Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Badge - Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forums
Badge - New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Attorney
Badge
Badge - New Jersey's Best Lawyers For Families 2018
Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers
Badge - AV Preeminent Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Client Champion Gold
Badge - Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce
Badge - Top 100 The National Trial Lawyers
Please click Award & Selection Criteria & Methodology for information regarding the specific criteria used for selection of each of the above awards.

September 2016 - The Jury – A Key Component of Our Justice System

Jury Duty

Jury duty – some people find it interesting; others dread it. Regardless of your reaction, you have a civic duty to serve if selected.

On a State level, there are three types of jury service:

  • Petit Jury – Hears criminal and civil cases; if selected for a trial, you must report each day court is in session for the duration of the trial;

  • Grand Jury – Determines if there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges; generally meets once a week for a specified number of weeks at the County courthouse;

  • State Grand Jury – Same as a Grand Jury, but meets in Trenton.

The Selection Process
  • The jury selection list is compiled from voter registrations, driver’s license records, personal State income tax returns, and Homestead Rebate applications. To help ensure your name appears on the jury selection list only once, always use your legal name when filling out relevant forms and make sure all information, including address, is correct.

  • A random, computerized selection process is used, which can lead to some people being called for service more frequently than others. You can be excused if you have already served in the same county within the past three years; doesn’t apply if previous service was as a federal juror.

Juror Qualifications
  • Jurors must be State residents, U.S. citizens, and physically and mentally able to carry out the duties of a juror. You cannot have been convicted of, or pled guilty to, an indictable offense. This doesn’t apply to municipal offenses (e.g., traffic violations, shoplifting charges, DUI, juvenile offenses).

Valid Reasons to Be Excused
  • Age (You must be at least 18; those 75 or older may request to be excused.)

  • Primary caregiver for a minor, or sick or elderly dependent. (Service may be postponed so you can make alternate care arrangements.)

  • Active emergency services volunteer. (Applies to fire, rescue, and first aid squad volunteers; verification required. Also applies to active U.S. Military members.)

  • Compromised ability to support yourself or your family (Supporting documentation required.)

Jurors are a key component of our justice system. The next time you’re called to serve, consider the importance of your role. 
What Our Clients are Saying
★★★★★

I was very proud to be represented by Tony and felt secure at a time I needed a compass to head out of a difficult bind. Confidence in your counsel and a sense of security in understanding how best to proceed are important reasons to consider Anthony Kearns and his team of outstanding lawyers.

- Lynn
★★★★★

Tony was excellent! He was knowledgeable, responsive and on-time. His experience as a County Prosecutor definitely helped our case as he knows how the legal system works and how to navigate. I highly recommend Tony and his office.

- Matt
★★★★★

Thankfully I found Kearns Rotolo Law and I had a wonderful experience working with Charles Rifici on a difficult divorce/child custody issue. I am so grateful for all the work and guidance he provided. He always took his time and diligently went through all my options with me so I could make the decisions that benefitted my family and I. I will be forever thankful for the top notch services he provided.

- Cinthya
★★★★★

In March of 2022 I contacted Kearns Rotolo Law Firm with an urgent problem, Mr. Kearns and Mr. Rotolo contacted me immediately to give me hope as to rectify my problem. The end result was Mr Kearns was able to solve my issue through extreme professionalism, I am very grateful I found Kearns Rotolo Law firm and I would recommend their law firm to anyone that has a less extreme problem or a more complex problem, I am very grateful for their services.

- Bill
★★★★★

I met with Mr. Kearns yesterday about a devastating situation affecting our family. Mr. Kearns and his entire staff made us feel extremely comfortable and showed our family a compassionate side that gave us comfort in the most uncomfortable of situations. Thank you very much. God Bless.

- Christian