I was called twice when living in D.C. for grand jury duty. Both times, I just sat in the big waiting room and read a book for 6-7 hours. Was never even called up to be questioned.

I am self employed, and was called for federal grand jury, twice a week for 18 months (!!!!!!!!) - I told them that would be an incredible financial hardship. I was excused.

Every time this comes up, people get really upset about doing one's civic duty, but my heart goes out to the people who are truly in a pinch because of doing jury duty. It's grossly unfair to ask a self-employed individual to lose work for three weeks in order to fulfil jury duty. What if she then can't make her mortgage payment? It's time for jury reform.

Anonymous wrote:I've been summoned for Grand Jury service which is 26 days of service. DC Court at Judiciary Square.

My employer will not pay me for more than 3 days of jury service. Anyone done GRAND jury service? Do you really have to spend all day every day at the court house? The website says there is wifi, is it possible to get any work done while on GRAND jury service?

There is a phrase that says you can get out of it due to financial hardship, which I'm thinking of using. Anyone done that?

TIA

Jury duty in DC is never ending. There are just so many criminals that you end up getting summoned every few years.

When I was called, there were a bunch of us in the courtroom. The clerk separated out the people who stated that it would be a hardship to participate, then took us one-by-one into a side room to talk to us about why. Those who were let off (including me, my explanation was that I pick my kids up each day at 3:30, and there is no one else to do it) were sent to the petit jury room and put in that pool for the day. I didn't even get called for a panel, was released by 3:00. HOWEVER, I have a friend who was called for petit jury and got a pretty serious case that lasted for WEEKS. She has little kids and is self-employed, so it was a huge financial hardship, but the judge would not release her. So, in my case it worked out, but just be aware if you tell them you can't do grand jury, you may still get called for a petit trial, and there is no telling how long that will last. Good luck!

I've been summoned for Grand Jury service which is 26 days of service. DC Court at Judiciary Square.

My employer will not pay me for more than 3 days of jury service. Anyone done GRAND jury service? Do you really have to spend all day every day at the court house? The website says there is wifi, is it possible to get any work done while on GRAND jury service?

There is a phrase that says you can get out of it due to financial hardship, which I'm thinking of using. Anyone done that?

TIA