False Jury Withdrawal In Contra Costa
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FAQ
You must inform the court that you are not able to serve. Requests to be excused must be in writing and submitted to the Office of the Jury Commissioner prior to the prospective juror's service date.
By law, the courts will excuse from jury duty anyone with a mental or physical condition that would keep them from serving as a juror. There is not an exemption based on age, but you may request to be excused if you have a hardship that would make it difficult to serve.
You may be excused if you have a serious health problem. If you are sick or injured, you may postpone your service or request an excuse. If you are disabled, you may request a permanent medical excuse. Follow the directions on the summons for postponement or excuse.
You do have a legal obligation to be truthful wrt the questions that you are asked, and if you lie, you can be charged with perjury. Pretending to be unable to follow the judges instructions is a lie (that is implicit in the word ``pretending''), and you probably can't afford the prison time for perjury.
When writing a jury excuse letter, directly state why you cannot serve and how serving would lead to hardship. Valid exemptions include being ill or disabled, being the sole guardian of young children, or being over the age of 70. Include documentation such as a doctor's note or a letter from an employer.
If you have been convicted of a felony when the conviction has not been set aside or a pardon issued. If you are a judge, clerk of a district court, a sheriff, or a jailer. If your spouse has been summoned for the same jury panel. If you or your spouse have a pending jury trial in any court.
When writing a jury excuse letter, directly state why you cannot serve and how serving would lead to hardship. Valid exemptions include being ill or disabled, being the sole guardian of young children, or being over the age of 70. Include documentation such as a doctor's note or a letter from an employer.
Make sure to clearly state your request in your letter. Let the court or jury commissioner know that you are requesting an excusal from jury duty and provide the reason for your request. Keep your tone polite and professional while making a compelling case for why you cannot serve.
All requests to be excused from jury service that are granted for undue hardship must be put in writing by the prospective juror, reduced to writing, or placed on the court's record.
