Being called for jury duty can be inconvenient—especially if you don’t have the time to spare. If you live in Texas and you’ve been called for jury duty, you may wonder if it’s possible to get out of it. The answer is yes, but before you take that route, here are some important things to consider.
Understanding Your Obligations Under Texas Law
Before we discuss how to get out of jury duty in Texas, let’s discuss your obligations under state law. All adult citizens who meet specific criteria must serve on a jury when called upon. Jurors are selected randomly from the voter registration list or the driver’s license list. The obligation to serve on a jury is an important civic responsibility and should not be taken lightly.
Qualifying Exemptions
Fortunately, there are certain circumstances under which citizens can be excused from serving on a jury in Texas. These include people over 70 years of age; those with medical conditions that make it difficult or impossible for them to serve; members of the clergy; those who have served on a criminal case within the past two years; and people who can demonstrate that serving on a jury presents an extreme financial hardship. It’s also important to note that employers cannot legally fire employees for taking time off work for jury duty – though this does not apply if an employee is self-employed or works as an independent contractor.
Exercising Your Right To Request An Excusal
If you qualify for an exemption or would experience extreme financial hardship by missing work, you can request an excusal from your judge or court clerk. You will need to provide supporting documents such as medical records or proof of employment and income levels to support your claim. Once your request has been reviewed, the judge or court clerk will decide whether you will be excused from jury duty.
In conclusion, getting out of jury duty in Texas is possible under certain circumstances – but it should only be done after careful consideration and in accordance with local laws and regulations. If you qualify for one of the exemptions listed above and would like to request an excusal from service, then contact your judge’s office or court clerk as soon as possible so they can review your request and decide accordingly. Good luck!
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