Clearly communicating your financial or medical hardship is the only way to get excused. Use our templates below to ensure your request is professional and legally sound.
This version is specifically for individuals whose absence from work would cause immediate and severe financial instability.
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Summons ID Number]
[Date]
To the Jury Commissioner,
I am writing to respectfully request an excusal from jury service scheduled for [Date] due to extreme financial hardship.
I am [Self-employed / the sole provider for my household]. My current employment situation does not provide for paid jury leave. Because my income is based solely on [billable hours / daily sales / gig work], any absence from my duties would result in a total loss of income for the duration of the trial.
Specifically, missing even one week of work would prevent me from meeting my basic obligations, including [rent/mortgage and essential utilities]. I have attached [a copy of my pay stub / tax return / business license] as evidence of my financial status.
I am committed to fulfilling my civic duty in the future when my financial circumstances allow for the required time away from my livelihood.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Option 2: Medical Hardship / Disability
Use this template if a physical or mental health condition prevent you from serving.
[Your Name]
[Address]
[Summons ID Number]
[Date]
To the Jury Commissioner,
I am writing to request an excusal from my upcoming jury service due to a medical condition that prevents me from fulfilling the requirements of a juror.
I currently suffer from [Condition Name, optional] which makes it [impossible to sit for long periods / difficult to concentrate / unsafe for me to be in a crowded environment].
I have attached a signed statement from my physician, [Doctor's Name], which confirms that my condition is [permanent / expected to last through the trial dates] and that I am medically unable to serve at this time.
Thank you for your understanding regarding this health matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Pro Tip for Success
Courts rarely excuse people based on a letter alone. Always attach evidence. For financial hardship, attach a pay stub showing $0 jury pay. For medical, attach a doctor's note on official letterhead. A well-worded letter with zero evidence is almost always rejected.