When circumstances make it unfair for you to serve on jury duty, you can use a hardship letter to request a hardship removal so that the court can replace you with someone else.
Below is a sample hardship letter for jury duty:
IMPORTANT: DO NOT COPY THIS LETTER EXACTLY. PLEASE USE YOUR OWN WORDS.
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[Date]
[COURT NAME AND ADDRESS]
Dear [NAME],
I have received your letter of [DATE] summoning me to jury duty on [DATES]. Although I am honored by the privilege, I respectfully request that I be excused from jury duty.
[STATE REASON(S): for example … ]
My employer will be unable to pay me during my absence for jury duty. This will severely affect my financial position. If necessary, I can provide a statement from my employer.]
Please understand my position and excuse me from jury duty at this time. You may contact me at [PHONE NUMBER] if there are any concerns.
Sincerely,
[YOUR SIGNATURE]
[YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER]
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And here’s another example …
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{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone Number}
{Courthouse Name}
{Clerk of the Court}
{Address}
{Date}
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to request dismissal from jury duty for {date}. While I understand the
need and importance of this responsibility, I ask for the dismissal due to extreme
financial hardship that would only be exacerbated by this situation.
I have been struggling to find employment for the last few years due to {layoffs,
disability, taking care of child.} I have recently been hired at in a stable
position. If it works out I will be able to {pay my mortgage, pay off debt, etc.}
but if not I may lose my car or even my house.
My new employers have stated unequivocally that I am required to be at work on
that day, as I am the only person qualified to perform {duties.} They will not pay
me my wages if I am at jury duty, and as I mentioned before, I am already on the
brink of bankruptcy. I am working hard to rebuild my life, but my situation is still
tenuous at this point.
I am attaching financial stubs, bank statements and an affidavit from my
employer for your review.
Thank you for your time and consideration. Please contact me at your earliest
convenience.
Sincerely,
{Sender Name}
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