Birthday Celebrations Do Not Trump Jury Duty

That’s what Rhovan Curtis, of Coconut Creek, learned after reporting to state court in Fort Lauderdale on July 23, his 20th birthday. When Judge Joel Lazarus told the pool of potential jurors to return after lunch, Curtis asked if he could be excused. His friends were “firing up the grill” for his birthday barbecue, he explained. The judge said no. After the lunch break, Curtis was a no-show.On Wednesday, he was back in court to answer to a misdemeanor charge: indirect contempt of court.The judge did weigh Curtis’ clean record and remorse. Instead of ordering the maximum six-month sentence, Lazarus opted for 25 hours of community service and this warning: “The next time you’re called for jury duty, you better show up.” Curtis gets to sidestep a criminal conviction. He would have spent less time on the jury — the burglary case he was being considered for wrapped up after two days. Looking humbled and nervous Wednesday in a dark suit and with his head bowed, Curtis gave the judge a typed letter of apology.”I’ve been generous my whole life and always put others before myself accept on July 23, 2007, when I let you and the Jury down,” the letter said. “In the end I had a birthday full of stress and worry.” Curtis also wrote of his newfound respect for the important role jurors play in the criminal justice system. “He made a youthful mistake to go to his birthday celebration,” said Curtis’ attorney, Michael A. Fischler. “He’s just learned a valuable lesson.” Next time he gets called for jury duty? “He’ll be there early and he’ll stay,” Fischler declared.

The above story comes from South Florida Sun-Sentinel (August 2, 2007) by Tonya Alanez