SUMMONED TO COURT
JURY DUTY MYTHS
There are so many rumors about Jury duty that it can be difficult to knowwhich ones are true. Here are three of the more popular speculations, debunked.
ADMITTING BIAS WILL ENSURE YOUR DISMISSAL If you admit that you are biased when you serve jury duty, it does not guarantee your dismissal. In fact, a judge cannot dismiss you for being biased — but an attorney can. In addition, attempting to portray yourself as a biased person can put you in a troubling situation. Attorneys and judges have been selecting jurors for a long time and know when someone is lying to them. Your best bet is to give honest answers to the questions they ask. NO VOTING, NO JURY DUTY According to another circulating myth, if you aren’t registered to vote, you don’t have to serve jury duty. Many people believe this myth because voting enters you into the jury duty pool, but there are other means by which citizens are chosen. Other ways you’re entered into the pool include buying a home, paying taxes, and getting a driver’s license. Even if you aren’t registered to vote, you’re still liable to be summoned.
SERVING JURY DUTY WILL GET YOU FIRED If you’re worried about getting fired for serving jury duty, you can breathe easy. Your employer cannot fire you once you’ve been selected for jury service. In fact, if your boss threatens to fire you for it, they will face the penalties, which include fines and even jail time. Many employers know and understand this, but if yours doesn’t, you can submit a file of complaint to the trial court administrator, and they will take care of the rest. The system to select jurors has been around for a while, and those involved know what they’re doing. It’s best to go in with an open mind and complete honesty. After all, it is your civic duty to do so.
KEEPING CALM AFTER AN ACCIDENT
Tips to Protect Yourself and Your Property
If you’ve ever been in an accident, you know that a lot can happen in a short amount of time. Whether it’s a minor fender bender or somethingmore serious, staying calm and following proper procedure at the scene may be difficult. Keep yourself safe and protect your property by following these tips the next time you’re involved in an accident. CHECK FOR INJURIES If you or anyone else at the scene is injured, call an ambulance immediately. The safety of everyone involved is your top priority. Once help is on the way, you can move on to the next steps. CALL THE POLICE Always call the police, even if the accident is a minor one; youmight need a police report later on. For instance, if you have to file an insurance claim, a police report is one of the best ways to have the incident recorded. Calling the police to the scene immediately after the accident ensures that the incident is still fresh in the minds of those involved and any eyewitnesses. EXCHANGECONTACT INFORMATION When the police arrive, they usually take everyone’s contact information. However, if they don’t respond to the accident —or if anyone tries to leave before the police arrive—exchange phone numbers, insurance policy information,
and even email addresses with all individuals involved, including eyewitnesses. This way, you can reach out to them if you need additional information about the incident, and the police knowwhere to find them if necessary. TAKE PICTURES Physical evidence of the damage done to you or your vehicle will be crucial to your insurance claim and any criminal charges that arise from the incident (whether against you or the other party). Make sure to take pictures of every angle of the wreck, even if it’s only a skid or scratch mark. Take photos of traffic signals, signs, and obstructions, such as bushes that may have contributed to the accident. CONTACT A LAWYER Calling a lawyer as soon as possible after an accident — even a seemingly minor one — can protect you and provide peace of mind. Our attorneys know the system inside and out. We’ll put in the time and effort to strengthen your claim or defense and provide you with the best possible outcome.
2
HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL
LegalBetter.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online