Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

I just got a letter to appear for Jury Duty the same week as my NT scan AND my 2nd appt with my OB. I can't really push the NT scan back since it's within the time frame they allotted me to do it; and that's even IF they have an appointment available this close. And the appointment was perfect b/c it was in the evening and I wouldn't have to miss any work!

The back of the letter says I can postpone for undue hardship or extreme inconvenience. Would my two important appointments count? It says I have to request the postponement in writing. I can send copies of my appointments documents for the NT scan. I don't really have anything for the prenatal appointment except for the appointment card from my OB .

Ugh and to make matters worse it's the busiest time for me at work so I can't really miss those days anyway (why i have the appointments late in the evening).

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

I've done regular jury duty 3 times (never grand jury) and have always gotten out around 3/4. So you could likely still make an evening appointment.

If I were you and you can't do both jury duty and the appointment, I'd first call the doctors office and see if I could get a night appointment another day that week.

The only reason I'd say not to skip is because they are going to make you do it again in a few months and who wants to deal with it when you have a new baby at home.


ETA: I'm almost positive that they don't give you a true "pass" unless you are the sole child care provider or medically can't complete it (i.e. your appointments won't count as a true pass). You'd have to do it again in a few months and then you can't skip it.

Message edited 6/18/2012 9:30:34 AM.

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

I would just go now and get it over with. When you are dismissed you are done for a few years. Just as the PP said you are out of there by 4pm the latest.

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

If your appointments in the evening anyway I don't think that will help you since it doesn't conflict with the time you appear for jury duty...

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

I would go and if they call you for a case have a note ready so they will dismiss you. That way you are off for 4 years. I did this when I was doing IF treatments. I had a note ready but never had to use it. The judge asked everyone if they had any reason they could not be on a case and I stated medical treatments. I was out by 1pm.

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

The other problem is that I have deadlines for work that are the days they're calling me for JD. My boss wants me to try to defer (she doesn't know I'm pregnant yet).

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

i would go now...there wont ever be a good time for you to postpone it...you will always have dr appts while pregnant and once the baby is born the timing wont be any better.
if your appts are in the evenings you will have no problem at all...the latest i ever got out while on jury duty was 5pm....but usually it was between 3:30/4pm

edit: i dont think they let you defer for work - unless you are traveling for business or are a sahm and have no one to watch your children...but i may be wrong on that.
I think you at least need to show up one day and then when i just went (last month) the first thing they do is call you up if you have any problems serving at this time and then you can speak to them in person.

Message edited 6/18/2012 9:52:18 AM.

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

ITA with everyone else. Just go now. Which courthouse is it?

I got called for Jury Duty in Brooklyn and I just sat in the dang room for the whole day (I think it was 10-4) and then was dismissed at the end of the day and that was it. If they call your name to be on a panel, it would be SUPER easy to get out if you want to -- just honestly tell them that you're pregnant and your mind is just constantly in other places and you wouldn't be able to concentrate on a trial. The only time pregnant women are picked to be on a jury is if they express interest and desire to. Judges and lawyers will almost always agree to excusing someone pregnant who says their mind is really clouded and they can't think straight or their mind is elsewhere (at least in my experience).

I think some places, like some of the Nassau courts, let you just call in that morning to find out if you're even going to be needed.

I wouldn't defer.

GJ duty is VERY different. If it's GJ duty, FM me.

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

I just had to go in for jury duty last week at 37 weeks pregnant. It honestly wasn't bad and I'm so glad I didn't postpone it. I actually got called into a jury room with about 35 other people and because some cases were resolved without the need for a jury we were dismissed from jury duty at 12:30pm! And now I can't be called for another 6 years. Don't delay it, just go.

Re: Getting out of Jury Duty for Doctor's appointments?

there will always be some reason you cant do it. I postponed intially and then had to go.. wasnt great timeing.. but i was let out the same day adn early- about 2:30.. my dh just did it as well, and was out by 3..You can bring stuff to do including computers0 there was wi- fi..