Q&A for How to Get Out of Jury Duty

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  • Question
    Can I be excused from jury duty because I am so terrified to do it and nervous about it?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you have been seen by your physician for anxiety in the past, you could approach them and explain the situation and they would probably be willing to write you an excuse.
  • Question
    What is the age limit for jury duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There is no upper age limit to serve as a juror. You must be at least 18 years of age to serve. However, if you are 75 years of age or older, you may be excused from jury duty at your request - no medical excuse required.
  • Question
    Can I be excused if I currently have a close relative in prison and am very stressed out?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It would be seen as a conflict of interest. You may have a biased opinion of the judicial and correction systems.
  • Question
    What can I do if I am unable to leave home due to medical complications? How can I get out of Jury Duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You will have to provide a doctor's note clearly stating that you are unable to serve due to your medical condition.
  • Question
    Can I get out of jury duty if my English is not very good?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Absolutely, because most attorneys wouldn't want someone on the jury to not understand the English language, but you may be asked to provide evidence to prove this.
  • Question
    Can I be excused if I have no means of transportation?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    They will ask you why you cannot take public transportation. You will have to explain why you can't afford to take public transportation or why it's not possible to take public transportation there from your location.
  • Question
    Is age a reason not to serve on a jury?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In some areas, being too old may qualify someone to get out of jury duty.
  • Question
    I have a child with a mental/psychological impairment. Can this get me out of jury duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    In most places, you may claim an exemption if you are necessarily and personally responsible during normal court hours for providing the continuous care required by a child or children age 16 years of age or younger of whom you have legal custody or a person having a physical or mental impairment. Check with your state for specific exemptions.
  • Question
    Can I be excused for jury duty if I have a mental illness?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You will excused if you have any physical or mental illness that would prevent you from performing the duties of a juror (which isn't any generic mental disorder or illness). You must provide the court with a signed doctor's note attesting to your illness.
  • Question
    Can I be excused from jury duty if I just started a new job?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, you would just tell them and will mark it down to temporarily excuse you from serving. However, they will likely call on you again within the next several years.
  • Question
    Can I get out of jury duty if I have already purchased airline tickets and paid for registration for an event out of state during the time frame of the jury duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You must show your airline ticket confirmation to the court to prove it. Additionally, you may also submit the proof of the event you are attending and show dates.
  • Question
    Can I be excused from jury duty if I have epilepsy?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you show proof of your condition and that the chances of it impeding your decision-making skills are high, then yes.
  • Question
    What do I do if I no longer live in the same county?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You will be excused when you show proof of your new address in the county you now reside in. You can use a copy of a utility bill or other piece of mail or a driver's license or state ID card with the new address.
  • Question
    What should I do if I no longer live in the state I have jury duty in?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You would need to show proof you no longer live in that state. You will be excused from jury duty.
  • Question
    Can you be excused from jury duty if you are attending a memorial service for a very close friend?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Probably depending on who is reviewing it. You would likely be 'recycled' back into juror selection pool.
  • Question
    Can I be excused because of diminished hearing?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    With a doctor's note and the results of a qualified test indicating that you may not hear crucial evidence, it may be possible to be excused. Remember to always be truthful to the extent of your condition. Most people have slight hearing damage that would not excuse them from jury duty.
  • Question
    Can I be excused from jury duty if I have ADHD?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Probably not. You can try getting a medical note, but it will be up to the judge.
  • Question
    I don't speak English well, will there be a French interpreter in the courtroom?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Usually there is, but you can also use that as an excuse to get out of jury duty.
  • Question
    Is age 75 an exception?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It may or may not be based upon the jurisdiction. In New York, anyone age 70 or older does not have to serve on juries (they can if they want to).
  • Question
    I'm disabled and have to use a walker. Is this a reason to get out of jury duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It's unlikely. Check with your doctor. Most courthouses are accessible, and you'll be sitting most of the time.
  • Question
    What if I'm a convicted felon 40 years prior?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Regardless of the crime, if you have been convicted of a felony, you may still be disqualified form serving for jury duty. The federal requirements for serving on jury duty are similar to most states. A convicted felon is not able to serve on a federal jury duty.
  • Question
    Can a military veteran be called for jury duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, they certainly can.
  • Question
    I'm in college. Do I have to go to jury duty?
    Rich Tamayo
    Rich Tamayo
    Community Answer
    Being a full-time student typically doesn't qualify as an excuse (unless you're in high school), so it may not be possible for you to get out of jury duty entirely just because you're a student. However, many states allow full-time students to postpone their service until school is not in session.
  • Question
    Do I need to respond to a special request letter if I am 83 years old?
    Rich Tamayo
    Rich Tamayo
    Community Answer
    You must contact the court regardless of your age. You will not be made to serve past 75, but since the requests are sent out via a computer, no human actually sees the outgoing requests, and thus you must show proof to the court yourself.
  • Question
    Can I be excused if I was once a police officer in another state?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That's not something that would automatically disqualify you, but something you should disclose.
  • Question
    I am deaf and I do not speak English. What proof do I need to get out of jury duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Go to the court on summons day and ask for a translator. The court will provide one. You can talk to the translator; the translator will relay all your information to the judge, who will decide if you will be excused.
  • Question
    Can I be excused if I am clergy?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Possibly, as you need to be accessible for Last Rights Moments and sudden illness emergencies for your congregation.
  • Question
    I believe that the criminal and civil judicial systems in the US are corrupt and that most cops are accomplished liars, and I will vote to acquit regardless of the evidence. If I make this statement to the judge and the lawyers, will I be excused from jury duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    There is a good chance that you will be excused, but you'll still need to fill out the summons and appear on the requested date to make your statement.
  • Question
    Can I get out of jury duty if I work afternoons and will not be able to go to bed before reporting to jury duty?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could try. It depends on the attorneys and judge on the case.
  • Question
    Can I get out of jury duty if I'm going out of town for a couple of months?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you really are going out of town. Respond to your summons and tell them you will be out of town. Ask to have your jury duty rescheduled. They may ask where you are going and how long you will be gone. Respond honestly, as lying is perjury, which can land you in court as a defendant!
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