Any Recent Experiences with Sumter County Jury Duty?

[EdFNJ]

My wife was called for and is going to Jury Duty tomorrow. She had been thru jury duty up north in NJ and the "no's" HERE seem very Draconian (HYPERBOLE) here compared to that.

No electronic devices of any kind are allowed IN THE BUILDING. Phones, Laptops, Readers, nothing according to the letter she got.

These folks have to sit all day with absolutely nothing to do assuming of course they are not called in. Up north those devices were NOT allowed in the COURTROOM but OK in the waiting (jurors) room.

She could have gotten out of it for multiple reasons including age and recent Covid but chose to serve. Fortunately it's only 1 day (or 1 trial) but the restrictions surprise me.

Anyone done SUMTER COUNTY jury duty recently and can confirm the restrictions?
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EDIT:Well, the "ordeal" is over for her. They let everyone go at 1PM right after the 12pm-1pm lunch break. :). Other than having to get up at 6AM and driving about 50mins each way it was basically a waste of gas and time. She said they even had "entertainment". The 2 folks who were in charge of the (waiting not to be jurors) told "dad jokes" even though they were moms. Was hoping they would keep her until 5PM !! JUST KIDDING! After 56 years of marriage, we get along quite well.

Thanks to those who actually answered my question and no thanks to those who thought **I** was trying to get out of Jury service and that **I** was complaining about hard seats (I never mentioned that and as I CLEARLY STATED in the beginning of this post it was my wife who WANTED to go.).

[Altavia]

Here's a previous (but dated) thread;

Sounds like Sumter County does everything they can to discourage serving on a jury...

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sumter-county-jury-duty-questions-240743/

[Stu from NYC]

My wife was called for and is going to Jury Duty tomorrow. She had been thru jury duty up north in NJ and the "no's" HERE seem very Draconian here compared to that.

No electronic devices of any kind are allowed IN THE BUILDING. Phones, Laptops, Readers, nothing according to the letter she got.

These folks have to sit all day with absolutely nothing to do assuming of course they are not called in. Up north those devices were NOT allowed in the COURTROOM but OK in the waiting (jurors) room.

She could have gotten out of it for multiple reasons including age and recent Covid but chose to serve. Fortunately it's only 1 day (or 1 trial) but the restrictions surprise me.

Anyone done SUMTER COUNTY jury duty recently and can confirm the restrictions?

Wow, no phone and I sit and do nothing all day will ask to be excused due to age.

I received a questionaire to serve on a federal jury a few months ago and so far they do not want me.

[EdFNJ]

Here's a previous (but dated) thread;

Sounds like Sumter County does everything they can to discourage serving on a jury...

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/sumter-county-jury-duty-questions-240743/

Thanks. That answered/confirmed most of her expectations. :(. I'm sure the "experience" is the same now as it was that old topic. I told her to get out of it but she wanted to compare the "experience" to NJ. Duhhh. At least she'll make $15. LOL

[ThirdOfFive]

My wife was called for and is going to Jury Duty tomorrow. She had been thru jury duty up north in NJ and the "no's" HERE seem very Draconian here compared to that.

No electronic devices of any kind are allowed IN THE BUILDING. Phones, Laptops, Readers, nothing according to the letter she got.

These folks have to sit all day with absolutely nothing to do assuming of course they are not called in. Up north those devices were NOT allowed in the COURTROOM but OK in the waiting (jurors) room.

She could have gotten out of it for multiple reasons including age and recent Covid but chose to serve. Fortunately it's only 1 day (or 1 trial) but the restrictions surprise me.

Anyone done SUMTER COUNTY jury duty recently and can confirm the restrictions?
Sounds familiar. But lack of electronic toys isn't what I'd call "draconian". Same deal a few years back where I hail from. I'm sure you can depend on a good supply of three-year-old "people" magazines and lukewarm coffee.

[fishon]

I brought a newspaper and a book. Let go of the electrons.

[Rango]

You can opt out of jury duty over a certain age. ( don’t remember what it is)

[Marathon Man]

I brought a newspaper and a book. Let go of the electrons.

