Got called for Grand Jury duty

[Majer]

Well this should be interesting,I got called to be on a Grand Jury.Never been on one before,Any ideas what I should expect?

[Timothy]

Well this should be interesting,I got called to be on a Grand Jury.Never been on one before,Any ideas what I should expect?

Never done it but doesn't it last a year?

Hope you have a understanding employer!

[Majer]

I've been out of work since May and on disability since Nov 10th,So no worry's there.Think it's only a couple weeks. Do you think the fact that the ADA is my Wife's cousin will disqualify me? Only met him once at a funeral.

[Timothy]

I've been out of work since May and on disability since Nov 10th,So no worry's there.Think it's only a couple weeks. Do you think the fact that the ADA is my Wife's cousin will disqualify me? Only met him once at a funeral.

It probably won't help.  I've only been called for state jury duty myself.  A good friend was called to a Federal GJ out of Boston some years back and had to do a day a month in Boston for a year.

[fightingquaker13]

You wil never have more power in your life, use it wisely. Remember that the ADA is YOUR legal council. You can direct him what questions to ask. Ask, ask, ask don't be led around by the nose.
FQ13

[Sponsor]

[Pathfinder]

You wil never have more power in your life, use it wisely. Remember that the ADA is YOUR legal council. You can direct him what questions to ask. Ask, ask, ask don't be led around by the nose.
FQ13

Wrong, historically. In the original GJs, the ADA was never even supposed to be there. The GJ called witnesses, obtained search warrants, and read the law to see what applied and what didn't. Then the system got gamed by the lawyers to the point that - as they say - a good ADA can get the GJ to indict a ham sandwich.

But FQ's right that you have huge power here. The ADA will try to push you around as if you have no authority and are just a rubber stamp. Go study a little, read up on the process and be informed.

[fightingquaker13]

Oddly, we are in agreement here. The role of the GJ is to investigate. The ADA is to "facilitate" that and ask questions etc. BUT, you as a GJ member are in charge, at least in theory. Path is right in that you should research the law in your state on what you can and cannot do, and what the limits on the prosecutors are. Be informed. Don't be a PITA for the hell of it, but refuse to be pushed around either. The DA will try if you complain, but know your rights.
FQ13

[Bill Stryker]

You have my sympathy. I served on a Federal Grand Jury. It took a lot of time. 3 days a week for a year, then 1 day a week -- if needed-- for another 6 months or so. I was gone so much at a critical juncture I believe it cost me a promotion.

It is a critical duty to serve. We had several firearms cases that we threw out. But if you have a good excuse you can get out of it due to the time. My employer, GM, wanted to be known as a good corporate citizen and thought  their employees should do their civic duty and serve. So, I did. And to be sure my current job was indeed protected. Plus I put in a lot of time on weekends to be sure my work was done.

I do not remember the US Fed DA trying to push us too much. But when we didn't indite the responsible prosecutor would ask me why.

We did return indictments  on lots of politicians that  never saw the light of day. What a disappointment.

[fightingquaker13]

It occurs to me that if you do want out, and I wouldn't for GJ duty, but that's your call, you could mention you are a top forum member here. The DA would probably spend ten minutes browsing and send you home. Hell, this thread would probably do it.
FQ13

[Majer]

I never said I wanted out, I was just wondering if the relationship of my wife to the ADA would disqualify me. I'm kind of looking forward to doing my civic duty.