SteveAlex

First thought was to drink cause I get social anxiety. Once that passed I decided theres nothing I can do but go and follow directions. Never had to do it and tried to defer but already did last year. This oughtta be a experience.

suki44883

I get called for jury duty every couple of years. Seems like once you get called, your name keeps coming up. I don't really mind though. The courthouse is only a couple of blocks from where I work, so I can park in our parking garage and just walk over to the courthouse.

SteveAlex

Unfortunately its about 35 mins away so I have to be up by 6:30 am and have the wife drop me off. At least I wont be hungover

MarkTwain

You'll probably get sent home. Take it one step at a time, Steve. If you do get to serve, well jump right in with and open mind.

I found that it's actually fun, fascinating, rewarding, and I felt great about myself afterward. You get to be Sherlock Holmes, Clarence Darrow, John Jay, and Civic Hero all wrapped up in one!

(At least for the length of the trial.)

Soberwolf

Good Luck

DeathBox

I think that's a SAD sufferer's nightmare. I'd be literally trying to fight it due to my anxiety, so you're better than I am.

FBL

I've been called to jury duty about 5 times over the years. I was a bit anxious too the first time, but everybody else there is pretty much in the same boat. The one time I got to serve on a jury was actually quite interesting. It's a big responsibility, but it's a civic duty that should be taken very seriously.

aasharon90

There are those who don't mind serving
and feel that it's there civic duty and then
there are those like me who don't care to.

On the back of your card there is a number
to call I believe and an address to your local
court house to write a letter stating why
you are unable to serve.

I did this yrs ago when I was in early recovery
and a stay at home mom and followed the
instruction to get out of serving. Once I let
them know that I was emotionally unstable
to serve then I was opted out. I did this a few
times before I stopped receiving jury duty
notices.

With experience with this situation I'm
able to pass it on to others to let them
know they have an option to serve or not.

Of course this is what has worked for me.

Just Passin It On.

PhoenixJ

I have- Australia though. Driving lots- country. Lots of waiting, not much happening. Reminded me that the boredom- afterwards lead to drinking. Obviously they would not be very happy with a drunk juror.

Maudcat

Bring your ipad!

Berrybean

Yeah. And a good book. Lots of waiting about from what I've heard.
Could be interesting if you actually do get to listen to a case, but often it doesn't even happen. Just take it a minute or an hour at a time, and stay close to the forum if possible.

MsCooterBrown

I agree with whoever posted above that once you get selected you get recalled often. This time...I got hit with serving in District Court in two different counties here. One is local..the other I have to drive 70 miles. I agree..I too seemed to have picked up social anxiety more than ever. Not sure why. They will interview you. You may not get selected. I am a victim (hate that word) of domestic violence so if the case is on that...they toss me out. I would be all F*CK YOU no matter what you do NOT beat your spouse...partner..whatever. So I get bounced on that. BUT I got picked for a drug case...quite an interesting case. Now if you look on your letter of notification it should have a number above your address label. Mine is 252 which means I am juror number 252. This is good...this means they will select the jury without having to get to my number. Don't dread it...Lots of waiting around. I think my main thing is ...with my life...I never want to put anyone away. Like I don't want to be the finger pointer....the judge of who gets charged. I hate that. Good luck. It did turn out to be interesting. That is for sure.

SoberCAH

Be prepared to be extremely bored.

It's nothing to sweat, though.

If you don't feel up to it, you should do as advised above to try to get removed from the jury pool.

Keep us posted, amigo.

SteveAlex

I tried to not go but already deferred last year. I am sitting in courthouse now. Just watched orientation video. Unfortunately I am a early select number in the teens. Trying to stay calm. Helps to read on here. Thanks everyone.

KES06

Where I am at they ask if anyone basically doesn't want to be there and they let them go home. Is that an option for you?

SteveAlex

Well The did the selections and I didnt get picked. Whew. Would have been a two day trial. Off to home

badger257

I have never been called for jury duty, but I am thankful for that. 8 hours a day bored, for minimum wage...No thanks. Glad you weren't picked...on to something much more worth your time.

SteveAlex

Yep here its $10 a day and .20 cents a mile so Ill get about $18 lol. Made it without drinking.

badger257

I had to laugh a little bit... that is almost a Crime in and of itself. A bit of an Oxymoron. Either way, Kudos for not drinking.

Dave42001

Great post, great ending!!