To try to get out of jury duty??

[FusionChefGeoff]

I've been summoned for 23rd August for 2 weeks but I run my own (micro) business and have key client projects launching those 2 weeks so I'd like to delay - plus it's school holidays and I don't want to be stuck in bloody court!!!

But I'm not sure how it then works.

So it asks to give 3 alternative possible start dates within the next 12 months. Plus you need to be available for 2 weeks in each of those blocks.

Am I then expected to keep all 6 weeks clear in case I get a short notice call up? Or will they reply fairly quickly to confirm which window I need to be available for??

My business could not cope with weeks worth of black out dates - as I can't refuse work worth thousands (average contracts last 3-4 months with 'launch' stuff as a climax at the end and is worth 8k ish) and generally speaking if I can't agree to be available on the project launch dates I won't get it!!

I also work within an industry that has literally only just reopened properly this week so I'm on the bones of my arse as it is.

Anyone know how it works and AIBU to try to defer completely for this 12 month period due to my business needs???

My husband got called just as his industry was picking up again and it was really terrible timing. He emailed to defer and they asked for two available dates, he emailed them back and they chose the first of the dates he had stated he could attend within hours.

He did his two weeks earlier this year. First week he worked from his laptop all week in the waiting room as he wasn’t called until second week!

DS got called up for August on the same day he starts a new job. He gave them three alternative dates and got a response a couple of days later. The letter says the rearranged date cannot be changed

@MrsWhites that is very reassuring!! Most of the time I can work from anywhere so waiting room and laptop would be fine. And also great that his available dates were booked so quickly.

I would love to do jury service, and thanks to Covid decimating our business, I now have the time. Bet I'll never hear anything though!

@ajandjjmum wouldn't it be ace if I could nominate you as a replacement!

I deferred as the weeks I was asked for were weeks 40 and 41 of being pregnant. Never heard from them again

I deferred the last time I was called up.

@Elsielouise13

Defer and you’ll probably not actually get called again.

I did a two week stint in June, was in court three days in total. Several people u know had very similar experiences

Well that's not true at all regarding deferral.

And as for your own stint, if you've done jury service, just from talking to people, you learn quickly just how much experiences vary based on where you are. I'm in London and got called to the old Bailey before..no way are you getting out of that after 3 days. In fact if you complete a trial less than the 2 weeks, if its busy, they'll.often put you back into the jury pool for the rest of the time reminaing and you could get called up to another trial lasting another few weeks. Context to experiences really matters

I was called up this June - my business manager asked that I was excused as we were in the middle of TAGs and continuity for students was vital given the disruption of the school year. Approved v quickly.

Defo ask to be excused.

I read an excellent thing somewhere, made me laugh.

The person who received the jury summons (wanting to get out of it), sent a message to the court thanking them for their invitation, that he was very much looking forward to it and working with the judge as some sort of 'justice league of America' character... raining down justice the likes of which they will never have seen before.

He quickly received a cancellation of summons.

So funny. It's on my phone, I don't know how to get it off to post it.

Good luck, OP!

Defer and you’ll probably not actually get called again.

I know two people who were called again within 12 months after deferring, and they're the only two I know who've been called for jury service at all. Annoyingly, the phone both then got binned at the last minute (couple of days notice) - presumably they have a list of people booked in then choose 12 from that list?

I told them that my business had no toner staff and they were fine. They don't expect your business to close. I also said I don't have childcare, again a valid reason. All was fine

I deferred twice: once due to breastfeeding and once due to a very recent bereavement. But I've still done it twice! I suppose it must be random but I know so many people who've never done it. It was an interesting experience but I obviously I wouldn't have wanted a massive financial loss.

I genuinely would love to be on a jury, but only because I'm a nosy bugger and used to work in a legal practice.

I have been summoned x2 and it has never been an issue for me because I am public sector and get paid. However most were pensioners because I suspect they are the ones who have the time😁

Just defer and add a not you will need however much notice as you are self employed and you have to consider the ongoing viability of your business. No one will read it or consider it but it is on record. As part of my work I attend court regularly because on my instructions the court starts proceedings or I am an expert witness. Every letter or instruction you receive will make you feel that if you do not comply you are going to prison. It is just the way they are worded. Things are often filed late, hearings do not go ahead etc. You may get another official letter in a few months time but I would not worry. Just be honest. The justice system is a massive machine churning out letters etc. I doubt any clerk is going to question your reasons for not being available.

[quote FusionChefGeoff]@ajandjjmum wouldn't it be ace if I could nominate you as a replacement![/quote]
Feel free to try!

@DanniDuck
You always get the 'I'd LOVE to do jury duty' brigade on this type of thread. hmm I am sure they think it's a bloody holiday. It's not. It's either as boring as fuck and highly bloody tedious, and you don't get your full pay for it either, so can end up hugely out of pocket. OR it can be traumatic and pretty bloody horrible and distressing.

I'm not stupid and can happily make a decision in the full knowledge that it wouldn't be a 'bloody holiday'. I also appreciate that some trials might be distressing. It's a responsibility and one that I would happily volunteer for. Infact, the only part of your comment that I don't find offensive is the idea that there should be a list of those willing to take part.

If you PM me I will tell you how I did it - I take no responsibility if it doesn’t work for you though

It is my biggest fear from a business point of view

I am the fee earner and have 2 staff

10 days= £5, 000- £7,000 lost income

The £64.95 a day for loss of income doesnt cut it.

I helped a friend compose a letter to get excused, she is a self-employed sole trader and single parent. This was a few years ago and there was no problem with it being granted. As far as I recollect, we googled online and formulated the justification around what we found. I don't think you will have any problem, good luck!

When you go into court you are putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty (Quote by - Norm Crosby)

Food for thought