For many people, jury duty is a hassle. You have to take time off work and show up on the day of your service with no guarantee that you will be dismissed. But what happens if you are trying to get out of it? Can you get out of jury duty?
The answer may surprise you! Regardless of whether or not there is an emergency, illness, or other reason for getting out of jury duty–you can try these tactics:
Postpone Your Selection
If you have a big event going on when you are called on to serve as a juror, it is perfectly reasonable to request to serve another time. Things such as weddings, planned and paid for vacations, or any other major event are valid excuses.
Although work is usually not a reason to be let out of jury duty, if you are an accountant asked to serve during tax season, it is likely you will be granted approval to move your jury service to a different time of year when things are less busy
If you can’t postpone your selection date, it is important that you not show up on time. If this tactic doesn’t work, follow the next one below.
Have a Family Member With an Emergency
If someone in your family has to go into the hospital or needs help because of some other traumatic event and they need emotional support, you may be granted a full release from jury duty or be able to reschedule your service time.
Plead Hardship
Hardship means that being called to serve on a multi-day or multi week trial would be impossible from a financial standpoint.
The person in question is a part-time worker without benefits or vacation time. They would also be unable to care for children, elderly parents, or other dependents during the jury duty period because they are needed at home.
Plead hardship by submitting an affidavit that explains your situation and how it will affect you financially if called
Admit That You Cannot Be Fair and Unbiased
If you have any kind of bias that would affect your ability to provide a fair and impartial verdict, the court will not require you to serve as a juror.
The types of bias that might disqualify someone from jury service are:
– Racial bias, which would be shown by prejudice against or favoritism towards members of particular racial groups
– Religious bias, which would show any preference for one religion over another.
Show Your Stubbornness
When you act like a know-it-all, no one will want you to serve on the jury. Do not lie about being stubborn, but if it is a part of your personality, its expression will likely find you released from having to serve.
Voice Strong Opinions About Law Enforcement
Whether you love them or are suspicious of them, voicing any kind of opinions about law enforcement officers will ensure you are not selected. Do not lie about your feelings, but if you feel passionately on the subject matter, make sure to vocalize it.