Jury duty questions

I finally received the letter to fill out for jury duty for the first time.

The letter was for grand jury in Brooklyn, although I live in Nassau county. What is the difference between this and having to serve at the town of Hempstead court?

Also, how long does it usually take to get a summons after filling out the letter?

Re: Jury duty questions

I've known a couple of people who had to do grand jury.

It seemed like the case was longer however, they only had to go in one day a week or once every couple of weeks.

I also think it's harder to get out of it.

Re: Jury duty questions

It is probably Federal Court if you live in Nassau and it is for Brooklyn.

But can be grand jury for Federal Court as well.

I got a Federal Court on two years ago and it was about 2 months. I was dismissed in a day

Jury duty questions

I served on a Federal Grand Jury in Suffolk County for two years. It was one day a week, in my case it was every Tuesday, but I know there was also a Wednesday grand Jury impaneled. I was only allowed to take four Tuesdays off during the whole period.

It is definitely much harder to get out of than other jury duties. Very few were excused. One was a teacher sitting next to me who honestly threw herself down on the floor, rolled around on it, much to everyone's shock and discomfort, while screaming and crying that she couldn't serve.

It was fascinating though and I am glad I had the experience. I used to make fun of the plots of some of the crime shows on TV, now I realize they were nothing compared to some of the stories I heard. I had no idea people worked so darn hard to do illegal things when with one quarter the effort they could have made good livings legally if they had just turned their minds to it.

If you have small children you might be able to get off. Mine was ten at the time so I had to serve.

Message edited 10/19/2013 6:09:01 PM.