Have you been asked about your CHL on Jury Duty?

[The Annoyed Man]

I have been through Voi Dire exactly once, and I made the jury. Then the case was postponed and the jury was dismissed. Thus endeth the sum total of my jury duty experience. It was a 3rd strike attempted murder case. Hispanic gangbanger letting loose a couple of shots against a rival gang member at a party. Nobody got hurt. The potential panelists were asked if any of us owned guns or had ever shot anyone. I admitted to owning a couple of guns. Another panelist admitted that he had actually had to stand trial once for a homicide charge and beat the rap on a self-defense strategy. My ownership of guns didn't seem to bother either counsel (weird, because this was in California....). I think they were more interested in whether or not a potential juror was familiar with firearms and gun safety.

After the Voi Dire, panelists were asked by the judge if any of us knew any of the officers of the court, the opposing counsel, the defendant, or the judge. I raised my hand, and Judge Judd Morris said, "Yes, Mr. Smith..... I suppose you would like me to inform everyone that you and I know each other, go camping together, attend church together, and eat dinner together. Do you think that our relationship outside this courtroom would prevent you from being able to render an unbiased opinion in this case?" I grinned and nodded. Judd asked the opposing counsel if they had any objections. They said No, and I made the jury. We were told to report back the next morning for the trial. When we got there, we were dismissed.

[alvins]

once right before we were going to enter the court house the court officer asked if anyone had a chl. no one raised their hand. later i asked him why it mattered if someone had one. he said they gave chl'ers extra security screening. that kind of bothered me but this was about 6 years ago.i had jury duty recently and they never said anything about it.

[bugsbunny45]

We were also asked about NRA. What was funny was at a point the judge realized most of us were gun owners so she said Who does not own a gun please stand.

[Keith B]

We were also asked about NRA. What was funny was at a point the judge realized most of us were gun owners so she said Who does not own a gun please stand.

It would be interesting to find out details on the robbery and case now that you weren't selected for jury duty. Was this in Western District US Court? Do you remember the judge's name? And do you remember any details on where the robbery was and/or time frame? You might be able to find the disposition of the case if you can get the defendant's name or figure out the case on the docket calendar (if they keep past dockets listed.)

[bugsbunny45]

The guy was found guilty of gan robbery and using a firearm in the robbery.
To be honest I think the Attorney for the govt was the one who did not want the chl holders on the jury?

[Dave2]

The guy was found guilty of gan robbery and using a firearm in the robbery.

Out of curiosity, was that supposed to say "gang", "an", or "gun"?

[bugsbunny45]

LOL That was gun..

[Photoman]

Interesting question... Last time I checked, our CHL status was not to be a part of any public record. All court documents are public record (except for certain situations). Something to think about...

[Keith B]

Interesting question... Last time I checked, our CHL status was not to be a part of any public record. All court documents are public record (except for certain situations). Something to think about...

The Voir Dire questioning is not, I believe. Could be wrong though.

[fishman]

Oh, yes, now I see it. That spot on the wall is facinating!

[Jeff Barriault]

I was recently part of the jury pool for an intoxication manslaughter case. I was asked if I ever drink when I'm out. I answered, "Almost never." They then asked why not and I replied, "I'm a CHL holder and am usually armed." Believe it or not, I was actually selected . . . for about 5 minutes. Then the lawyers and judge had a little chat and I was replaced by someone else. I've always wondered if the CHL answer had anything to do with it.

[bugsbunny45]

I think when we admit that we hold a CHL certain things pop into the attorneys heads.
Some things good and some bad

[kjolly]

I was sked if in a difference in testimony if I would believe the defendent or the cop. My answer was the cop. I got kicked out so fast my head spun.

[The Annoyed Man]

Interesting question... Last time I checked, our CHL status was not to be a part of any public record. All court documents are public record (except for certain situations). Something to think about...

I agree, but I can see a pitfall to not answering the question, or to lying about it in your answer....

Your CHL status is not a matter of public record, but once the jury renders a verdict, your identity probably is. IF the verdict was controversial in any way, and IF somebody who knows you and knows you have a CHL were to mouth off about to his drinkin' buddies....."Oh, yeah, my buddy Bob was on that jury. He was bound to vote guilty. He has a CHL and he just hates criminals with a passion....." and any of that were to get around to the defense attorney's ears.......

I'm guessing that a good defense attorney might get the verdict thrown out because of your answers during Voir Dire. And not only that, you would have committed perjury. I don't know if you could actually be charged with it, but it's not a place I want to even go to.

I'm no lawyer, so maybe I'm jumping at shadows. But that would be something that would concern me if I were in that position. The good thing about telling the truth is that you never have to remember what lies you told.

What do they do in Texas if you get called for Jury Duty, but you can't make a jury because of your answers in Voi Dire? Is Jury Duty for a specific length of time, or do you have to actually serve on a jury to fulfill your obligation? I've been in Texas 5 years now, and I haven't been called up yet.

[Mel]

Interesting question... Last time I checked, our CHL status was not to be a part of any public record. All court documents are public record (except for certain situations). Something to think about...

What do they do in Texas if you get called for Jury Duty, but you can't make a jury because of your answers in Voi Dire? Is Jury Duty for a specific length of time, or do you have to actually serve on a jury to fulfill your obligation? I've been in Texas 5 years now, and I haven't been called up yet.

When you are called to "serve", you show up. That's it. You are either picked to serve on a panel or sent home.
If you are sent home, you are credited with serving.