Typically, a plaintiff will make its demand in the complaint filed at the outset of the case, and a defendant usually will make its demand in an answer to the complaint. If either party asks for a jury, the trial will be by jury.
You may request exemption from jury duty if you meet any of the following criteria: Persons 70 years of age or older. Expectant mothers. Persons not employed full-time who are responsible for the care of an infirmed or disabled family member.
Failure to Appear You may also face contempt proceedings, which could result in community service, jail time, or other sanctions. It's imperative to contact the Jury Department immediately if you fail to report. Doing so can allow you to reschedule your service and avoid penalties.
Demand: A party may demand a jury trial on any issue triable of right by a jury by serving the other parties with a written demand, which must be filed no later than 14 days after the last pleading directed to the issue. This demand must be specific about the issues that the party wants tried by a jury.
Jury works in most cases having to deal with criminal penalty because you have more people who are looking at the evidence and could help you from being subject to one lone decision.
Jury trials provide an opportunity for citizens to participate in the judicial process. Jury trials give citizens on the jury the power to make a decision on the case. People who serve on juries routinely have a greater respect for the system when they leave.
JURIES CAN BE SYMPATHETIC Unlike an impartial judge, the panel of individuals on your jury could be swayed by emotion and personal experience. This may work in your favor. If you have been overcharged for the crime in question or are a sympathetic defendant, some jurors may be more likely to back you.
A jury trial demand is a request to have your case decided by fellow citizens as opposed to the judge should you proceed to trial. The decision to choose or waive a jury trial lies with the defendant.
Failing to appear for jury duty can result in a fine of up to $100 as per Section 40.23 of the Florida Statutes. You may also face contempt proceedings, which could result in community service, jail time, or other sanctions. It's imperative to contact the Jury Department immediately if you fail to report.
The grounds for a permanent excuse include: Persons 70 years of age or older; Persons having active care and custody of a child or children under 10 years of age whose health and/or safety would be jeopardized by their absence for jury service; Persons who are essential to the care of aged or infirm persons;