Douglas Maupin arrested for 83 days for failing to appear for jury duty

Officials in McKinney, Texas, said a masonry contractor spent 83 days in jail for failing to appear for jury duty.

Douglas Maupin was released from jail on Saturday, a day after The Dallas Morning News brought his plight to the attention of a Collin County judge.

According to the newspaper, Maupin was arrested on February 15 after police pulled him over for speeding. A check of his ID revealed a 2003 warrant for failure to appear for jury duty and he was arrested.

While in jail, Maupin wrote a letter to the newspaper telling them about his lengthy jail stay and not being able to afford his $1,500 bail.

The mason also said a jail clerk denied his request for a public defender.

District Judge Chris Oldner said he was unaware of Maupin’s detention until Friday, even though the case was assigned to his court, after the judge who signed the original 2003 warrant retired.

“He should not have spent that much time.  This is unacceptable,” Judge Oldner said.  “I don’t know why the process failed to notify us.”

Maupin, 34, said, “I do know I have the right to due process and a speedy trial.  I’ve had neither.  It’s not right.”