Not everyone is required to serve, but most adults can be called

You can be summoned for jury duty if you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, speak English well enough to understand court proceedings, and live in the county where the court is located. Those are the baseline requirements. However, the court can excuse you from service for reasons like hardship, medical conditions, prior commitments, or age. Some people are disqualified entirely — convicted felons in most states, people who have been found mentally incompetent by a court, and non-citizens cannot serve. A few occupations may be exempt, though this varies by state and judge.

The key point: receiving a summons does not mean you will serve. It means you are in the pool of people the court can draw from. The court will ask you questions about your situation, and you may be excused before trial even begins.

Key Takeaways

  • You can be called for jury duty if you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18, speak English, and live in the county — but being called does not mean you will serve.
  • Felony convictions, mental incompetency findings, and non-citizenship disqualify you permanently in most states.
  • Hardship, medical conditions, caregiving duties, and scheduled travel are common reasons courts excuse people from service.
  • Some occupations like active military or certain government roles may be exempt, but exemptions differ by state and judge.
  • If you receive a summons, you must respond — ignoring it can result in fines or contempt charges.

Who can be summoned for jury duty

Courts draw jurors from voter registration rolls, driver's license records, or tax records in your county. To be in that pool, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of the county for at least one year (the exact time varies by state), and able to speak and understand English. You do not need to own property, have a job, or have any special knowledge.

Being summoned means the court has randomly selected your name and is asking you to appear for jury selection. It does not obligate you to serve — that decision comes later, after the court and the lawyers for both sides have questioned you.

Who is permanently disqualified

Certain people cannot serve on a jury under any circumstances. In most states, you are disqualified if you have been convicted of a felony and have not had your rights restored. Some states restore voting and jury rights automatically after you complete your sentence; others require a separate petition. You should check your state's rules if you have a felony conviction.

You are also disqualified if a court has found you mentally incompetent or if you are not a U.S. citizen. Non-citizens, including permanent residents, cannot serve. If you fall into any of these categories and receive a summons, you can respond by explaining your status, and the court will remove you from the pool.

Common reasons the court will excuse you

Even if you meet the basic requirements, the court can excuse you from service if you have a legitimate hardship. The most common reasons include medical conditions that make sitting in court difficult or impossible, caregiving duties you cannot reschedule, financial hardship that would result from missing work, and pre-planned travel that cannot be changed. Some courts are more flexible than others, and some judges are stricter about what counts as hardship.

Age can also be grounds for excuse. While 18 is the minimum age to serve, courts often excuse people over 70 or 75, though they are not automatically exempt. If you are very elderly or have serious health issues, explain that in your response to the summons.

Jury duty typically lasts a few days to a week for most trials, though some cases run longer. If you have a specific conflict during the trial dates, tell the court. Many courts will reschedule you for a later date rather than excuse you permanently.

Occupational exemptions and deferrals

Some occupations may be exempt from jury duty, but exemptions are not automatic and vary widely by state and judge. Active-duty military members are often exempt. Some states exempt police officers, firefighters, or emergency medical personnel. A few states have exemptions for elected officials, judges, or attorneys, though attorneys are usually excused only if they are actively practicing.

Do not assume your job is exempt. If you receive a summons and believe your occupation qualifies for an exemption, respond to the court and explain. Bring documentation if you have it — a military ID, a badge, or a letter from your employer. The judge will decide whether to excuse you. Some courts offer a deferral instead, which postpones your service to a later date when your work schedule is lighter.

What happens if you ignore a summons

You must respond to a jury summons, even if you do not want to serve. Ignoring it can result in fines, typically ranging from $100 to $1,000 depending on your state, and the court can hold you in contempt. In rare cases, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest if you ignore multiple summonses.

If you cannot serve or have a hardship, respond to the summons in writing or by phone — the summons will tell you how. Explain your situation clearly and honestly. The court wants to know if serving would cause genuine difficulty. If you do not respond at all, you have no chance to explain, and penalties become likely.

How jury selection works if you are called

If you show up for jury duty, you will participate in a process called voir dire, where the judge and lawyers ask you questions about your background, beliefs, and potential biases. This is your opportunity to tell the court if you have a reason you cannot serve fairly — a medical emergency, a conflict you did not mention in your written response, or a personal connection to someone involved in the case.

After questioning, the judge may excuse you for cause (meaning the judge agrees you cannot be fair), or one of the lawyers may use a peremptory challenge to remove you without stating a reason. If you are not excused or removed, you will be seated as a juror. If you are excused, you are done — some courts may call you again in a few years, others may not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be excused from jury duty because of my job?

Maybe. Some occupations are exempt or can be deferred, but it depends on your state and the judge. Respond to your summons and explain your job. Bring documentation if you have it. The court will decide whether to excuse you or reschedule you for a later date.

What if I have already been convicted of a felony?

In most states, a felony conviction disqualifies you permanently unless your rights have been restored. Some states restore rights automatically after you finish your sentence; others require a petition. Check your state's rules. If you receive a summons, respond and explain your conviction — the court will remove you from the pool.

Do I have to tell the truth during jury selection?

Yes. Lying during voir dire — the questioning process — can result in perjury charges. If you have a bias, a conflict, or a reason you cannot be fair, say so. The court and lawyers need honest answers to seat a fair jury.

What if I cannot afford to miss work?

Financial hardship is a common reason courts excuse people. Respond to your summons and explain that missing work would cause genuine financial difficulty. Bring documentation if you have it — a letter from your employer, pay stubs, or proof of self-employment. The court may excuse you or offer a deferral to a time when you can serve.

Can I be called for jury duty more than once?

Yes. How often depends on your state and local court rules. Some courts call people every one to three years; others have longer gaps. If you served recently, mention that when you respond to a new summons — some courts will defer you based on recent service.