How to Not Be Selected for Jury Duty: Moving, Disqualifying Yourself, Not Answering the Summons, and More

Introduction

Jury duty is a civic obligation that many people try to avoid. It involves being summoned to court to serve as a member of a jury that hears legal disputes and decides whether someone is guilty or innocent. Being selected for jury duty can be inconvenient and time consuming, so it’s understandable why some people want to avoid it.

Moving to a Different Location

One way to avoid being selected for jury duty is to move to a different location. This could be a different city, county, or even state. The advantage of this option is that you would no longer be registered in the jury pool of your current area and therefore would not be called for jury duty. The disadvantage is that it could be expensive and time consuming to move, and it may not be a feasible option if you have family or work commitments.

Disqualifying Yourself Due to Your Occupation

Another way to avoid being selected for jury duty is to disqualify yourself due to your occupation. Certain occupations are exempt from jury duty, such as doctors, lawyers, law enforcement officers, and members of the armed forces. If you are employed in one of these professions, you can submit a request to be excused from jury duty. The advantage of this option is that it is relatively easy and straightforward. The disadvantage is that you may still be required to appear in court and explain why you should be excused.

Don’t Answer the Summons

If you receive a summons for jury duty, you can choose not to answer it. The advantage of this option is that it is simple and requires no effort on your part. The disadvantage is that there may be consequences for not responding to the summons. Depending on where you live, you may be subject to fines or even jail time for ignoring the summons.

Schedule an Appointment with Your Doctor

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from serving on a jury, you can schedule an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can provide documentation that explains why you are unable to serve on a jury. The advantage of this option is that it is relatively easy to obtain the necessary documentation and submit it to the court. The disadvantage is that it is possible that the court may still require you to appear in person to explain why you should be excused.

Ask to be Excused Due to Personal Reasons

You can also ask to be excused from jury duty due to personal reasons. Examples of personal reasons include childcare obligations, travel plans, financial hardship, or other extenuating circumstances. The advantage of this option is that you may be able to provide evidence to support your claim. The disadvantage is that the court may still require you to appear in person to explain why you should be excused.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to avoid being selected for jury duty. These include moving to a different location, disqualifying yourself due to your occupation, not answering the summons, scheduling an appointment with your doctor, and asking to be excused due to personal reasons. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, so make sure to consider all of them before making a decision.