Derek Rolo | June 2, 2026 | Personal Injury
Most people in New York and across the country who receive a jury duty summons in the mail have the same initial reaction: Is there a way out of this? After all, finding time to sit on a jury can feel like a major disruption on top of everything else you have to take care of on a daily basis.
The short answer is that the state takes jury service seriously; there are no automatic exemptions under the law. That said, the courts do recognize that certain circumstances can make service genuinely impractical, and there are procedures in place for requesting an excusal in those cases. Continue reading to learn all about how it works.
Who Is Eligible for Jury Duty in New York?
Before looking at how to get out of jury duty, it helps to understand who is required to serve in the first place.
Under New York law, you are eligible for jury service if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are a United States citizen
- You are at least 18 years old
- You are a resident of the county where you’ve been summoned
- You are able to understand and communicate in English
- You have not been convicted of a felony
If you don’t meet one or more of these requirements, you aren’t simply excused from service. You are legally disqualified from it, which is a different thing entirely.
Can I Be Excused From Serving?
New York has abolished all automatic exemptions from jury duty. Prior to that change, certain professions, such as doctors, police officers, lawyers, and firefighters, were categorically exempt.
While broader exemptions are no longer allowed, the courts do still allow individuals to request an excusal under specific circumstances, including:
- A medical condition that would prevent you from participating, supported by documentation from your physician
- Serving as the primary caregiver for young children without alternative childcare arrangements
- Financial hardship that would result from taking time away from work, particularly for self-employed individuals and sole proprietors
- Advanced age, when accompanied by age-related conditions that would make service difficult
Each request is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by your local Commissioner of Jurors. You will generally need to provide supporting documentation; simply not wanting to serve is not considered a valid reason.
What About Postponing My Service?
If you can’t serve on the specific date listed on your summons but don’t qualify for a full excusal, a postponement may be the better option. New York allows each summoned juror one automatic postponement, which can typically be requested by phone, mail, or email, depending on the county in question.
Keep in mind that a postponement is exactly what it sounds like. It doesn’t eliminate your obligation to serve; it just moves the date. If your summons indicates you’ve already used a postponement, you will be expected to appear on the date provided.
What Happens if I Ignore a Jury Summons?
Skipping out on jury duty without going through the proper channels can lead to real consequences. New York courts may issue a notice of noncompliance, which can eventually escalate to fines and potentially even a warrant.
The far better approach is to contact the court and formally request an excusal or postponement, as applicable, rather than hoping the issue goes away on its own.
Contact the Middletown Personal Injury Lawyers at Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you have questions about the legal process after an accident in New York, including what happens if your case goes to a jury trial, reach out to the experienced team at Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Middletown, Orange County, and the surrounding areas in New York.
Rolo Law Personal Injury Lawyers
265 NY-211 Suite 106B, Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 383-7790