Exactly. Have some forgotten about books?

[EdFNJ]

Sounds familiar. But lack of electronic toys isn't what I'd call "draconian". Same deal a few years back where I hail from. I'm sure you can depend on a good supply of three-year-old "people" magazines and lukewarm coffee.. LOL, Yea, "draconian" was a bit of hyperbole. :D :D.

[EdFNJ]

Exactly. Have some forgotten about books?. We have lots of books but not the kind that takes up wall space! :D. Paper books are like writing checks and 8 track tapes and CD's and DVD's and and and and......... :D

[EdFNJ]

You can opt out of jury duty over a certain age. ( don’t remember what it is). Yes, but as stated in my OP she didn't want to. The age is 70 here to get out of service.

[EdFNJ]

I brought a newspaper and a book. Let go of the electrons.. We use the local paper for other purposes so they wouldn't allow it in the building either. Something about health. :D. "Books" were explained above this post. :D

[bowlingal]

Geez. read a book, maybe?

[Jhnidy]

[QUOTE=EdFNJ;2261838]My wife was called for and is going to Jury Duty tomorrow. She had been thru jury duty up north in NJ and the "no's" HERE seem very Draconian here compared to that.

No electronic devices of any kind are allowed IN THE BUILDING. Phones, Laptops, Readers, nothing according to the letter she got.

These folks have to sit all day with absolutely nothing to do assuming of course they are not called in. Up north those devices were NOT allowed in the COURTROOM but OK in the waiting (jurors) room.

She could have gotten out of it for multiple reasons including age and recent Covid but chose to serve. Fortunately it's only 1 day (or 1 trial) but the restrictions surprise me.

Anyone done SUMTER COUNTY jury duty recently and can confirm the restrictions?[/QUOT

Had to return to car to put back my watch!

[Wilharm]

Does she have a book?

[Dusty_Star]

Midway down on page 2 of Altavia's link to a prior discussion, someone complains about the very uncomfortable, hard, old, wooden chairs that prospective jurors get to sit on while waiting. So while I do agree with many that a paperback book would be a handy item, it also seems that a cushion would also be appreciated by your wife.

[Eclas]

Geez. read a book, maybe?

I have over 900 books but they are all digital. I read on my tablet and phone. I don't have any real books left and the library is a pain. I guess I'd have to go out and actually buy a book. Heaven forbid.

[lindaelane]

If your wife is lucky, she will wake up with sniffles and a slight sore throat as I did. It was merely allergies and I knew it. But the judge stated that anyone with "symptoms" should come forward - she did not ask about fever - and she let people out immediately who had them.

I brought a book. I saw some with knitting. Some wrote letters.

I also chatted with my neighbors for quite some time, which was possible before her honor arrived. I can also say that once things started, they were probably interesting, though the part where each person goes up and gives their individual excuses to get out of jury duty was boring because no one could hear it and everyone just sat there.

I got out after just a little over an hour, so I can't say how it would have been to stay. It was one of my greatest reliefs as I was scheduled to leave on an international trip 3 days after I was summoned but such a schedule is not an excuse.

[fishon]

Chairs in the waiting room were fairly comfortable. The chairs in the courtroom were as good as most theaters.
I brought my lunch and left it in the car. I’m glad I did. We weren’t released until about 1:30.

[Romad]

The more irritating thing is that the $15 didn’t cover the cost of my gas. That’s something the BOCC should address, since they love spending our money. The lunches provided were very good and different each time. And it is still possible to buy a paperback book from Amazon.

[birdawg]

You can opt out of jury duty over a certain age. ( don’t remember what it is)
70 seventie

[greendrake]

I went expecting that it was a waste of my time, but I was pleasantly surprised. Take a book if you need the distraction or simply listen and learn. I was picked as one of 30+ people for a murder trial, but didn't make the final pool. I learned a lot of procedural things.
Aside from the $15 check you get out of jury duty for the next year.

[Remembergoldenrule]

Before getting out of jury duty, think who would you want on your jury either if you were charged or the criminal that hurt your family in some way? I want someone who reasonably intelligent, brought up when laws were respected, and has time to listen and analyze details. Why I never get out of duty. Same jury rules where I come from. No lunch given I survived with book and talking.

