I'm worried because I received a jury summons for federal court two hours from where I live. I haven't been online to the court website yet, but I know the paper I received has a place to write for postponement or for an excuse. My mom IS in Assisted living so it's not like she is here at home with me, but if something happens I am responsible for her. I'm just wondering a trial could last a while, it would make me unavailable for any emergency. So I'm wanting to go online and maybe try to get excused, telling them I am my mom's POA and she has Alzheimer's in assisted living. Does anyone know if that is unheard of to do, or to try to do? I usually do jury duty when it's in my city...but those trials, if picked are usually not long and sometimes you don't even get picked. If not picked after a couple days, you get excused. Thanks in advance.
I remember when my Mom got a jury summons for U.S. Federal Court. Good grief. Seriously??? Mom was in her 90's, very poor hearing, and could barely see. I filled out the paperwork for Mom and she signed it. Never heard back.
im sorry to say but *shes usually doing her own thing...*
but after I told my sister last nite. she started telling me to put in to be excused. so before I tried, I just wanted to ask. and I did go looking for reasons, they do allow if youre caring for someone over 70 yo and you don't work outside the home.
I do hate not being available for my mom. just in case. I haven't even took a vacation at least since 2011. my husband deals with his mom out of town also. and sometimes with everything we get busy and don't make time. or just get tired.
thanks for answers
edit , just wanted to say also. I feel like I suck. cause I get anxiety. and knowing I have to drive by myself two hours away - not knowing the area. I get scared. im tougher than I think, its just the uncertainty gives me anxiety
im am telling myself I can get thru this!
If the week they have chosen is not good for you, you can be excused but will be required to make it up at a later date.
My Mom (in her 80's at the time) and I were living together [& I am her Mom's POA] when I was called to jury duty three different times. I was never excused just because my Mom lived with me and I took care of her Ancillary or Financial needs-paying bills, etc. I was excused once when Mom had a Doctor's Appointment on the same day that I was supposed to go in for jury duty. [EDIT: I did have to "make up" for that excuse and I was called for jury duty a couple of months later.]
Over the years, I have been called for jury duty 5 times, been chosen for the first round 3 times and chosen as a juror only once.
If you do get an excuse from jury duty THIS TIME, you WILL MOST LIKELY GET CALLED AGAIN for jury duty in the next few months (to replace the time that you were excused).
Jury duty is a civic responsibility. My bet would be that you will not even need to report on selection day.
When I was caring for mom I was excused, but was providing 24/7 hands on care.