The right to a trial by a jury of one's peers is among the most sacred within the Florida and federal criminal justice systems. Nonetheless, the prospect of jury duty is still horrifying to many - perhaps even most. In recent months, courts around Florida are reporting a surge in requests to defer or reschedule jury duty to another time for economic reasons. Many potential jurors report that they are concerned about losing their jobs in tough times. Others simply say that they cannot afford to miss a day off work, whether it is because they fear the possibility of being laid off or they need the money from every single day to provide for themselves and their families. Some potential jurors called in for duty work multiple part-time jobs instead of a single full-time position and so are not afforded vacation time or other leave.
Unfortunately, there are other jurors who simply do not show up to jury duty when notified, for several reasons. The first, completely innocent reason is that they were not actually notified. For over a decade, the courts have used a system of pulling potential jurors from a list of licensed drivers provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. However, these are often out-of-date. In the interim since last obtaining or renewing a driver's license, many Floridians have moved to another county or state. In some cases, the potential juror is deceased.
Volusia County Circuit Judge Robert Rouse says, "It is a never-ending source of frustration for the court system. We don't want to call in hundreds of people. But we need jurors. This is our system of law." Generally, notices for a juror to appear will have contact information for the court if you are unable to serve or are exempt. Certain people, such as those over 70 years of age and parents caring for small children, are not required to serve.
If you have been arrested in the Tampa area, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Musca Law to begin your legal defense.
Unfortunately, there are other jurors who simply do not show up to jury duty when notified, for several reasons. The first, completely innocent reason is that they were not actually notified. For over a decade, the courts have used a system of pulling potential jurors from a list of licensed drivers provided by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. However, these are often out-of-date. In the interim since last obtaining or renewing a driver's license, many Floridians have moved to another county or state. In some cases, the potential juror is deceased.
Volusia County Circuit Judge Robert Rouse says, "It is a never-ending source of frustration for the court system. We don't want to call in hundreds of people. But we need jurors. This is our system of law." Generally, notices for a juror to appear will have contact information for the court if you are unable to serve or are exempt. Certain people, such as those over 70 years of age and parents caring for small children, are not required to serve.
If you have been arrested in the Tampa area, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Musca Law to begin your legal defense.
