Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers | June 27, 2025 | Legal Guidance
If you’ve received a Juror Qualification Form in the mail or a notice that you have been called for jury duty, you might wonder if getting out of jury duty is possible. Doing so will depend on your particular situation and your ability to show you are unqualified, exempt, or unavailable to perform jury service.
This article will look at the common reasons people may be excused from jury duty, how to request an exemption, and what the process typically involves. We’ll also cover how jurors are selected, legal requirements to be a juror, and tips for navigating the system if you believe you shouldn’t—or can’t—serve.
What Is Jury Duty?
Juries are panels that make decisions after a trial. Jury duty is considered a civic responsibility. During a trial, jurors listen to the witnesses and each side’s case. They evaluate evidence and render a verdict after deliberating.
Jurors can be called to serve in civil cases—where contracts, personal injuries, or other civil matters are in dispute—or in criminal cases where a defendant is being charged with a crime. Trials are a fundamental right in our justice system, and having impartial jurors decide a case can help achieve fairness.
How Jurors Are Selected
In Maryland, jurors are randomly selected from a combination of voter registration records and Motor Vehicle Administration data, which includes driver’s licenses and state-issued ID cards. When selected, prospective jurors receive a Juror Qualification Form that they are legally required to complete and return, regardless of whether they believe they are eligible or want to serve.
Failing to respond to the qualification form can result in serious consequences. Under Maryland law, individuals who willfully fail to complete and return the form may be subject to a fine of up to $1,000, and those who fail to appear for jury service without an acceptable excuse may face a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 60 days, or both.
Legal Requirements to Be a Juror in Maryland
If you’re wondering how to avoid jury duty, the first step may be to show that you are not qualified to serve as a juror.
Maryland’s legal requirements to serve on a jury include:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen, not a lawful permanent resident or someone with other lawful status less than citizenship.
- Residence: You must reside in the county or Baltimore City where you would serve as a juror.
- English proficiency: You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
- Of acceptable health: You must not have a disability that prevents you from providing satisfactory jury service.
- Lack of certain criminal records: You could not have been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, sentenced to more than one year in prison and not pardoned, or have criminal charges pending for a crime that is punishable by more than one year in prison.
Trial judges can disqualify prospective jurors if they are a party in a civil case in the county where they serve. You are responsible for completing the juror form and proving that you are not qualified.
How to Get Out of Jury Duty: Exemptions
Even if you technically qualify as a juror, you can assert certain exemptions if they apply to your situation, such as:
- Older age: You can ask for an exemption if you are 70 years old or older.
- Political work: You can ask for an exemption if you are a member of the United States House of Representatives or Senate.
- Military member: If you are an active duty member of the armed forces or the state militia, you can have your commanding officer or supervisor request this exemption for you.
You must mail supporting documentation to request these exemptions, even if you fill out your jury form online.
Excuses to Request Removal from Juror Duty
There are other reasons where you can ask the court to excuse you from jury duty, such as:
- You have a disability.
- Serving on a jury would cause extreme inconvenience.
- It is a public necessity for you not to serve.
- Serving would cause an undue hardship.
Being excused does not mean that you won’t later be called for jury service. You could also ask to postpone your jury service if the requested date of service is not a good time, such as if you have a previously scheduled medical procedure.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers in Maryland for Help Today
While jury duty is an important civic obligation, Maryland recognizes that not everyone is able to serve. Whether you’re unqualified, exempt, or facing hardship, the law provides ways to be excused or to request a deferral.
Understanding the selection process, legal requirements, and valid exemptions can help you respond appropriately and avoid penalties. If you have questions about your eligibility or how to navigate the jury system, consulting with a legal professional may provide clarity and peace of mind.
For more information, please contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a confidential consultation with a personal injury lawyer. Our team is available to assist clients in Lanham, Frederick, Rockville, Waldorf, Maryland.
We proudly serve Charles County, Prince George County its surrounding areas. Visit our law offices at:
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Waldorf
8 Post Office Rd Waldorf, MD 20602
(301) 932-9997
Available 24/7
Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers Lanham
4600 Forbes Blvd Ste #200 Lanham, MD 20706
(301) 936-0011
Available 24/7