NH Jury Duty – Our justice system depends on citizens serving as jurors. But the civic duty of jury service can unquestionably pose a burden, not only to the person called for jury service but to the person’s employer as well. Should you be worried about your job security if you receive a summons for jury service?
NH Statutory Law
New Hampshire statutory law protects employees who are called for jury service. RSA 500-A:14 states that “An employer shall not deprive an employee of his employment, or threaten or coerce him regarding his employment because the employee receives and responds to a summons, serves as a juror, or attends court for prospective jury service.” A court may find an employer that violates this law to be in contempt.
The statute also provides a remedy to employees who are fired because they receive summonses, serve as jurors, or report to court for prospective jury service. Such employees may file a court action within one (1) year of their firing to recover wages lost as a result of the illegal firing and to obtain a Court Order requiring their employers to reinstate them. Employees successful in such a court case may also recover their reasonable attorney’s fees.
If you have questions about whether you have been subjected to a wrongful discharge, you should contact an experienced employee rights attorney such as Benjamin King at Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C. Attorney King can be reached at (603) 288-1403 or fill out our online contact form.