Folks skipping jury duty in Wayne County are getting a stern warning from a judge.
Third Circuit Court Judge Robert Colombo is having a show cause hearing for about 300 people who have skipped jury duty several times.
He hopes his message to them will be loud and clear.
"When you sit as a juror, you sit as a judge," he explained. "You do the exact same things as I do."
Judge Colombo is very serious when it comes to honoring your civic duty.
Jury duty is an obligation that thousands in Wayne County have skipped.
In 2016, more than 62,000 jurors were called to serve and 22,000 failed to appear.
On April 27, Colombo will have a show cause hearing with 300 people who've habitually skipped jury duty.
They will have the opportunity to reschedule or explain a valid reason as to why they can't serve on a jury.
If they still do not agree to jury duty, they could face a $250 or jail time.
But skipping the hearing could land you in big trouble.
He said, "If you don't appear for the show cause hearing, a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest."
The judge says one of the more common reasons people say they can't serve on a jury is lack of transportation.
Starting in May, free bus tickets will be provided if you are chosen to serve on a jury.
Folks skipping jury duty in Wayne County are getting a stern warning from a judge.
Third Circuit Court Judge Robert Colombo is having a show cause hearing for about 300 people who have skipped jury duty several times.
He hopes his message to them will be loud and clear.
"When you sit as a juror, you sit as a judge," he explained. "You do the exact same things as I do."
Judge Colombo is very serious when it comes to honoring your civic duty.
Jury duty is an obligation that thousands in Wayne County have skipped.
In 2016, more than 62,000 jurors were called to serve and 22,000 failed to appear.
On April 27, Colombo will have a show cause hearing with 300 people who've habitually skipped jury duty.
They will have the opportunity to reschedule or explain a valid reason as to why they can't serve on a jury.
If they still do not agree to jury duty, they could face a $250 or jail time.
But skipping the hearing could land you in big trouble.
He said, "If you don't appear for the show cause hearing, a bench warrant will be issued for your arrest."
The judge says one of the more common reasons people say they can't serve on a jury is lack of transportation.
Starting in May, free bus tickets will be provided if you are chosen to serve on a jury.
