are a pain to reschedule. Not to mention going clear through my due date if I get selected and end up attending a long trial. I am due 12/12. I'm going to fill out the questionnaire after speaking to my OB and possibly getting a note from her to send in as well. Does anyone have experience with jury duty? Could I possibly get them to end the summons date December 1st or postpone it a few months?

I had my Dr write me a note, it's simply not possible for me to sit still for all those hours. The woman was very nice and understanding and postponed me until March (to give me time after LO is born)

Gingermom15 · October 2015

My OB wrote a note writing me off beginning November 16 from duty. She didn't feel comfortable with me going further as I am starting to measure a week ahead of what I have been.

satindawl83 · October 2015

ajkelley24 said:
You probably won't get picked anyway, but you will get paid just for showing up... Some of the easiest money I have ever made.

Where do you live where you get paid for showing up?! We only get paid if you're selected and even then you have to fill out forms. I didn't even bother.

BostonBaby1 · October 2015

satindawl83 said:

ajkelley24 said:
You probably won't get picked anyway, but you will get paid just for showing up... Some of the easiest money I have ever made.
Where do you live where you get paid for showing up?! We only get paid if you're selected and even then you have to fill out forms. I didn't even bother.

Where do you live that you get paid for being selected? DH just served on a jury and we got a detailed summary of his pay… $0-

kfreeman2008 · October 2015

In Texas and federal court here you can waive your summons if you are pregnant or the primary caregiver (guardian or mom/dad) until the child is 12 years later. I have a paralegal degree and had no idea I qualified for the waiver. I'd call and ask what the procedures are for your court (bc it can be half a dozen different courts depending on where you live). II have just waived it for the second time and they noted that I am pregnant again and I don't have to serve for another 12 years.

Seems weird, but it is helpful for me. Even if you work, you can waive it. As a SAHM, my husband could easily watch the kiddos but they don't want to deal with breast feeding and pregnant women. I appreciate that at this point! It never hurts to ask

TomekiaB · October 2015

We got paid. I had orientation 4-5 hours and a long day with 5 hours of selection and a 2-3 hour trial...for 12+ hours in the courthouse my pay (mailed at the end of my 4 month commitment) I made a 11-12 dollars. They just sent the check.

satindawl83 · October 2015

BostonBaby1 said:

satindawl83 said:

ajkelley24 said:
You probably won't get picked anyway, but you will get paid just for showing up... Some of the easiest money I have ever made.
Where do you live where you get paid for showing up?! We only get paid if you're selected and even then you have to fill out forms. I didn't even bother.
Where do you live that you get paid for being selected? DH just served on a jury and we got a detailed summary of his pay… $0-

California. $15 a day, plus mileage, but apparently you have to either apply for it or they forgot to send it to me.

I just figured all jury members get paid, regardless of where you live, thanks to that damn Pauly Shore movie.

FinePlacentaPie · October 2015

*lurking*

We got $20 a day when I did it several years ago. Some jobs here make you turn it into them, mine didn't. It just covered the cost to park and buy lunch, though.

Jury duty was awesome for me. I got picked for a case and was the foreperson. The woman was sentenced to 16 years for aggravated burglary, CCW, possession of criminal tools, and kidnapping. Long story short, she tried to kidnap her married lover's wife. Better than any episode of Law & Order.

brittpichotta · October 2015

I got my lovely letter today, I called to try to get it postponed and the lady told me the judge said no one could be excused and I must show up. I could then try to talk to the judge and be dismissed. I have a drs apt coming up so maybe my Dr will help me out with a letter. I will be 36 weeks the day of court

Novvbaby · October 2015

I remember I was schedule for jury duty like about when I was 25 weeks pregnant the officer told me he will postpone it for next trial I was so happy he was so nice he told me next time I get schedule again to just call and tell them I have a newborn and they will postpone maybe you should try calling them to postpone

hope I helped

ssn109 · October 2015

FinePlacentaPie said:
*lurking*

We got $20 a day when I did it several years ago. Some jobs here make you turn it into them, mine didn't. It just covered the cost to park and buy lunch, though.

Jury duty was awesome for me. I got picked for a case and was the foreperson. The woman was sentenced to 16 years for aggravated burglary, CCW, possession of criminal tools, and kidnapping. Long story short, she tried to kidnap her married lover's wife. Better than any episode of Law & Order.

I used to work in a prosecutor's office (2 actually), and you really can't make this stuff up! Some people are seriously so ridiculous, and they always think they'll get away with it. Probably the funniest one I remember was a guy who wouldn't plead out, so we had to prosecute him for stealing a package of diapers. He probably could've just plead down and gotten away with restitution, but made us go through the whole trial.

satindawl83 · October 2015

FinePlacentaPie said:
*lurking*

We got $20 a day when I did it several years ago. Some jobs here make you turn it into them, mine didn't. It just covered the cost to park and buy lunch, though.

Jury duty was awesome for me. I got picked for a case and was the foreperson. The woman was sentenced to 16 years for aggravated burglary, CCW, possession of criminal tools, and kidnapping. Long story short, she tried to kidnap her married lover's wife. Better than any episode of Law & Order.

I was the foreperson on a case too! I was soooo bummed that I couldn't read the verdict. I just had to answer yes when the judge asked if it was unanimous.

Maybe I watch too much TV, but the reason I volunteered to be the foreman was so I could say "we the people, find so and so GUILTY (or not guilty) of all counts..." all dramatically like they do on crime shows.

Talk about disappointed.

Gingermom15 · October 2015

brittpichotta said:
I got my lovely letter today, I called to try to get it postponed and the lady told me the judge said no one could be excused and I must show up. I could then try to talk to the judge and be dismissed. I have a drs apt coming up so maybe my Dr will help me out with a letter. I will be 36 weeks the day of court

I sent a Drs note with the questionnaire I had to mail back. It stated I could not be called in for duty past November 16, as I would have been on duty from November 1 to the end of Decembe. I as excused from duty entirely. I suggest having your dr write a note.

BostonBaby1 · October 2015

sarahgn said:

brittpichotta said:
I got my lovely letter today, I called to try to get it postponed and the lady told me the judge said no one could be excused and I must show up. I could then try to talk to the judge and be dismissed. I have a drs apt coming up so maybe my Dr will help me out with a letter. I will be 36 weeks the day of court
I sent a Drs note with the questionnaire I had to mail back. It stated I could not be called in for duty past November 16, as I would have been on duty from November 1 to the end of Decembe. I as excused from duty entirely. I suggest having your dr write a note.

Yaaaay!

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