failing to report for jury duty (how much, home, military)

[metalmom]

My son, in his infinite wisdom of how the world works at the ripe old age of 22, decided not to reply to his jury duty summons about 6 months ago. The Riv. Co. Sherriff paid him a visit at his job with a date and time for him to show up to court and explain why he ignored his jury duty summons. He FTA for that also. The cops came looking for him yesterday at home and he wasn't there. They told my son's roommate that he is to appear tomorrow at 1pm at Southwest Detention Center for court for this same matter. This is the first I've heard of any of this and, needless to say, I'm concerned for him. Can anyone please tell me what to expect for him tomorrow? jail time? how long? fine? how much? PLEASE HELP! need to hear from someone who's experienced this first hand but any info will be great thanks.

[Donn2390]

I don't know the punishment for FTA twice, but I'll bet he will surely face a fine, and possible jail time.
Whatever you do, DO NOT bail him out. It sounds like he could use a few days in jail to get his priorities straight, and if you get involved he will never become a man. Let him pay his dues if you ever expect him to learn to be a responsible citizen.
It's not your problem, time to be a good parent and let him learn his lesson the hard way, or next time he will be in for something you won't be able to fix.
I know you won't follow this advice, but if you don't, you will pay later on...

[Curmudgeon]

He should be shot on sight!

Failure to perform your civic duties and, worse, to dodge and ignore them shows a lack of caring about his community, a total disregard for authority, abject immaturity, a mental disorder or all of them.

Hate to say it but at 22 I have to wonder how he was raised and/or what he's using.

I hope it goes badly for him as a wake-up call.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by metalmom

I'm concerned for him.

When I was ~12-years-old, my parents sat me down and told me this: "If you do something that lands your ass in jail, don't call us. You got into the mess, you figure out how to get out of it."

Let him handle his own mess at age 22.

[redvelvet709]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

When I was ~12-years-old, my parents sat me down and told me this: "If you do something that lands your ass in jail, don't call us. You got into the mess, you figure out how to get out of it."

Let him handle his own mess at age 22.

Correct! Ridiculous that he would have done that, and worse that his mother would not have taught him better.

[Twinkle Toes]

She probably taught him better, but sometimes kids are gonna do what they're gonna do. As much as you hate to see your kid get into trouble and suffer consequences, you have to let him handle it himself. He got himself into the situation, now he has to get himself out of it. It's the only way he's going to learn. You get burned once, you're never gonna put your hand in the fire again.

[BlueyedCat]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

She probably taught him better, but sometimes kids are gonna do what they're gonna do. As much as you hate to see your kid get into trouble and suffer consequences, you have to let him handle it himself. He got himself into the situation, now he has to get himself out of it. It's the only way he's going to learn. You get burned once, you're never gonna put your hand in the fire again.

+ 1. I agree 100%. I did that with both of my Sons. They are both independent young men today because of it. One is a Fireman and one has been in the Military for over 10 years. Were they perfect growing up? Heck no. But I made them learn from their mistakes. They thank me to day for being tough on them back then. One is over 30 years old and the other one is 25. But kids need to learn from their mistakes. Parents don't need to bail them out or they won't learn.

[Bunjee]

He might get jail time but it's more likely a fine per CCP 209 for contempt. And it really is contempt. The fine is up to $250, but this might technically be considered his second violation; that is, up to $750. More than that it's up to $5K, so he really had better go in. Once the court pegs you for money you can't escape it no how no way.

I showed up for my summons, but I was shocked they were damn strict about those who didn't. They announced with quite a flourish for all of us to hear that the absentees would be receiving warrants. He can forget about acting sorry or offering explanations. There will be NO MERCY from the judge. He should hope for the best, a $250 fine.

[Fontucky]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

He got himself into the situation, now he has to get himself out of it.

Momma?

[redvelvet709]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

She probably taught him better, but sometimes kids are gonna do what they're gonna do. As much as you hate to see your kid get into trouble and suffer consequences, you have to let him handle it himself. He got himself into the situation, now he has to get himself out of it. It's the only way he's going to learn. You get burned once, you're never gonna put your hand in the fire again.

I don't think it's this way with all kids, in particular those who actually were taught the concept of consequences. Values.