Paso Robles, CA asked in Criminal Law for California

Q: During Voir Dire, can I get in trouble if I admit to something illegal that would make me a biased juror?

I am particularly concerned because I was excused from a criminal case involving drug possession. I admitted I was previously involved in illegal drug possession although I was never arrested nor charged in that. At the moment I knew it was in the best interest of the court and I was being authentic through and through, however it just came as an afterthought that I admitted to that in front of a judge, a few attorneys, and police officers. It this helps your ability to answer the question, I was a user in a different state and county at shortest 6 years* ago when I was a minor. Thank you for your time in answering this question!

*Updated to reflect specific time period

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2 Lawyer Answers
David Stephen Kestenbaum
David Stephen Kestenbaum
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Van Nuys, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: No, you have nothing to worry about. In fact, being truthful is what the entire process of Voir Dire is about so you did the right thing. Also, you can't be convicted based on just your own words; they need other evidence.

Thanks for participating in the jury process!

Maurice Mandel II agrees with this answer

1 user found this answer helpful

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
Answered
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: OMG, are you in big trouble now!!, an HONEST JUROR!!! There are going to be awards, parades, you may even be given the key to the city. With seriousness and attempted humor aside, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for participating in the jury process. It truly is a wonderful thing you did, even if you did not get selected. You learned about the Court, its process and may have influenced others to be thoughtful in making their decisions. What you participated in came from really old England but it is a part of the rights of every citizen in the US, as set out in the Constitution of the US, guaranteed, without resort to Race, Religion, Creed, Color, Ancestry or Land Ownership. (this was not always so) and it is the ONLY way that an individual can "level the playing field" against the mega corporations of the world. Just one person's opinion.

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