If you are self-employed like myself, you will feel that jury duty is one of worst things that could ever pop up at any given moment. The only hope you have to hold on to is if you are not chosen as a juror and dismissed or are picked, you can’t get call back to serve for up to 6 years (at least in the New York City, not sure if it apply to the entire state). Last week Tuesday and Wednesday I reported to the Kings County Supreme Court in downtown Brooklyn with the hope of moving quickly through the selection process, not getting chosen as a juror and returning to my regular schedule program (everyday life) no later then Wednesday evening.
That was not the outcome. Late Wednesday morning I was told that I was pick as Juror Number 11. Oh the horror! Needless to say I was totally bummed out. I had work to do. Millions of questions went through my head –
“How long will this trial be? Would my clients be sympathetic to the situation and okay with me not being available for most of the day, if at all? Are they okay will deadlines being pushed back? Are jurors allowed to go out for lunch or do I have to be stuck inside all day? Can I bring my laptop with me? Where are the outlets? Is there Wi-Fi in here?”
My business has only one employee – me. I do everything. I am every department from marketing to creative. Unlike my 9-5 counterparts when I don’t work I don’t get paid. Yes, jurors (not those dismiss during jury selection, only if you serve on a trial) do get paid for their service, either by their employers or by the court.
Read on to hear more about my recent Jury Duty experience.
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