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Original poster

Missed Jury Duty

249 replies

cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 21:50

As the subject explains

Was out earlier shopping, and came home and eldest daughter mentioned that a couple of officers were at my flat, basically for a missed appearance at Jury Duty

Do not wanna make things any worse than what they are now, scary thought what to do next

Any advice that would be helpful?

OP posts:
eurochick · 21/01/2023 21:52

What's the backstory - why didn't you turn up?

CeeceeBloomingdale · 21/01/2023 21:52

Did you deliberately miss it or are you saying you weren’t aware?

Minkymandy · 21/01/2023 21:54

Did you know about it or did you not receive the letter? I've been called a few times and there's always people that don't show up. The letters have always come through regular mail which around here is patchy so I could easily not receive it.

MoscowMules · 21/01/2023 21:54

Officers as in police officers?

Have they issued a warrant for you?
Did the officers leave any contact details.

Honestly I'd make contact ASAP and resolve this.

Why did you miss jury service?

OnePerson · 21/01/2023 21:54

Why didn't you attend?

asblindasabat · 21/01/2023 21:58

Context is key. Did you decide to go out shopping and knowing you were required for jury duty or did you genuinely not know about it / forget?

Original poster
cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 21:59

I have had a previous letter about it yes

I have suffered a few mental health issues in recent years but not making any excuse

Know I need to get things sorted as soon as, and want to do right thing and go right way about it

OP posts:
asblindasabat · 21/01/2023 22:00

cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 21:59

I have had a previous letter about it yes

I have suffered a few mental health issues in recent years but not making any excuse

Know I need to get things sorted as soon as, and want to do right thing and go right way about it

I would contact them ASAP and explain. You might need to provide evidence from your GP, but if you just explain I’m sure it can be resolved. Good luck OP!

MoscowMules · 21/01/2023 22:01

Oh OP, if they were police officers, I think the court have issued a warrant for your arrest possibly.

Honestly you need to contact the officers.

If it's the police phone 101 to talk them this evening it's a 24/7 service.

If they were court bailiff officers, then you need to phone the court first thing on Monday.

Northernlurker · 21/01/2023 22:03

When was the service supposed to start? Unsure why they'd wait till Saturday to come round?

Original poster
cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 22:05

MoscowMules · 21/01/2023 22:01

Oh OP, if they were police officers, I think the court have issued a warrant for your arrest possibly.

Honestly you need to contact the officers.

If it's the police phone 101 to talk them this evening it's a 24/7 service.

If they were court bailiff officers, then you need to phone the court first thing on Monday.

It was police officers yes, and was supposed to be at court this week

OP posts:
Northernlurker · 21/01/2023 22:06

So why didn't you attend?

Inkpotlover · 21/01/2023 22:07

This is really serious. You have a legal obligation to attend if you're summoned for jury service. Why did you ignore it?

Fuzziefelt · 21/01/2023 22:08

what happens if you get called to do jury duty but don’t want to ? Do you get that choice ? I have undiagnosed autism and don’t want to do it but obviously have no medical letter can I just explain ? Sorry to ask on this thread I just thought someone may know

Shgytfgtf111 · 21/01/2023 22:09

Sorry, I'm confused. How does your previous MH issues prevent you from doing jury service? And why did you think it would be OK to just not turn up?

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 21/01/2023 22:09

Contact your GP asap and explain the situation, you will need a letter from them . Then ring first thing and say you are under the GP for MH issues that will make it difficult to attend. Or you could say you didn't get the letter, they're not registered,are they?

yousmellnice · 21/01/2023 22:10

Fuzziefelt · 21/01/2023 22:08

what happens if you get called to do jury duty but don’t want to ? Do you get that choice ? I have undiagnosed autism and don’t want to do it but obviously have no medical letter can I just explain ? Sorry to ask on this thread I just thought someone may know

Get a diagnosis.

Original poster
cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 22:10

It is my own fault entirely that I did not turn up

Took a chance I guess, had a few family issues, and I know I should have informed someone which I did not

OP posts:
Reindear · 21/01/2023 22:11

Fuzziefelt · 21/01/2023 22:08

what happens if you get called to do jury duty but don’t want to ? Do you get that choice ? I have undiagnosed autism and don’t want to do it but obviously have no medical letter can I just explain ? Sorry to ask on this thread I just thought someone may know

Unless you’re a doctor you can’t just decide you have ‘undiagnosed autism’. You need to be diagnosed

MoscowMules · 21/01/2023 22:11

cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 22:05

It was police officers yes, and was supposed to be at court this week

Show quote history

I'm not going to sugar coat this and I don't mean to distress you as I can imagine you are worried.

But failing to report/respond to a jury summons is a criminal offence.

Call 101 ask them if there is a warrant out for you, ask them if the officers or other officers are available to talk to you. This will go a long way in helping you get through this.

If you do have a warrant for your arrest, it really is easier to "hand yourself over" , I know this all sounds scary, but if it is worst case scenario when you get to custody ask for a legal representative, speak to them, tell them everything and listen to their advice.

If you are classed as a vulnerable adult, most custodies will also have a appropriate adult that can support you also alongside your legal council.

I'm so sorry you are going through this OP. But you need to take immediate action on this, and calling 101 to follow up is your best course of action right now.

Tekkentime · 21/01/2023 22:12

Crazy that it's a criminal offence!

yousmellnice · 21/01/2023 22:12

cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 22:10

It is my own fault entirely that I did not turn up

Took a chance I guess, had a few family issues, and I know I should have informed someone which I did not

Inform the police now.

Inkpotlover · 21/01/2023 22:13

cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 22:10

It is my own fault entirely that I did not turn up

Took a chance I guess, had a few family issues, and I know I should have informed someone which I did not

From what I've just Googled, you could be looking at a £1,000 fine for not turning up. However, exceptions can be made for mental health issues. Can you get a letter from your GP explaining the impact of your MH issues?

Original poster
cherryberry90 · 21/01/2023 22:13

MoscowMules · 21/01/2023 22:11

I'm not going to sugar coat this and I don't mean to distress you as I can imagine you are worried.

But failing to report/respond to a jury summons is a criminal offence.

Call 101 ask them if there is a warrant out for you, ask them if the officers or other officers are available to talk to you. This will go a long way in helping you get through this.

If you do have a warrant for your arrest, it really is easier to "hand yourself over" , I know this all sounds scary, but if it is worst case scenario when you get to custody ask for a legal representative, speak to them, tell them everything and listen to their advice.

If you are classed as a vulnerable adult, most custodies will also have a appropriate adult that can support you also alongside your legal council.

I'm so sorry you are going through this OP. But you need to take immediate action on this, and calling 101 to follow up is your best course of action right now.

Show quote history

Thank you for your helpful response

I will do so yes, as know it is for the best whatever would happen

OP posts:
Fuzziefelt · 21/01/2023 22:16

yousmellnice · 21/01/2023 22:10

Get a diagnosis.

Show quote history

It’s not that easy. It’s near impossible on the nhs in my area and v v expensive privately plus I have nobody to give information about my childhood

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