Jury Duty/Childcare Issues

[Anonymous]

I got called for grand jury in DC for 9 weeks. I am a single mom and my son is in preschool from 9-3. I cut back on work hours so I can take him there and pick him up. I do extra work at home in the evenings. I don't have family in the area and can't imagine how I would manage childcare if I had to report from 8:30 to 5 for 9 weeks, especially in the morning. I'm not even thinking about days when school is closed and days when my son is sick. I have been told they only accept medical excuses. Is this childcare situation one that would warrant an excuse. I really have no idea how I would manage this....

[Anonymous]

Call and talk with the contact person -- there should be a number to call.

I have no idea how it works in DC, but I know in Montgomery County you can get one postponement. You will typically get picked again in two years, but they will allow you to postpone once.

[Anonymous]

OP: in dc it says you can defer for another date within 90 days which doesn't help me really. i did call and they basically told me they only accept medical excuses although they were not completely clear on the childcare issue when i explained that. i sent a letter anyway, with backup documents, but just wondered if anyone had any experience with this.

[Anonymous]

Sorry to hear this is hitting you too, OP. I had a similar concern a few weeks ago re. the US District Court in DC. I've also written a letter and am waiting to hear the decision.

I wonder if there has been a recent summoning frenzy given the density of forum posts lately and this CNN item today: http://www.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/03/17/jury.duty.recession/index.html?hpt=Mid . I also noticed a MetroBus add about jury duty responsibilities last week.

Times are tough all over, but for so many mothers with very limited help, the balancing act between family and outside responsibilities is too fragile to absorb this offensive.