Jury Duty: Who has done it?

Guilty...Sparky

 

The first time I got called into the pool, I was dismissed because I knew the judge, one of the attorneys and one of the witnesses. It would have been a really boring case, too.

The second time, just a few years ago, I was chosen for the jury despite acknowledging that I'd see the judge pretty often at the gym. But we'd never spoken. It was a DUI and resisting arrest case. It was pretty obvious to all of us that they hadn't come close to proving it.

 

Was selected on a criminal case when I was in my early 20s (manslaughter, guy was guilty six ways from Sunday). Two day case, deliberation was less than 2 hours. The one and only time I actually served on a jury. Been called a few times.

The last time (in Tucson) I was called, I was able to "convince" the defense attorney to dismiss me during selection. My number got called within an hour of being dismissed for the day from the pool and I was very unhappy about that fact. I may or may not have loudly voiced an expletive when the number was called (to some laughter). I then proceeded to truthfully answer the defense attorney's question as to my occupation explaining that "I build bombs for the United States Government". Worked for Raytheon at the time.

 

I had panel duty (military version of jury duty) once when I was still in the Marine Corps. I was a squadron executive officer (XO) at the time. During paneling, TDS (the defense attorney) asked if as an XO I had a philosophy on misconduct. I said, “Yes. I’m against it.” Not long after that, I was excused.

 

I was called in Alachua County for a drug case. Wasn’t selected largely because I told defense counsel I didn’t think a LEO would fabricate evidence …… there’s no way a LEO would jeopardize their job over a small time drug bust.

 

Been notified 4 times.
First time went down there and sat in the waiting room all day and then at 2 or 3 in the afternoon they dismissed everyone that was left.
Second time I made it into the courtroom where the lawyers ask if anyone hates cops or whatever and then the just took the first 12 in the front pew. I was in the back.
Third time I had a conflict so I got out of it.
Fourth time I had a high juror number and got the call the day before that I didn't have to show up.
In Hillsborough County, if you have a juror number of about 450 or higher, you won't have to go. 350-450 is a maybe. Lower number than that and you will have to go.

 

Had a murder trial that lasted a full week and ended in a mistrial because it was discovered during deliberation that another juror did outside research. Fascinating experience.

 

Called a few times but got out when I told them I was Tampa PD, a deputy, and fire marshal.

My jury time was when some of my arson arrests went to trial, which wasn’t often.

 

Been called in twice. Once was about 18 years ago, Wednesday right before the start of the tournament. Only one trial on the docket, and when we came back from lunch break, we were told the defendant plead out and we were dismissed.

Second time was about six years ago. DUI case, and the defense lawyer asked if anyone was involved in any recent DUI cases. I said the daughter of a college friend just survived being hit about two weeks ago. I described the location and what happened. Defense lawyer was also going to defend that case too, and dismissed me.

 

I live in Marion County and have served on a couple and been passed up on the last one I was called in for. I have also served on a Federal trial. That one was a semi truck full of pot out of Texas that got stopped in Sumter County of I-75. My wife served on the defense team for Casey Anthony at the trial in Orlando. that was interesting to say the least. I went for many years never being called and then seem to get a bunch within several years. I am not to 70 yet so I have a few more years before I can opt out.

 

Called up twice, dismissed twice.

 

Never served on a jury. Was last called to district court last year for a 4 week trial for 2 people charged with impersonating a police officer, arson, torture, theft, and other charges. Spent 2 days there for jury selection but was not picked. And didn’t even get paid for it because I was a federal employee. At least they paid for parking and mileage.

 

I served on a special grand jury. The way we were instructed it seemed that the old saw about indicting a ham sandwich is true. We met once a month for maybe 6 months.

 

I was called a couple times in the past. I was not chosen I think because after a couple of questions the lawyers already knew my view would be send those guilty MFers to jail for life.

 

Selected twice many years ago. Thankfully nothing since.

Second time the defendant pled out as soon as the jury was selected. Guess he didn't like his odds. Surprised I wasn't excused since I knew the public defender. Have no doubts that several potential jurors lied to get out of service.
First time was a guns/drugs case that lasted a week. Miserable experience all around and a sad reflection on the judicial system. Defendant was an old guy with family in attendance who were crying off and on.
Most of the jurors were clueless, barely paying attention and the one guy that lobbied to be foreman, had the guy convicted B4 the case ever started. Further the judge sucked, refusing to answer the jury's question which would have easily resolved a hung jury. and kept us an extra 2 days on a deadlocked charge. I found out later the charge was dismissed on a technicality.

Good luck.