[Mrmean58]

Your wife may have to resort to old school and bring a book to read. No electronics devices rule probably has to due with too many people want to FaceTime with the grandkids at 125db more than trying to record the trial.

[Foristell10]

I served about a month ago. Maybe I'm weird but I feel it is a small contribution to make. I was told no electronic devices. I told most of my friends and family where I would be, no big deal. This is how we preserve the community we live in, by participating.

[Marmaduke]

I used to think that everyone should serve on jury duty at least once.
I remember sitting around for hours talking to others until a plea deal was reached and we were all released to collect the stipend.
I recall thinking about the plea deal in that case. Community service for a reduced sentence, which did not seem fair to the victims of the crime, but lawyers made it happen.

The system of justice has changed even more drastically since then and I see the scales are no longer 'balanced'. Just look at the smash and grabs at Tiffany's, Gucci's, etc.

[SusanStCatherine]

I heard that bringing a Bible helps (helps you not get chosen ������).

[Ruppels]

I served last month. If you're over 70, you will have the opportunity to be excused early in the morning. If you have other legitimate reasons (explained by the court clerk) you can speak with the judge privately after he addresses the room of potential jurors about the expectations for jury duty. Bring a book or other paper-based reading material (they provide some reading materials - magazines on a rack and have plenty of water and coffee available.) Leave ALL smart devices (including watches) in your vehicle.
My trial took one day to seat the 6 jurors and 1 alternate, and then a second day for the trial.
It takes about an hour to get from Lake Sumter Landing to the courthouse in Bushnell via 301. They have a covered parking garage right next to the courthouse. Bring a sandwich and leave it in a cooler in your car for the first jury selection day, as lunch options are very limited around the courthouse. Hope this helps.

[GizmoWhiskers]

Before getting out of jury duty, think who would you want on your jury either if you were charged or the criminal that hurt your family in some way? I want someone who reasonably intelligent, brought up when laws were respected, and has time to listen and analyze details. Why I never get out of duty. Same jury rules where I come from. No lunch given I survived with book and talking.
Excellent points. I find jury duty to be an interesting experience and do like to focus on the entire experience. Perhaps a hard chair on the "derriere" helps with alertness and one's ability to focus on the reason for being there in the first place.

Entertainment wise, Orange County, FL had a closet full of games, tv's, snack machines, coffee bar, and computer room with limited online search capabilities... people STILL complained. If a lack of electronics weeds out the pool that's probably a GOOD thing in the long run.

[barbief]

My wife was called for and is going to Jury Duty tomorrow. She had been thru jury duty up north in NJ and the "no's" HERE seem very Draconian here compared to that.

No electronic devices of any kind are allowed IN THE BUILDING. Phones, Laptops, Readers, nothing according to the letter she got.

These folks have to sit all day with absolutely nothing to do assuming of course they are not called in. Up north those devices were NOT allowed in the COURTROOM but OK in the waiting (jurors) room.

She could have gotten out of it for multiple reasons including age and recent Covid but chose to serve. Fortunately it's only 1 day (or 1 trial) but the restrictions surprise me.

Anyone done SUMTER COUNTY jury duty recently and can confirm the restrictions?


I served a few months ago. You are correct, no electronic devices are allowed. Take some magazines or a good book. It was a very long day. We didn't get dismissed until 6 p.m. with only a brief period for lunch.

[JGibson]

What did folks do before our lives were taken over by the digital world.

[tombpot]

Go back to NJ and do jury duty

[Skunky1]

What a wonderful opportunity! With no cell phones available it will be a great time to meet new friends. Enjoy while doing your civic duty.

[Djean1981]

If you share a car, how do you communicate to your ride? Are there courtesy phone available?

[GizmoWhiskers]

Go back to NJ and do jury duty
That's a thought...

