Warrant out for me

[LauraLesleyLogan]

I've done something stupid and failed to show up at Jury duty which I know is so wrong though have had different things to deal with recently which I know is no excuse.

Now it appears a warrant has been issued for my arrest. I have had a phone call to say I have to go to the police station and could be locked up to appear in court.

Anyone know whats likely to happen to me. Proper bricking it.

Scary though self inflicted.

Oh my goodness, I hope it all goes well and you can go home tonight 💐

Gwen she won't be dealing with male staff after she's processed. She'll be in a cell in an area only for females and managed by female only staff

Not turning up to jury service is a serious issue, the entire criminal justice system would fall apart if people didn't do their civic duty and serve on juries.
Not that I'm saying that to berate the OP but to point out that they have to have stringent deterrents to prevent people from doing this in the main, otherwise it would be chaos. Imagine if sworn in jurors didn't turn up mid trial!

I know people mean well but she won't go home tonight after being processed. She has to appear at court.

Good luck x

Good Luck OP

Thanks Nicknacky.

Good luck OP I'm certain you will be fine. Seriously tho. Avoid the tea.

Hope the night passes quickly. Can she bring a paperback book in, Nicky?

expat She can try, the worst they can do is say no. That will be dependant on the staff and obviously it will be checked.

Goodness me

You sound so calm.

What was the actual reason for not going to court though?

I would rather not go into the reasons, only thing I will say though is I definetly should have went so not making any excuses.

Some kind words thanks, a few people have said I sound calm though really cacking my pants.

I will take it on the chin, I know I am going to have to go though the whole process like anyone else.

Best of luck OP.

Don't plan to take anything eitherand I know I have to go to court in the clothes I sleep in

I have been called for jury duty twice. Wouldn't have dreamed of not turning up. Civic duty.

Good luck. I agree with PP that this is a total waste of time and effort.

"Not turning up to jury service is a serious issue, the entire criminal justice system would fall apart if people didn't do their civic duty and serve on juries."

Nobody's disagreeing with that, though OP's mistake was not to apply to defer, not not turning up. I still don't get what the overnight stay at the police station is for if she doesn't have to be questioned.
Don't understand why someone wouldn't be allowed warm clothes at the coldest time of the year either, that sounds inhuman to me.

LauraLesleyLogan

I've had a few overnight stays, best thing to do is just get yourself comfortable as possible and try and get some sleep so the time passes. It's really not that bad at all but I'd advise using the toilet before you leave home if the cells are the same as in England/Wales.

The worst times is when it's noisy in there which can be unnerving if someone is kicking off (and in my experience you always get one twat doing at least), but try to switch off from it.

The staff are usually pretty decent, won't give you a hard time so long as you're okay with them (which I'm sure you will be).

You will be fine, I’m a PCSO in a city centre police station and you’ve had a lot of good advice. The main procedures are the same all over (ie booking in, health questions etc) however some procedures do differ, ie we don’t remove bras as a matter of course and layers are allowed and you’d be allowed your own book. The staff at the custody centre you go to will keep you right though and if you’re not sure of something or not sure why something is happening just ask.

As a word of warning it might get noisy if there is a particularly unhappy custody in. the custody centre are echoey/noises places at the best of times.

You might not get much sleep as you will be checked regularly and they will require a response from you that you’re ok.
Good luck and I hope everything goes well for you.

Why is it a waste of time? It does explain on the paperwork as to the consequences of not turning up. Courts can't and won't just ignore it.

God bless you hope it's a quick night for you. ❤️ Don't agree with this system your only human for gods sake. Jury duty should be optional. Shouldn't be putting fear and stress in to people like this. Can't stand the police couldn't care less if they help 🤷🏻‍♀️

Also, isn't the accused supposed to be in formal wear for court appearances, yet she's supposed to 'sleep' (I'm sure I wouldn't get a wink) in the same clothes?

gwen I have explained that repeatedly. And you now have a PCSO who says in her station she will be allowed layers. It's winter outside but warm inside!

Who says she has to be in formal wear?!

"Jury duty should be optional. "

I don't really agree with that, but there are ways for people who really can't serve to get out of it. OP's problem is that her anxiety meant she didn't do anything about it.
I'm not necessarily saying there shouldn't be a punishment, but I don't see the need for such treatment as a night in the cells with no sleep and your underwear and warm clothes taken away from you.

Gwenhwyfar If it was a trial then yes, more formal clothes may be preferable but OP isn't on trial and there is no need for her to wear anything special.