About 6 months ago I got a jury summons. It was at a very inconvenient time so I was thrilled when I got there and they collected our little summons strips and told us thanks for fulfilling our service; the courts were not meeting that day for some reason. Score!
But a few days ago I got another one. There’s a place on the slip to claim an exemption if you “have appeared for a jury summons in Collin County within the last two years. See ‘Jury Service’ below.” Under jury service it says “If you have served as a juror in a city court in the past two years, you must include proof of service from that city.”
So my question is…
Does anyone out there know if showing up for that jury summons 6 months ago but not serving on a jury counts? I tried calling but only got the automated junk.
If anyone knows please let me know. I was under the impression that it qualified but I get confused with all the stuff on the form and online. I don’t want to do the wrong thing and get in trouble with the law. : )
I will love you forever.
EDIT/UPDATE: I finally noticed the email address on the summons and asked them. They replied within 45 minutes:
Yes, this does count as serving. You may claim your exemption.
Thank you, legal system.
The language is vague, but I’m pretty sure that means if you actually “served” – which you didn’t. Because the court wasn’t in session when you had your summons, they probably put your name back into the pot. The list of exemptions on the website does not include showing up to a summons, so… Lucky you!
woo hoo!!