You Lost Your Jury Summons? Don't Panic (Yet)
So, you've managed to pull off the impossible: losing a piece of paper that, let's face it, you probably weren't looking forward to getting in the first place. Don't worry, you're not alone. Thousands of people every year lose their jury summons and then spend the next few hours googling things like "jury summons lost what to do." Well, fear not, intrepid citizen, because we're here to guide you through this bureaucratic maze.
Don't Pretend You're on Vacation
The first instinct might be to pretend you’re on a remote island with no cell service. But trust us, that's a terrible idea. Ignoring a jury summons can land you in hot water, and we’re pretty sure you don’t want to be on the wrong side of a gavel.
Contact Your Local Commissioner of Jurors
This is the grown-up thing to do. Your local Commissioner of Jurors is the person who sent you the summons in the first place, so they’re probably the best bet to get you back on track. You can usually find their contact information online or in the phone book. Yes, the phone book still exists!
Be Honest and Apologetic
When you call, be upfront about losing the summons. A simple, "I accidentally lost my jury summons," is usually enough. And while you're at it, throw in a quick apology. It might not get you out of jury duty, but it can't hurt.
Be Prepared to Answer Questions
The Commissioner of Jurors might ask you some questions to verify your identity. So, have your driver's license or another form of ID handy. And don't lie. Lying to a government official is never a good idea, especially when it involves something as important as jury duty.
Don't Stress Too Much
Okay, we know it's easier said than done, but try not to stress too much. Millions of people serve on juries every year, and the world keeps turning. Plus, there's always the chance you'll get picked for a really interesting case. Who knows, you might even end up on TV.
How to...
- How to find your local Commissioner of Jurors: Most county websites have contact information for their Commissioner of Jurors.
- How to reschedule jury duty: If you have a valid reason to postpone your service, you can usually request a new date.
- How to find out if you're exempt from jury duty: Certain people are exempt from jury duty, such as active military personnel and law enforcement officers.
- How to prepare for jury duty: If you do get called, there are some things you can do to prepare, like reading up on the legal system.
- How to behave in court: Jury duty can be intimidating, but there are some basic rules of etiquette to follow.