Well… taking a look for those with autism, they’re cooked.

Yes, it’s a mandatory thing, and those with autism are not automatically exempt, despite that being an ADA violation. It’s disgusting to make someone do this, and is actually unlawful all things considered in my opinion.

I’ve had multiple summons. Consider it part of one’s civic duty.

Never been picked, though.

I’ve been given notice for jury duty like 5 times in my life, and it has never gone beyond calling into the system to hear my group has been dismissed. I’ve only ever known 1 person to even actually serve on a jury once, and that was my dad.

Though I did take a job as a juror for a mock trial once ($250 for 4 hours of my time? Hell yeah); basically the lawyers presenting their cases to us and seeing what would be the most likely outcome before actually going to court. IDK why they needed it with that particular case; it was pretty cut snd dry. The defense had no leg to stand on what-so-ever. Maybe it was to determine how much punitive damages might be suggested 🤔

Yes, it’s mandatory for all citizen who are capable of doing it. Jury duty just means you have to show up for 3 days be a potential juror. If you don’t get picked to be a juror you’re done after 3 days. Then you won’t be summons to do it again for another 5 years.

I’ve been called on multiple times, but always get excused because the bus system isn’t compatible with their scheduling.

I’ve gotten jury summons. I had thought I got a permanent excusal but apparently not. I was called about a month ago. Friday before, excused. Which was good because my primary doctor now refuses to give out excusals despite them doing this before. I had a permanent because I’m the primary caretaker for someone with cerebral palsy. Oh well, even before doctors notes I’d have just told the judge that if I was actually called up to the bench.

Yes.

Read up on jury nullification.

While there are no laws for the wealthy, not sure why the rest of us are supposed to be held to them.

Showed up for one summons and was told the trial they were trying to seat would run 4-8 weeks. I said “nope”. The woman didn’t even bat an eye and said “we can reschedule you one time for 6 months.” 6 months later, I was excused the night before.

The only time I was a possible candidate, the judge asked those who claimed hardship to write out why. I gave the listing of client sessions that I’d have to cancel for the 10 day trial costing me $1600. She excused me.

Someone else told me that during the voir dire screening, she stated that as a former IRS auditor she could tell when people were lying to her. The defense attorney excused her. I could use the same statement, as a senior IT system administrator in my job, I’m used to people lying to me about why their computers aren’t working. I’ve heard that attorneys don’t like engineers because they’re not easily swayed by emotion and tend to make decisions on rational facts. That could go either way depending on how prosecution or defense are planning on arguing a case.

I’m over 70, I’m exempt in California. Apparently as of 2024, there are 41 states with an age exemption.

https://www.aarp.org/government-elections/jury-duty-age-exemption-2024/

Probably depends on the state, but they can certainly haul you in for failing to appear where I am.

I’ve been summoned 4 times for county court in 3 different states. The first summons I got to reject because I was moving to another state prior to the court date. In the second state I got called in for the pool, and had to go in for a few days if I remember correctly, but never made it to the courtroom. In my current state I’ve been called in twice. The first time I went in for one day, and was dismissed some time early or mid afternoon having not been called to the courtroom. The second time which was this year, I was called into the courtroom and got to see the jury selection. I was in the group of backup jurors, and since there were no issues with the jurors in the box I got dismissed before noon. I don’t know if I would have made it through selection as I would have told them I have adhd (I brought my diagnosis paperwork with me). I would have tried my best if selected, but with the executive function and auditory processing issues I may not be the best suited for it. I would like to serve on a jury at some point, but would prefer for it to be when my kids are a bit older

When you do get called up and go in, there will likely be a period of time that you can’t be called up again for

Is it a criminal offense for failing to appear?

I believe that it technically illegal but I can say that I’ve received dozens in 4 states over the decades and threw each one away.

I’ve not been arrested yet.

Got called to sit in a courtroom for several hours - the defendant saw all the juriers coming in and got scared and agreed to the plea bargin offer at the last minute. Never saw jury selection, just 40 of us waiting for things to happen. (i was on call for 3 months and only had to appear that one time - tiny county I’m told federal trails in the nearby city you are on call for a week)

yes. you can be held in contempt for not showing. That being said there is a very good chance you are not selected. I don’t think I have ever made it to the point where an attorney is even asking me questions. Its annoying though. The only compensation you get is a token sum for travel and lunch expenses.

I was on the selection pool for it. Had to show up one time to get counted, then called in every day to make sure I wasn’t needed. I wasn’t.

If you end up for selection on a jury, no need to be extreme. Anything you say is recorded. It’s incredibly rare for cases to actually go to trial, and only some of the jurors in the pool are selected.

This also various by region.

I’ve never been summoned. I’ve lived in the same ward for fifteen years, owned a home here for the last decade.

I’ve been in the pool for a little over 20 years. I’ve been summoned 3 times, asked questions once, and never been selected. If you stay in one area I’m pretty sure you’re certain to get selected at some point because they don’t typically choose completely randomly. Usually after being selected you can’t get selected again for some time. If you move around, maybe you never get selected since it’s more random selection. Probably still nearly certain if you live a reasonable length of time though.

There are offenses for not showing up. Couldn’t tell you what they are though. I’m pretty sure in my jurisdiction you get put into the next group of potential jurors. Not sure what happens if you keep not showing up.