Is It Possible To Get Out Of Jury Duty In New Jersey?
Jury duty is a critical part of the justice system, ensuring fair trials by providing a pool of impartial citizens. However, many people seek to get out of jury duty when serving becomes a personal or financial burden.
In New Jersey, specific laws outline legitimate reasons for excusal. Here’s everything you need to know about your eligibility and the process for requesting to be excused from jury duty.
New Jersey courts understand that certain personal circumstances may make serving on a jury difficult or impossible. Below are the most common grounds for requesting an excusal.
Age-Based Excusal
The simplest case is age. If you’re 75 years or older, you can request to be excused without additional requirements beyond verifying your date of birth with the Jury Management Office. This makes sense — it would be strange to make someone in their 80s sit through a lengthy medical malpractice trial.
Medical Conditions Preventing Service
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from serving, such as a brain injury from a car accident, you may qualify for an excusal. Your doctor will need to submit a physician certification or a medical note confirming your inability to serve and the duration of the condition.
Severe Financial Hardship
Jury service can pose a serious financial burden, especially if you’re self-employed or an hourly worker or have recently been dismissed from work.
To be dismissed under this provision, you must provide evidence listing your household income, confirmation of whether your employer will pay you during service, and details about how the length of service would affect your ability to support yourself or your family.
Caregiver Obligations
You may be excused if you’re the sole caregiver for:
- Minor children with no available alternative care
- Sick, elderly, or infirm dependents who require your presence
Supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note for dependent care or a sworn certification for childcare obligations, will be necessary.
Essential Healthcare Providers
Healthcare workers providing specialized technical services or direct care for individuals with disabilities may also qualify for excusal. These professionals must submit a medical license and a letter from their employer verifying that no suitable replacement is available.
Previous Jury Service
If you’ve served as a juror in the same county within the last three years, you’re eligible for dismissal. However, jury service in federal court doesn’t exempt you from state jury duty.
Full-Time Teachers During the School Year
Full-time teachers may be excused if they’re essential to school operations, particularly special education teachers whose absence would disrupt students’ education. A letter from the school superintendent is required to confirm this need.
How To Avoid Jury Duty Through Deferrals
Even if you don’t qualify for excusal, New Jersey allows for deferrals in cases where personal circumstances make it temporarily impossible to serve.
For instance, if you have an upcoming vacation, wedding, or event, the Jury Management Office may let you postpone your service until a more convenient time. Keep in mind, though, that deferring only delays the obligation — you’ll still be required to serve later.
What Happens If You Ignore a Jury Duty Summons?
While some people attempt to avoid jury duty by ignoring the summons altogether, this approach is risky. Failing to respond to a summons could result in a charge of contempt of court and potential legal consequences. It’s always better to follow proper procedures by submitting an excusal request or deferral if needed.
What To Keep In Mind About Jury Duty In New Jersey
Jury duty is an important civic responsibility, but New Jersey law recognizes that some circumstances make serving difficult. Whether it’s medical issues, financial hardship, or caregiver obligations, you can request excusal with the appropriate documentation.
If you don’t qualify for excusal, applying for a deferral may be the best way to put off your duties. Just don’t shirk them, or you could end up in legal trouble yourself.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer for a Free Case Assessment
If you’ve been injured in a New Jersey accident, a Freehold personal injury lawyer can help you recover compensation for your losses. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. In this initial consultation, your lawyer will analyze your case, discuss your rights, and create a personalized strategy for recovery.
Contact the New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers of Noonan & McMahon, LLC for Help Today
Noonan & McMahon, LLC – Freehold Office
35 Court St 1A, Freehold, NJ 07728
(732) 515 3996