Jury Duty Summons: Excuses, Deferrals, Deadlines

A jury summons in the mail can raise many questions. Do you have to go? What if you have work, children, or a medical issue? Can you postpone? This guide explains how jury service generally works, with details from the federal courts, and how to handle your summons without missing a deadline.

Federal or state: check your summons first

Jury service exists in both federal and state courts. You may be called by a state or county court, or by a federal district court. The rules, forms, and deadlines are different for each.

Your summons or questionnaire is the most important document. It tells you which court summoned you, what you need to do, and by when. Read it carefully, and keep it in a safe place. Deadlines are set by the court and are printed in your paperwork — do not rely on general guides for dates.

Who qualifies for federal jury service

The federal judiciary's jury service page explains that the Jury Selection and Service Act sets the process for selecting federal jurors. Its page on juror qualifications, exemptions, and excuses says that to be legally qualified for federal jury service, a person must:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have lived primarily in the judicial district for at least one year
• Be able to adequately read, write, understand, and speak English
• Have no disqualifying mental or physical condition that cannot be addressed with an accommodation
• Not currently be subject to felony charges punishable by more than one year in prison
• Never have been convicted of a felony, unless civil rights have been legally restored or were never lost in the jurisdiction of conviction

State courts set their own qualifications, which may be similar but are not always the same.

Exemptions in federal court

The same federal page lists three groups that are exempt from federal jury service:

• Members of the armed forces and National Guard on active duty
• Members of professional (not volunteer) fire and police departments
• Full-time "public officers" of federal, state, or local governments, meaning people elected to public office or appointed by someone elected

The page explains that people employed full-time in these categories are barred from serving on federal juries, even if they would like to serve.

Excuses and deferrals

An excuse generally means you do not have to serve. A deferral generally means your service is moved to a later date.

For federal courts, the qualifications page explains that most district courts offer permanent excuses, on individual request, to certain groups for whom service would be an undue hardship or extreme inconvenience. It gives examples such as people over 70, people who served on a federal jury within the past two years, and volunteer firefighters or members of a rescue squad or ambulance crew. Federal courts may also offer temporary deferrals or excusals based on "undue hardship or extreme inconvenience."

The page notes that excuses are granted at the discretion of the court and that each of the 94 federal district courts has its own jury procedures and policies. To ask about a deferral or excusal, contact the court that summoned you.

State courts have their own rules for excuses and deferrals. Common reasons people ask include medical conditions, caregiving duties, travel already booked, or serious financial hardship — but whether a reason is accepted depends on the court.

How to respond to a federal summons

According to the judiciary's page for people summoned for federal jury service, you complete the Juror Qualification Questionnaire through the district court's website using eJuror, or by mail. Through eJuror, potential jurors may be able to update personal information, check when they need to report, request an excuse or deferral, and choose an alternate time if a deferral is granted. Follow the instructions on your summons or questionnaire to find the right page.

For state courts, your summons will explain whether you respond online, by mail, or by phone.

Work and pay

The federal juror pay page explains that federal jurors are paid for each day of service and may receive certain travel reimbursements. It also says the Jury Selection and Service Act forbids any employer from firing, intimidating, or coercing any permanent employee because of their federal jury service. Federal law does not require an employer to continue paying your salary during service, so check your employer's policy. State laws on juror pay and job protection vary.

Watch out for juror scams

The federal judiciary warns about juror scams. Scammers call, email, or message people, threaten fines or jail for missing jury duty, and ask for personal or financial information. The judiciary says federal courts do not require anyone to provide sensitive information in a phone call or email, and that most contact with prospective jurors is by U.S. mail. If you receive a suspicious message, do not share information; contact the clerk's office of your local court using contact details you find yourself, and you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

When a lawyer may help

Most people handle a jury summons on their own. A lawyer may be useful if you missed a deadline or a report date and received a notice from the court, if you have questions about job protection after jury service, or if you are unsure whether a past conviction affects your eligibility. For general help, the USAGov legal aid page lists free and low-cost programs, and our legal guides cover other court topics. Questions about being disciplined at work after jury service may fit employment lawyers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I just ignore a jury summons?

That is not a good idea. Courts take jury service seriously. If you cannot serve, contact the court and ask about an excuse or deferral before your deadline.

How do I postpone jury duty?

Follow the instructions on your summons. Federal courts often allow deferral requests through eJuror. State courts have their own process.

Will my employer pay me during jury duty?

It depends on your employer and your state. For federal service, the judiciary says federal law does not require employers to continue your salary.

How can I tell if a jury duty call is a scam?

Be suspicious of any call or email that threatens arrest and asks for personal or payment information. Contact the court directly using a number you find yourself.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case is different — talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.