Getting summoned for jury duty is a civic responsibility that most people respect in theory—but in practice, it often lands at the worst possible time. Showing up can mean days (or weeks) off work, disrupted schedules, childcare chaos, or simply a lot of waiting in uncomfortable chairs.
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While you can’t just ignore the summons (that’s illegal), there are legitimate, legally recognized reasons that courts accept to excuse or postpone service. Below are 10 good, commonly accepted reasons people successfully use to get out of jury duty, based on real court policies across most U.S. states (including New York, where you’re located).
1. Financial Hardship
You’ll lose income you can’t afford to miss, and your employer doesn’t pay for jury service (or pays very little).
Courts frequently excuse self-employed people, freelancers, small-business owners, commission-based workers, or anyone whose absence would cause serious financial strain.
2. Primary Caregiver Responsibilities
You’re the sole or primary caregiver for young children, elderly parents, a disabled family member, or someone who requires constant medical attention.
No one else can reasonably step in during your service dates—courts prioritize family obligations.
3. Medical Conditions or Health Issues
You have a physical or mental health condition that makes sitting for long periods difficult, or you have an ongoing medical treatment/appointment schedule that conflicts.
A doctor’s note is usually required, but chronic pain, mobility issues, anxiety disorders, or recent surgery often qualify.
4. Student Status (Full-Time Enrollment)
You’re currently enrolled full-time in college, graduate school, law school, medical school, etc., and jury service would seriously disrupt your semester or exams.
Many states (including New York) automatically excuse or defer students during active academic terms.
5. Active Military Service or Essential Government Employment
You’re in the military (active duty), a first responder (police, firefighter, EMT), or hold a critical government position where your absence would endanger public safety or operations.
These are among the strongest automatic exemptions in most jurisdictions.
6. Over 70 Years Old (Age Exemption)
In New York and many other states, anyone 70 or older is automatically excused from jury duty upon request—no questions asked.
Some states drop the age to 65 or 75, but 70 is the common threshold.
7. Recent Jury Service
You served on a jury (or were called and appeared) within the last 1–8 years (varies by state).
In New York, if you served within the last 6 years, you’re generally exempt for another 6 years.
8. Non-Resident or Wrong Jurisdiction
You no longer live at the address listed on the summons, or you’re summoned to a county/court where you don’t reside.
Courts will dismiss if you can prove you moved or the summons was sent in error.
9. Language Barrier
English is not your primary language, and you would have significant difficulty understanding court proceedings, testimony, or instructions without an interpreter—and no interpreter is available.
This is a valid constitutional concern; courts often excuse rather than risk a mistrial.
10. Extreme Hardship or “Undue Hardship”
This catch-all category covers situations not neatly listed above but that would cause serious difficulty:
- You’re the only employee in a small business and closure would cause major financial loss.
- You have a pre-paid vacation or critical work trip already booked and non-refundable.
- You’re in the middle of a major life event (closing on a house, surgery scheduled, etc.).
Judges have wide discretion here—many people get excused simply by politely explaining genuine hardship.
Quick Tips for New York City Residents (2026)
- Respond online or by mail within 5–10 days of receiving the summons (check the form).
- Use the hardship section on the juror qualification questionnaire or request an excuse/deferral online at nycourts.gov/jury.
- Be honest—courts can verify claims (especially medical or employment). Fabricating reasons can lead to penalties.
- If deferred, you’ll usually get a new date 6–24 months later.
Key Takeaways
Most of these reasons to get out of jury duty are legitimate excuses or deferrals recognized by courts nationwide, including New York. Financial hardship, caregiving duties, health issues, student status, and recent service are among the most commonly granted.
Jury duty is important, but so is your livelihood, health, and family. If any of these situations genuinely apply to you, fill out the excuse request form clearly and provide supporting documentation when required. Judges understand real-life conflicts and grant exemptions every day.
Stay polite, be truthful, and respond promptly—doing so increases your chances of being excused without drama.
