To get out of jury duty, you can consider the following legitimate options based on your circumstances:
Legal Exemptions and Excuses
- Age: If you are over 70 or 75 years old (depending on jurisdiction), you may be eligible for a permanent exemption or excusal from jury duty
- Caregiving Responsibilities: If you have active care and custody of a child under 10 or 12 years old, or you are the primary caretaker of an elderly or infirm person, you can request to be excused
- Occupation: Certain public officers, government employees, active military personnel, or members of fire and police departments may be exempt
- Recent Jury Service: If you have served on a jury recently (within 1-3 years depending on local rules), you may be excused
- Medical or Hardship Reasons: Serious illness, disability, or financial hardship can be grounds for excusal if properly documented
How to Request an Excuse or Exemption
- Submit a written request or use the court's online system (like eJUROR) explaining your reason with any necessary proof or documentation
- Some jurisdictions automatically exempt certain groups (e.g., seniors over 65 in British Columbia)
- If your request is denied, you can appear in court and ask the judge for an exemption during jury selection
During Jury Selection (Voir Dire)
- Express any strong opinions or biases honestly that might disqualify you from serving on the jury
- Being overly enthusiastic or claiming expertise related to the case can sometimes lead to dismissal by attorneys
- Be truthful; lying to avoid jury duty can result in fines or contempt of court charges
Additional Tips
- Contact the court or jury office promptly after receiving your summons to explain your situation or request a deferral or exemption
- If serving would cause undue hardship or extreme inconvenience, clearly communicate this to the court
In summary, the best approach is to check if you qualify for any exemptions or excusals under your jurisdiction’s rules, submit a formal request with supporting evidence, and be honest during jury selection to avoid being chosen
. Avoid dishonesty as it carries legal risks.
