Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers | September 7, 2024 | Personal Injury
You may be confused about your options if you receive notice in the mail that you are being called for jury duty. Is it possible to get out of jury duty? And, if so, how do you go about this process? Your personal injury attorneys can explain the rules and process.
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is a civic responsibility and legal obligation for all citizens, according to the State of Georgia. If you are called for jury duty, you are required to report to the court requesting you. Lawyers may ask you questions to determine if you would be a proper juror for an upcoming case. If you are selected to serve as a juror, you must be present during the entire trial, objectively evaluate evidence, and render a verdict at the conclusion.
Because jury duty is a legal obligation, you are required to report to jury service unless you specifically request to be excused and the court excuses you. If you fail to do this, you could be held in contempt of court.
Eligibility To Serve As A Juror In Sandy Springs
Not every citizen is eligible to serve as a juror. Potential jurors must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be 18 or older
- Be proficient in English
- Be a resident of the county where they received the jury summons
- Not have served on a jury in the last twelve months
- Not currently be on a grand jury or other jury
- Not be under a conservatorship
- Not have been convicted of a felony or malfeasance while holding public office unless they’ve had their civil rights restored.
If you do not meet these requirements, contact the court immediately so that you can be removed from service.
Reasons To Be Excused From Jury Service
Serving on a jury can be disruptive to your life, potentially taking you away from your job and other responsibilities for weeks or months. You may be able to request that your jury service be deferred or excused. Some reasons for this specifically provided for under the law include:
- You are permanently mentally or physically disabled.
- You will be working in a job necessary for public health, safety, or good order.
- You are the primary caregiver of a child six years or younger or a child older than this who has disabilities and have no reasonably available alternative childcare.
- You are a primary teacher in a home study program, and the service would be provided while you are teaching.
- You are a full-time student at college, university, vocational school, or other post-secondary school.
- You are age 70 or older.
The court can recognize other reasons to defer or excuse service if you can show “good cause” for why you should not have to serve.
How To Request Excuse Of Service In Sandy Springs
If you would like to ask the court to excuse your service for any of the reasons stated above, contact the court that summoned you directly. It may have a specific form you have to complete. Additionally, you may be required to complete an affidavit stating that the facts to excuse your service are true.
Contact An Experienced Lawyer Near Sandy Springs For More Help
If you’ve recently received a jury summons in the mail, it’s important to understand that this is not merely a request but a legal obligation. Serving on a jury is a cornerstone of our justice system, and your participation is vital in ensuring fair trials for all. Along with this civic duty, you also have certain rights as a juror that are important to be aware of.
If you have any questions or concerns about your jury summons, the legal implications, or your rights as a juror, don’t hesitate to reach out to Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers. We can provide you with valuable information and guidance to help you navigate the jury process with confidence.
Contact the Sandy Springs Personal Injury Lawyers at Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
It is always a good idea to call 911 and err on the side of caution after you are involved in an accident in Sandy Springs, Georgia. What you do immediately after the accident can be very important if you have to file a claim later. If you have questions about a car accident case or need help with a claim, call Guardian Law Group for a free case evaluation from an Sandy Springs car accident lawyer.
If you were involved in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to financial compensation. Payment for your damages will often come in the form of a settlement. A Sandy Springs lawyer can guide you through the settlement process from the start of your claim to the day you receive your settlement check.
For more information, please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve Sandy Springs in Fulton County and Clayton County, GA, and its surrounding areas:
Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
200 Sandy Springs Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30328
Open 24 Hours
(404) 255-9000