Can you get out of jury duty in Ohio? Here are 8 accepted excuses you can use
Sure, it’s our civic duty, but sometimes getting that summons in the mail can put a damper on your plans.
We’re here to help. We’ve scoured our sources near and far, and we found some excuses you can use if you need to get out of jury duty in Ohio. Here’s what to know:
How are you selected for jury duty in Ohio?
According to the Ohio State Bar Association, you are eligible for jury duty in Ohio if you:
Are a U.S. citizen
Are at least 18 years old
How can you get out of jury duty?
You are ineligible for jury duty in Ohio if you:
Are convicted of certain types of crime in Ohio
According to Ohio law, you can also be excused from jury duty if:
- The public will be materially injured by the juror’s attendance
You are a member of cloistered religious orders
You have a mental or physical condition that renders you incapable of performing jury service
You are someone whose spouse or near relative has recently died or is seriously ill
You are a caregiver for someone in extreme physical or financial hardship
You are older than 75 years of age
You are member of a recognized Amish sect
You are a member of the armed forces currently on active duty
However, you must prove your excuse with some sort of documentation to the court.
“If you’re claiming an exemption or requesting a deferral from jury duty, especially based on reasons like age, be sure to document your reason clearly. For example, if you’re claiming age as a basis, obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate or another official document to verify your eligibility,” said Robert M. Hammers with Hammers Law Firm.
What happens if you get a jury summons and can’t get out of it?
You should do the following if you get a jury summons:
Don’t ignore it. “A summons from the court is an order. If you ignore it, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest and punish you with contempt of court and other sanctions,” according to the Ohio State Bar Association.
Read the summons closely and follow the instructions. Some summons will require you to complete a questionnaire or contact the court in advance.
Follow the instructions on the summons or contact the court directly for more information.
If you are selected to serve on a jury, you will receive information about the trial date. You are responsible for making yourself available for jury duty for the duration of the trial. Follow the instructions closely and contact the court with any questions.
If you are not selected, the court will dismiss you and your obligations for this jury summons will be complete.
Do you have more questions? Let me know in the comments or email me at cmadden@mcclatchy.com.
