How to Get Out of Jury Duty

I know not everyone after watching the re-make of Twelve Angry Men wanted to be a professional jurist when they grew up, like I did. Face it, sometimes it seems you get summoned for jury duty right when you have plenty of other important things going on, right? Well there is a perfectly legal way to get out of it and no, you don't necessarily have to be a convicted felon. Here's how.

Things You'll Need

• The questionnaire you received in the mail from the court in your area
• a pen

Instructions

1. First, you need to fill out the forms sent to you. The questions will vary by the state and county. It is important to be honest when answering the questions.

2. Take your time. You don't have to turn in the forms immediately. So do your research. When it asks if you are associated with anyone in the court system be sure to mention it. If your best friend's sister is the Assistant District Attorney, write that down! If you feel you'd be biased about any particular case, let them know! Explain any medical conditions you might have. I always put that I will need frequent bathroom breaks because of my kidney problems.

3. As always there are alternatives to serving jury duty. Contact the court and see what those are... My dad had to listen to a bunch of tapes at the library to do his time. Again, it depends on the state and county in which you live. Sometimes it's just easier to do the jury duty.

4. Also, you can postpone it. Say for instance you are attending college in a different county, they usually are willing to postpone it. Just be ready for next year.

5. Some of us aren't lucky enough to get out of it. Afterall, it is your duty as a citizen to serve. So you might have to grin and bear it. It has been my experience (serving already two times, out of my youthful 22 years) that the cases are usually solved out of court and they will not need a jury to attend. Good luck!