[ron32162]

There were 300+ notices sent out when I went a year ago only 75 people showed up the rest were dismissed because of age or snowbird status, that's what we were told. It was the worst two days I have spent in a long time. Yes I was chosen for a trial I did not think the person was guilty because of a witness who actually said she lied. Yes the rest of the people wanted to go home after a few hours in a jury box they all turned on me for not going along because of their But but but What if's excuse they just wanted it over including the Judge after telling us to go back in the jury room and talk it over again. I was part of sending someone to jail that was not guilty because these Villagers (mostly) wanted to go home. I'm still traumatized from this experience. get out of it if you can!

[Crazyladycruz]

Been there done that. Bring a book or crossword puzzles. You can talk with the other people. They do give you an hour to go to lunch.
They DO check for electronics.!!!

[Bogie Shooter]

There were 300+ notices sent out when I went a year ago only 75 people showed up the rest were dismissed because of age or snowbird status, that's what we were told. It was the worst two days I have spent in a long time. Yes I was chosen for a trial I did not think the person was guilty because of a witness who actually said she lied. Yes the rest of the people wanted to go home after a few hours in a jury box they all turned on me for not going along because of their But but but What if's excuse they just wanted it over including the Judge after telling us to go back in the jury room and talk it over again. I was part of sending someone to jail that was not guilty because these Villagers (mostly) wanted to go home. I'm still traumatized from this experience. get out of it if you can!

Your last two sentences are just sad…………..

[bark4me]

My wife was called for and is going to Jury Duty tomorrow. She had been thru jury duty up north in NJ and the "no's" HERE seem very Draconian here compared to that.

No electronic devices of any kind are allowed IN THE BUILDING. Phones, Laptops, Readers, nothing according to the letter she got.

These folks have to sit all day with absolutely nothing to do assuming of course they are not called in. Up north those devices were NOT allowed in the COURTROOM but OK in the waiting (jurors) room.

She could have gotten out of it for multiple reasons including age and recent Covid but chose to serve. Fortunately it's only 1 day (or 1 trial) but the restrictions surprise me.

Anyone done SUMTER COUNTY jury duty recently and can confirm the restrictions?
When the attorneys start picking jurors just jump up and yell guilty... It'll be an early day for you

[Stu from NYC]

There were 300+ notices sent out when I went a year ago only 75 people showed up the rest were dismissed because of age or snowbird status, that's what we were told. It was the worst two days I have spent in a long time. Yes I was chosen for a trial I did not think the person was guilty because of a witness who actually said she lied. Yes the rest of the people wanted to go home after a few hours in a jury box they all turned on me for not going along because of their But but but What if's excuse they just wanted it over including the Judge after telling us to go back in the jury room and talk it over again. I was part of sending someone to jail that was not guilty because these Villagers (mostly) wanted to go home. I'm still traumatized from this experience. get out of it if you can!

Interesting. I would hope that if I was in that position would stay with my conviction, but no way to know until you are in that position.

[ribil]

If she got a letter from the court listing all the restrictions, why would you need somebody to confirm those? OK, I hearby confirm the restrictions.

[Stu from NYC]

When the attorneys start picking jurors just jump up and yell guilty... It'll be an early day for you

Add anyone found guilty should be drawn and quartered. That should remove your wife from jury rolls permanently

[Carlsondm]

Yep. I am over 70 and chose to serve and was called in. No electronic devices included my Garmin 255 watch, phone, everything I''m used to for family communication and finding the dang front door in Bushnel. Then my Mom passed away. I decided to serve my family instead. I am glad they allowed me to bow out.

[Gpsma]

There were 300+ notices sent out when I went a year ago only 75 people showed up the rest were dismissed because of age or snowbird status, that's what we were told. It was the worst two days I have spent in a long time. Yes I was chosen for a trial I did not think the person was guilty because of a witness who actually said she lied. Yes the rest of the people wanted to go home after a few hours in a jury box they all turned on me for not going along because of their But but but What if's excuse they just wanted it over including the Judge after telling us to go back in the jury room and talk it over again. I was part of sending someone to jail that was not guilty because these Villagers (mostly) wanted to go home. I'm still traumatized from this experience. get out of it if you can!

So you blame Villagers for your lack of guts to stand by yoir own convictions?

