Legal Question in Personal Injury in New Mexico

I have been summoned to Jury Duty in the US District Court. I have a four year old daughter and a husband. My husband works long hours in the oil field, so I am the primary caregiver of my child. Despite having explained this to the court and having to travel 3 hours to and from court, they have refused to excuse me from service. If chosen for duty, or even to travel there to further explain the situation, my husband would have to take off work, which poses a hardship for us. What can I do?


Asked on 6/17/11, 10:31 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Show up, ask to speak to the judge privately, explain that you cannot give your undivided attention to the trial as your mind would be occupied with the well-being of your child. If the judge is unpersuaded, then tell the lawyers when they question you the same thing. They have the power to excuse you if the judge won't, during the questioning before trial known as voir dire.

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Answered on 6/18/11, 8:46 pm


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