Freelance Cameraman in LA: Jury Duty?

[Ryan Patrick O'Hara]

Hey guys, you all know me relatively well to know what I do for a living. I'm a DP/AC, and my jobs are freelance.

I got summoned for Jury Duty and it conflicts with a gig. I can't turn down work like this gig, and I'm not fully employed by a company that gives payed days of jury duty.

Anyone here from LA county have the same experience? What is to be done?

 

[David Jimerson]

Call the courthouse. They may be able to help.

 

[Razz16mm]

You might see if you can get your jury duty deferred to a later calendar session so you can schedule around it. You would address this with the clerk of court and/or the judge for whatever jurisdiction your were called for.
I have managed to do this once, but there is no guarantee they will be sympathetic. It is worth asking though.

 

[Matt Gottshalk]

Tell the judge you believe in "Jury Nullification" then go back to work.

 

[Scott F]

You might see if you can get your jury duty deferred to a later calendar session so you can schedule around it.

In Connecticut you can do this. They ask for future dates you can be available. I too have to serve this year.

 

[ZazaCast]

POSTPONEMENTS
To Request a Postponement
You can postpone the start of your jury service to a more convenient time. This can be accomplished by either calling the 1(800) 778-5879 (SRV-JURY) number on the summons, or by selecting “On-line Services” on the jury website. There are restrictions on how far in the future and how many times you may postpone. In emergency situations you may exceed these restrictions by calling the assembly room number located on the front of your form. You will not be able to postpone your service by calling 1 (800) 778-5879 if you call the weekend prior to the week you are to start your service.

http://www.lasuperiorcourt.org/jury/

Do it as soon as you can, once you serve....even if you're not picked... I believe you can't be called-up again for 6-8 years.