Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

Contempt of Court as a Juror

I was a juror on a murder case and was held in contempt of court for arriving late. I left to get there in what I thought to be enough time, but there was an accident on the highway. Parking ticket shows 8:40, supposed to be there at 8:30. Even worse, the day before, I lost my job because they ''needed someone there everyday'' (mind you I was going to work for a few hrs after spending all day in jury duty). I thought that was illegal, but apparently since I had obtained the job through a placement agency and was a ''temp-to-hire'' for the first 90 days of employment, they were able to let me go. So understandably, I was already in a foul mood that morning when I had to go before the judge and explain why I was late. I didnt plea my cause as poignantly as I should have, so she fined me 500.00 and asked me to wait outside of the courtroom. Then, boy did I make a bad thing worse....I stood there in the hall with all the witnesses from the trialstaring me down & I started to have a panic attack, so I left (almost 2 hrs at this point). What will the procedure be on this? Do I need to sign anything?? A constable left a card on my door the other day. Im scared. I have no money no job and don't want to go to jail.


Asked on 2/17/07, 1:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Contempt of Court as a Juror

I have just read your posting. Have you straightened it out? If not, ask a lawyer in or near your county what they would charge to talk to the judge. It was a difficult situation, but it can probably be resolved.

Read more
Answered on 2/28/07, 1:24 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Texas