What are some of the best excuses people have used when they didn't want to show up for jury duty? You are not fluent in English. You are disabled, evidenced by a physician's attestation. You are hospitalized, again evidenced by a physician's attestation.
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.
The medical reasons can vary - you could have a severe acute condition that would prevent you from leaving the house (like a severe case of the flu, or broken bones, or anything that might prevent you from leaving), or you could have a chronic condition that affects your mobility or your stamina.
If you want to defer your service to a later date or be excused, you must make your request in writing to the jury office of the courthouse to which you have been summoned.
Failure of juror to appear. If any juror who has been given due notice to appear in court shall fail to do so without sufficient excuse, he shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $200.
You must describe the reasons you believe you should be deferred or excused and provide as much information as possible, including supporting documentation. You may mail your request, or you may submit your request on-line through eJuror.
Dress code is business casual; shorts, tank tops, jeans and the like are not appropriate.
Section 18.2-465.1 of the Code of Virginia states: "Any person who is summoned to serve on jury duty or any person, except a defendant in a criminal case, who is summoned or subpoenaed to appear in a court of law when a case is to be heard shall neither be discharged from employment or have any adverse personnel action ...