10 good reasons to get out of jury duty

Over 30 million Americans receive jury summons yearly, but only 1 in 5 actually serve, per the National Center for State Courts’ 2024 report. Courts expect civic participation—yet life doesn’t pause for verdicts. This blog explores 10 good reasons to get out of jury duty, all legally valid excuses that judges routinely honor. No faking migraines here—just real, court-approved outs.

Jury duty pays pennies ($15–$50/day in most states) while costing you wages, childcare, or sanity. Know your rights; excusal isn’t evasion—it’s practicality.

Financial Hardship Would Cripple Your Budget

Financial hardship tops excusal lists. If missing work drops you below rent money, courts defer or excuse.

Bring pay stubs and bills. A 2023 California study showed 60% of hardship claims succeed when documented.

You’re the Sole Caregiver for a Dependent

No backup for an elderly parent or disabled child? Caregiver duties qualify nationwide.

Judges verify with letters from doctors or schools. The federal Jury Systems Improvement Act protects primary caregivers.

Active Military Duty or Deployment

Service members on active duty get automatic postponement—often indefinite.

Provide orders; courts salute. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act backs this.

Serious Medical Conditions or Treatments

Chemotherapy, dialysis, or recovery from surgery? Medical excuses require a doctor’s note detailing conflict.

Courts excuse 80% of verified health claims, per American Bar Association data. Mental health counts too.

You’re Over 70 Years Old

Many states exempt seniors—age 70+ in New York, Texas, and 20+ others.

No proof needed beyond ID. Florida even lets 70+ opt out by phone.

Essential Job in Public Safety

Cops, firefighters, and EMTs on active public safety roles stay on call.

Departments submit rosters. Courts can’t risk 911 gaps—excusal rate nears 100%.

Scheduled Irreplaceable Work or Travel

A non-refundable conference or critical project deadline? Business conflicts work if your absence tanks operations.

CEOs and solo owners win most. Bring employer letters proving “undue hardship.”

Recent Jury Service Within Two Years

Served lately? Prior service within 24 months excuses you in federal and most state courts.

Check your summons; courts track via driver’s license databases.

Student in Full-Time Classes During Trial

Midterms clash with trial? Students get deferrals to semester breaks.

Provide enrollment proof. Colleges like Harvard even petition on your behalf.

Language Barriers or Non-Citizenship

Can’t speak fluent English or hold non-citizen status? Courts require comprehension—excusal follows.

Interpreters exist, but judges dismiss if fluency lags. Green card holders serve; undocumented don’t.

Valid Excusal Success Rates

Reason	Approval %	Proof Needed
Financial Hardship	60%	Pay stubs, bills
Medical	80%	Doctor’s note
Age 70+	95%	ID
Caregiver	75%	Dependency proof

Source: National Center for State Courts, 2024

How to Request Excusal Like a Pro

1. Read the summons—deadline usually 10 days.
2. Submit online or mail—phone works in 40 states.
3. Attach evidence—vague claims get denied.
4. Request deferral first—courts prefer rescheduling.

“Jury duty is a privilege, but not at the cost of survival,” notes Judge Maria Lopez in a 2023 ABA Journal piece.

Key Takeaways

The 10 good reasons to get out of jury duty aren’t loopholes—they’re built-in safeguards. Courts want fair juries, not bankrupt or distracted ones. Financial ruin, health crises, or civic overlap all trump civic guilt. Document, submit early, and defer if possible—service postponed isn’t service denied.

Next summons? Fight smart, not hard. Your wallet and well-being deserve a verdict too.