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Do I have to serve Jury Duty?
Every citizen of the United States over the age of eighteen (18) is eligible to serve on a jury. Jury service is compulsory under Federal and State law. Your failure to appear in court after being sent a jury summons could result in criminal and/or civil penalties.
The Constitutions of the United States and of the State of New York, guarantee litigants the right to have their matters heard before a jury. Because the right to a jury is so fundamental to our democratic system of government, the responsibility of being a juror is treated very seriously by the Courts.
Individuals who are unable to speak or understand the English language are excused from jury service. Those who have been convicted of a felony are ineligible to serve as juros unless they have received a Certificate of Relief from Civil Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct.
How can I get out of Serving Jury Duty?
Bottom-line - you can’t. However, you can postpone your service to a more convenient time. The courts allow you the opportunity to reschedule your jury duty for another time within six months of the summons date.
In the event of an emergency which will prevent you form appearing when summoned, you should contact the Jury Clerk right away.
Where do I have to serve?
You can serve on either a Federal Court or State Court jury. You could also serve on a Grand Jury or a Petit Jury.
A Grand Jury is a division of the Court, mandated by the Constitutions of the United States and New York, with the power to review criminal evidence and determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the District Attorney to charge an individual with a crime. The Grand Jury does not decide whether the individual is guilty of the crime, only whether an indictment for the charged offenses should be brought against the individual.
A Petit Jury is any jury, criminal or civil, which is not a Grand Jury. These courts hear all other matters and make decisions of guilt and liability.
For more information about serving as a juror, please check out the New York State Unified Court System’s Petit Juror’s Handbook or Grand Juror’s Handbook.
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