How to Get Out of Jury Duty in New Jersey
Jury duty. It’s a civic duty, but it can also be a major inconvenience.
I remember the first time I got called for jury duty. I was in the middle of a big project at work, and I couldn’t afford to take a week off. I tried to get out of it, but the judge wouldn’t let me. I ended up having to serve on a jury for a two-week trial. It was a fascinating experience, but it was also a huge pain in the neck.
If you’ve been called for jury duty in New Jersey, you may be wondering if there’s any way to get out of it. The good news is that there are a few ways to do it. However, it’s important to note that the rules for getting out of jury duty vary from state to state.
Who is eligible to serve on a jury in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, you are eligible to serve on a jury if you are:
- A U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years old
- A resident of New Jersey
- Not convicted of a felony
- Not mentally incompetent
What are the excuses for getting out of jury duty in New Jersey?
There are a few different excuses that you can use to get out of jury duty in New Jersey. These excuses include:
- Hardship. You can claim hardship if serving on a jury would cause you or your family undue financial hardship. For example, you may be able to get out of jury duty if you are the sole breadwinner for your family or if you have a child with a serious illness.
- Occupation. You can also claim occupational hardship if serving on a jury would interfere with your job. For example, you may be able to get out of jury duty if you are a doctor, a lawyer, or a teacher.
- Religious beliefs. You can claim religious beliefs if serving on a jury would violate your religious beliefs. For example, you may be able to get out of jury duty if you are a member of a religious group that prohibits its members from serving on juries.
- Other. You may also be able to get out of jury duty if you have a physical or mental disability that would prevent you from serving on a jury.
How do I get out of jury duty in New Jersey?
If you want to get out of jury duty in New Jersey, you will need to file a motion with the court. The motion must be in writing and must state the reason why you are requesting to be excused from jury duty. You will also need to provide documentation to support your request.
Once you have filed your motion, the court will review your request and make a decision. If the court grants your request, you will be excused from jury duty.
What happens if I don’t show up for jury duty?
If you do not show up for jury duty without a valid excuse, you may be held in contempt of court. This means that you could be fined or even jailed.
Tips for getting out of jury duty in New Jersey
Here are a few tips for getting out of jury duty in New Jersey:
- Be prepared to provide documentation. When you file your motion, be sure to provide documentation to support your request. This documentation could include a letter from your employer, a doctor’s note, or a letter from your religious leader.
- Be honest. When you file your motion, be honest about the reason why you are requesting to be excused from jury duty. Do not try to make up an excuse, as this could backfire on you.
- Be respectful. When you appear in court to file your motion, be respectful to the judge and the court staff.
Conclusion
Getting out of jury duty can be a challenge, but it is possible if you have a valid excuse. Make sure to file a motion with the court, provide documentation to support your request, and be honest and respectful. If you do all of these things, you increase your chances of being excused from jury duty.
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