Need help with a legal question

[IndependentVoice]

My father has been selected for jury duty. However he is the only sales person for his company, (which he is also president of) its pretty small and he doesn't have anyone who can fill in for him. Could he get out of it because of the potential harm it could do his new business with no one working if this case were to go on for an extended period of time?

[AirmensMom]

1. I think so.

My husband was excused from a case that was going to be a long one when his company was in a crunch and he couldn't be away. They put him on a short one that was over with in a few hours on the same day.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. Check the jury rules for your jurisdiction.

Sometimes they will make exceptions for people who can show a significant hardship if they have to serve on a jury. But rules vary from one state or county to the next.

[donco6]

3. Usually, but often they'll only defer.

It depends on the judge. There should be language on the summons regarding what to do if serving will cause a great hardship.

[I_Make_Mistakes]

4. You should call and ask. I am single and got called twice and

they said that because I was the only wage earner that I would be excused. I can't remember if one was Federal or not.

There is a hardship excuse, at least in New Jersey. I called and they helped me to get excused.

I'm not sure, but I think the next time would be a problem (3rd time I would not be able to excuse myself), though.

[FloridaPat]

5. If he can't get out, have him sound like a bigot and believes all

criminals are guilty on arrest when he answers questions. I got called a couple of years ago and only about 1/4 of the people actually got to the question stage. They also asked is people had hardships etc. They would rather have people serve who are not mad then someone who might upset the apple cart.

[Indy_Dem_Defender]

6. Exactly say your racist or bigot

I've know people who have said this during jury duty to get out of it and When I went for jury duty I witnessed 4 different guys say this, I would say something was up when 4 out of 20 say this.