[EdFNJ]

Well, the "ordeal" is over for her. They let everyone go at 1PM right after the 12pm-1pm lunch break. Other than having to get up at 6AM and driving about 50mins each way it was a waste of gas and time. She said they even had "entertainment". The 2 folks who were in charge of the (waiting not to be jurors) told "dad jokes" even though they were moms. :) Was hoping they would keep her until 5PM !! JUST KIDDING! After 56 years of marriage, we get along quite well.

Thanks to those who actually answered my original post and no thanks to those who thought **I** was trying to get out of Jury service and was complaining about hard seats (I never mentioned that and as I said in the OP it was my wife who WANTED to go.).

[retiredguy123]

I have successfully evaded jury duty my entire life. I would be a terrible juror because I was involved in trials in my career, and I learned that almost everything said under oath is a lie. The lawyers lie and the witnesses lie. There is no accountability for people who lie under oath or for the lawyers who lie. The entire trial process is a scam, and the jurors are grossly underpaid and manipulated by everyone involved.

[Stu from NYC]

I have successfully evaded jury duty my entire life. I would be a terrible juror because I was involved in trials in my career, and I learned that almost everything said under oath is a lie. The lawyers lie and the witnesses lie. There is no accountability for people who lie under oath or for the lawyers who lie. The entire trial process is a scam, and the jurors are grossly underpaid and manipulated by everyone involved.

Hmmm tell us how you really feel.:boom:

[retiredguy123]

///

[Windguy]

No electronics devices rule probably has to due with too many people want to FaceTime with the grandkids at 125db more than trying to record the trial.
No. I was told it was because they don’t want people recording stuff and sharing it. I had to go back to my car to leave my Apple watch. 😡

[Taltarzac725]

I was excused because I am needed to care for elderly family members or a member.

Not sure which Summons this was though and when as I have had about 4 from Sumter County and one from the Federal Court in Ocala. I have been here in the Villages since 2005.

[Cindysum90]

I went recently. They have magazines. I brought a word search book. They called 20 people right away then came back and called one more. Right before lunchtime they said they had their jury and we could leave. It was a boring few hours but not unbearable.

[mikemalloy]

I'd like to make a comment on this thread that doesn't relate directly to the OP. I am a retired attorney who tried cases for over 40 years. I used to compliment those that came to be seated that jury duty was a special responsibility. The government is always finding ways to take your money but there are only two times that they require your services, the military and jury duty.
I used to have neighbors and friends ask me "how do I get out of jury duty?" and I'd tell them that they were the ones that i always wanted on juries but that too often they weren't there. In the jury pool I always found the unemployed, union workers who received their regular pay while sitting, and government workers. I seldom found the small business person, the professionals and homemakers.
The people I've met here in The Villages are educated, hard working, concerned citizens who would listen to evidence and apply the law and not be compelled by their own personal agendas. You are the type that might not like your verdict but you would render it because it is the right thing to do under the law.
So what I'm saying is, if you're physically able, and do not have any necessary time conflicts, please go and serve. Be part of a group of your fellow citizens and listen, learn and teach. Our village, our county, and our country will be better for your efforts.

[Stu from NYC]

I'd like to make a comment on this thread that doesn't relate directly to the OP. I am a retired attorney who tried cases for over 40 years. I used to compliment those that came to be seated that jury duty was a special responsibility. The government is always finding ways to take your money but there are only two times that they require your services, the military and jury duty.
I used to have neighbors and friends ask me "how do I get out of jury duty?" and I'd tell them that they were the ones that i always wanted on juries but that too often they weren't there. In the jury pool I always found the unemployed, union workers who received their regular pay while sitting, and government workers. I seldom found the small business person, the professionals and homemakers.
The people I've met here in The Villages are educated, hard working, concerned citizens who would listen to evidence and apply the law and not be compelled by their own personal agendas. You are the type that might not like your verdict but you would render it because it is the right thing to do under the law.
So what I'm saying is, if you're physically able, and do not have any necessary time conflicts, please go and serve. Be part of a group of your fellow citizens and listen, learn and teach. Our village, our county, and our country will be better for your efforts.

