Jury Duty

Today I was called for Jury Duty for a DUI case. I showed up promptly at 9 am and took a seat with the rest of the Jury Pool. In walked the Judge, defense attorney and Assistant DA. As each entered, they did a double take when they saw me sitting in the courtroom. The Jury selection began and , yes, I was picked as Juror #6. Then the voir dire (or questioning of jurors) began. We, as a jury, were asked if we could be impartial. Can I be impartial, yes, I do believe that I can be. What was today's outcome......you guessed it - I was the first Juror excused by the defense. What, they didn't want a Probation/Parole officer on the Jury?!!?! I personally think, the defense attorney made a mistake. I certainly have a better understanding of the arrest procedures and what "beyond a reasonable doubt" means than the average citizen. Over the past years I have worked with a lot of guilty people, however, I have also worked with some where I was not so sure they were. I think it's sad, that because of what I do, I am automatically thought to be pro-prosecution. Don't get me wrong, I do think people should pay for the crimes they commit, but I also believe that just because you were arrested does not mean you are guilty. Oh well, at least I have the rest of the day off! I know several of you are attorneys...would you let a Probation/Parole officer stay on your jury?