J. Cogburn Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers | July 3, 2024 | Nevada law
Jury duty is a big responsibility for citizens in Nevada and across the country. When you get summoned, it means you might have to serve on a jury and decide the facts in legal cases like accidents (such as those involving cars or motorcycles) or criminal trials.
It can be hard to take a break from your normal life and go to jury duty, so people look for ways to avoid it. Under Nevada law, some valid reasons exist for being excused from jury duty.
If you’re wondering if it is possible to get out of jury duty in Nevada, the best way to be sure is to contact our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys for help. Until then, read on for information on the topic.
Jury Selection Process in Nevada
When the court needs jurors, they randomly pick people from the county and send them a letter to come to the courthouse. But just getting a letter doesn’t mean you’ll definitely be on a jury.
It just means you have to go to court and see if you might be a juror. During the jury picking process, the lawyers or the judge will ask potential jurors questions to see if they’re right for the job. Before all this happens, the people who got the letter can say if they have a good reason not to be on the jury.
Time Commitment for Jury Duty
Many people don’t want to do jury duty because it takes up a lot of time. Not only do you have to go to the trial, but you also have to be there for the jury selection process, which can take days or weeks.
Most trials only last a few days, but some trials can go on for longer. If you’re chosen to be a juror, you have to be there every day, no matter how long the trial lasts.
Consequences of Failing To Appear
Ignoring a jury summons can have serious consequences. Failing to appear typically results in a second summons to appear before a judge. If you do not provide an acceptable reason for your initial absence, you may face a fine of $500. Failure to appear a second time could lead to a bench warrant for your arrest.
Legitimate Reasons for Exemption
The Nevada court system recognizes that certain circumstances may make it unreasonable or impractical for an individual to serve as a juror. Some of the legitimate reasons for exemption include:
- Being a member of the Nevada legislature during a legislative session
- Working as a law enforcement officer
- Being 70 years of age or older
- Being 65 years of age or older and residing more than 65 miles away from the courthouse
- Having served on a jury within the last 18 months
Additionally, jury duty might be postponed or excused if the prospective juror is experiencing an illness, has a disability, would face undue hardship, or serves as a caregiver.
Individuals who are ineligible to serve due to factors such as non-citizenship, lack of fluency in English, felony convictions with unreinstated civil rights, or mental or physical incapacities must inform the court of their ineligibility upon receiving a summons.
Navigating Jury Duty Responsibly
If you receive a jury summons and have a valid reason for exemption or postponement, it is essential to follow the proper procedures outlined by the Nevada court system. Ignoring the summons or failing to provide a legitimate justification can result in fines and potential legal consequences.
By understanding the rules and communicating with the court, you can fulfill your civic duty or seek a legitimate exemption without facing unnecessary penalties.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers from J. Cogburn Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers for Legal Help Today
For more information, please contact our Personal Injury attorneys at J. Cogburn Car Accidents and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
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