Thank you for your post.:BigApplause:

[Altavia]

I'd like to make a comment on this thread that doesn't relate directly to the OP. I am a retired attorney who tried cases for over 40 years. I used to compliment those that came to be seated that jury duty was a special responsibility. The government is always finding ways to take your money but there are only two times that they require your services, the military and jury duty.
I used to have neighbors and friends ask me "how do I get out of jury duty?" and I'd tell them that they were the ones that i always wanted on juries but that too often they weren't there. In the jury pool I always found the unemployed, union workers who received their regular pay while sitting, and government workers. I seldom found the small business person, the professionals and homemakers.
The people I've met here in The Villages are educated, hard working, concerned citizens who would listen to evidence and apply the law and not be compelled by their own personal agendas. You are the type that might not like your verdict but you would render it because it is the right thing to do under the law.
So what I'm saying is, if you're physically able, and do not have any necessary time conflicts, please go and serve. Be part of a group of your fellow citizens and listen, learn and teach. Our village, our county, and our country will be better for your efforts.

Well said, thanks for presenting that point of view!

[charlieo1126@gmail.com]

There were 300+ notices sent out when I went a year ago only 75 people showed up the rest were dismissed because of age or snowbird status, that's what we were told. It was the worst two days I have spent in a long time. Yes I was chosen for a trial I did not think the person was guilty because of a witness who actually said she lied. Yes the rest of the people wanted to go home after a few hours in a jury box they all turned on me for not going along because of their But but but What if's excuse they just wanted it over including the Judge after telling us to go back in the jury room and talk it over again. I was part of sending someone to jail that was not guilty because these Villagers (mostly) wanted to go home. I'm still traumatized from this experience. get out of it if you can! So pointing the finger at other jurors who wanted to go home instead of looking in the mirror at yourself , maybe they did want to go home and actually thought the person was guilty , while you were sure he wasn’t and just gave in . Well your right about one thing I to would be traumatized if I gave in to other jurors and sent someone to prison because I felt uncomfortable

[Taltarzac725]

The Federal Jury that they had been seated with me on the panel had a vet tech, a retired CIA supervisor, two people from the Villages and 4 others. All were well spoken from what I heard. This was in 2009 or so. The case involved a cop writing his reports in Spanish which the other cops or some of them harassed him. Case was from Claremont.

The judge held for the City and PD. But he did scold the officers.

I had been bumped by the Judge because I was giving very short answers to questions which would have taken me days to answer truthfully. And I would have needed many documents to do so.

I was seated between two very attractive ladies so I wanted to stay on the jury and the case looked very interesting. The CIA retiree was made the foreman.

[EdFNJ]

If she got a letter from the court listing all the restrictions, why would you need somebody to confirm those? OK, I hearby confirm the restrictions.
Cool as beans bro! Thanks, but you are a day late and a dollar short and had you read the OP you could have saved all the time it took you to think up and provide that helpful answer! Oh, and also because the info on the SCC website was totally out of date by probably 2yrs and mostly incorrect. :1rotfl:

[twoplanekid]

I was once asked to serve on a jury in Ohio. The defendant's lawyer asked me if I knew anyone in the court room. I truthfully stated that I personally knew the judge, the prosecutor and the local sheriff. The questioning lasted for about 10 seconds more before being asked to leave. I really wanted to hear the case.

[Dusty_Star]

Well, the "ordeal" is over for her. They let everyone go at 1PM right after the 12pm-1pm lunch break. Other than having to get up at 6AM and driving about 50mins each way it was a waste of gas and time. She said they even had "entertainment". The 2 folks who were in charge of the (waiting not to be jurors) told "dad jokes" even though they were moms. :) Was hoping they would keep her until 5PM !! JUST KIDDING! After 56 years of marriage, we get along quite well.

Thanks to those who actually answered my original post and no thanks to those who thought **I** was trying to get out of Jury service and was complaining about hard seats (I never mentioned that and as I said in the OP it was my wife who WANTED to go.).

Thanks for the update. I wish everyone would remember to update us.