Juries are an essential part of the legal system in Nevada and across the country. Courts summon members of the community to potentially serve on a jury.
The problem is that many individuals find it either impossible or detrimental to take time out of their busy lives to serve. As a result, they find themselves wondering how to get out of jury duty. Fortunately, the Nevada court system allows people to forego jury duty if they have a valid excuse.
Jury Duty in Nevada
The legal systems in Nevada and other states use juries to decide issues of fact in all manner of trials, from car accident trials to trials for slip and fall issues. Given the many trials that occur throughout the year, the need for jurors remains high in many parts of the state.
Finding Jurors
The court system sends summons to county residents to appear for potential jury service. However, receiving a summons does not necessarily mean you will be on a jury. It only means that you must show up to the courthouse as a potential juror.
While there, attorneys for both sides of the lawsuit or criminal case (or the judge) will conduct voir dire, which is the process of questioning potential jurors. Before voir dire occurs, those who have been summoned can explain why they should be excused from serving on the impaneled jury.
Time Requirements
The time requirements for jury duty are why many seek to escape serving. In addition to the time needed for the trial itself, prospective jurors must also remain present for the jury selection process, which could take days or weeks.
Regarding trials, jury trials in Nevada tend to last for an average of three days. However, more complex trials typically take longer than that. Jurors who have been chosen for duty must attend every day of the proceedings, regardless of how long they last.
Penalties For Skipping Jury Duty
Failing to appear for jury duty typically leads to a second summons to stand before a judge. If you do not have an acceptable reason as to why you did not answer the first summons, you will likely be fined $500. Failure to appear a second time leads to a bench warrant for your arrest.
Getting Out of Jury Duty in Nevada
Getting out of jury duty in Nevada is possible. The law contemplates and understands situations that would make it unreasonable to require a person to sit as a juror.
You may likely be excused from serving as a juror if you are:
- A member of the Nevada legislature, and the legislature is in session
- A law enforcement officer
- 70 years of age or older
- 65 years or older and live more than 65 miles from the courthouse
- You have served on a jury within the last 18 months
In some cases, jury duty can be postponed (or excused) when the prospective juror:
- Has an illness
- Has a disability
- Would experience undue hardship
- Is a caregiver
You will also be relieved of jury duty if you are ineligible to serve. For instance, you may be ineligible if you:
- Are not a citizen of the U.S.
- Are not an adult
- Have been officially deemed physically or mentally incapable
- Have been convicted of treason
- Have been convicted of a felony and not had your civil rights restored
- Do not speak English
If you are ineligible to serve and receive a summons, you must inform the court of your ineligibility.
Avoiding Fines and Arrest By Reviewing Nevada’s Jury Duty Rules
If you are summoned and are wondering how to get out of jury duty in Nevada, don’t ignore the court. Doing so can cost you. Instead, review the rules on how to avoid jury duty and go from there.
Contact Our Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers For Help Today
If you’ve been injured in Las Vegas, NV, and need legal help contact our Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case evaluation today.
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Las Vegas Office
1149 S Maryland Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV. 89104
(702) 222-9999
Open 24 hours
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Summerlin Office
410 S Rampart Blvd, Ste 480 Las Vegas, NV. 89145
(702) 297-6373
Open 24 hours
De Castroverde Accident & Injury Lawyers – Henderson Office
9555 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV. 89123
(702) 997-4264
Open 24 hours