I would feel guilty ducking jury service absent illness, caretaking of another, death in the family, financial hardship, or a conflict with one's preexisting plans like a cruise. Absent personal illness, you would be expected to show up in response to the summons, then ask to be excused.
A request to be excused must be made in writing to the court that issued the summons and must be supported by appropriate documentation. Requests for excuse should be directed to the Jury Commissioner's Office. Your service is required as a prospective juror for a minimum of one day.
A prospective juror may be excused if he/she: Has a physical or mental disability that would prevent him/her from serving. Must provide actual and necessary care for another and alternate arrangements are not feasible. Is unable to read or understand the English language. Over 75 years of age.
Anyone who has a strong opinion that relates to the case will generally receive a dismissal. For example, a potential juror might believe that women are bad drivers. In a case involving a female driver, the defense attorney will request that individual's dismissal from the case.
Attendance/Failure to Appear Once selected, jurors go directly to the courtroom. A juror who is summoned and who willfully and without reasonable excuse fails to appear for jury service may be found by the court to be in contempt and subject to penalties provided by law.
Reasons for Being Excused from Jury Service Medical reasons. Public necessity. Undue hardship. Dependent care. Student Status. Military conflict. Other reason deemed sufficient by the court.
A request to be excused must be made in writing to the court that issued the summons and must be supported by appropriate documentation. Requests for excuse should be directed to the Jury Commissioner's Office. Your service is required as a prospective juror for a minimum of one day.
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.
Missing court does not end the potential juror's service. The court will send you a second jury duty request if you missed your first appearance. If you miss a jury date, serious consequences can take effect. You could be held in contempt of court and required to attend jury duty on a different date.