Chicago DUI lawyer shares her thoughts on Cook County Jury Duty

This Chicago DUI lawyer had to reset her own cases because she was summoned for jury duty. Judges laughed, prosecutors laughed, sheriffs & court clerks all laughed when I entered the court house today complete with my little red sticker indicating I was on the jury call.

So what do you need to know about this process?

I was questioned & released. Sounds more like a suspect in a crime than jury duty, hmmm?about 4 hours ago from TweetDeck

It is an important part of being a citizen. Our democratic process relies on this sacrifice by us to participate in our judicial process. This occurs whenever a defendant, whether it is a lawsuit for money damages, or a criminal case where the individual could go to jail, prison, or worse, decides they want to trust their fate to members of the community instead of a judge.

You can read some of my thoughts about the process as I experienced it at twitter.com/chicagoduilaw.

I do have a few thoughts on jury duty because the process is a lot like finding out your flight has been delayed at the airport, or I imagine what detention after school must feel like. Absolutely, mind-numbing by about 2:00 p.m. in the afternoon, if you aren't selected for a jury and you haven't been released for the day either.

1. Bring your cell phone and a way to charge it.

2. Bring snacks, coffee, tea, etc. the vending machines are limited in their offerings.

3. Bring puzzles.

4. Bring reading materials, a big book, or better yet your Kindle.

5. Bring a laptop with a power cord, at least 2 DVD's for a minimum of 4 hours of watching materials, and a headset.

6. Bring your fully charged ipod.

7. If you are planning your wedding or have holiday cards to get out, bring your cards and invitations with you (you may have way more down time than you had originally expected).

8. Bring money for food because they don't provide it for you.

9. If you are at the Daley Center, look for a seat close to the window, otherwise you may spend time looking to get out and you are on the 17th floor.

10. FYI- They place a sheriff at the doorway so you really can't leave, nor can folks come visit you or bring you stuff, like Coke Zero .

When they finally call your panel to dismiss you, that $17.20 check feels like the key to freedom.