Jury duty excusal letter template

How to Write a Jury Duty Excusal Letter

If you need to request an excusal from jury duty, it’s essential to write a clear, concise letter. Follow these steps for a structured approach.

1. Addressing the Recipient

Begin by addressing the letter to the proper authority. This is usually the court clerk or the judge. Use their full title and the correct contact details. If you don’t have a specific name, “To Whom It May Concern” is acceptable.

2. Provide Your Information

Include your full name, address, and any reference number or juror ID listed in the jury summons. This helps the recipient easily identify your case.

3. State the Reason for Request

Be clear about why you are requesting an excusal. Common reasons include medical issues, financial hardship, or pre-existing travel plans. Ensure that your explanation is direct and factual.

4. Include Supporting Documentation

Whenever possible, attach proof of your claim. If you’re citing medical issues, include a doctor’s note. If you’re requesting excusal for financial reasons, provide supporting documents like pay stubs or a statement from your employer.

5. Closing Statement

In your conclusion, express your understanding of the importance of jury duty, but politely request that the court consider your circumstances. Thank them for their attention to your request.

Sample Jury Duty Excusal Letter

Below is a simple template you can use for your excusal request.

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Date]
[Recipient's Name or Title]
[Courthouse Name]
[Courthouse Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
Dear [Recipient's Name],
I am writing to request an excusal from jury duty scheduled for [Date]. Unfortunately, due to [state your reason, e.g., a medical condition, pre-planned travel, financial hardship], I am unable to attend.
Attached, you will find [list any supporting documents, e.g., a doctor's note or travel itinerary] to verify my situation.
I respectfully request that you consider my circumstances and grant my excusal. I appreciate your attention to this matter.
Thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Final Tips for Writing Your Excusal Letter

• Be polite and respectful throughout the letter.
• Ensure you send the letter well in advance of the scheduled date to allow for processing.
• Check with the court for any additional requirements or forms that may need to accompany your request.

Jury Duty Excusal Letter Template
How to Format Your Letter of Excusal
Key Information to Include
Examples of Common Reasons for Excusal
How to Properly Address the Court
What to Do if Your Request Gets Denied
When to Submit Your Excusal Letter

Start with a clear heading such as “Request for Jury Duty Excusal” at the top of your letter. Include your full name, address, and contact information at the top, followed by the date. Then, address the letter to the court using the official name and address provided in your jury summons.

Ensure your letter includes key information: your juror identification number, the date of your jury summons, and a concise explanation of why you are requesting excusal. Be specific about your reason, whether it’s medical, financial, or personal. If applicable, include supporting documents such as a doctor’s note or work schedule. State the duration of the excusal request and, if necessary, offer a future date when you would be available to serve.

Common reasons for excusal include medical conditions, financial hardship, or pre-existing travel plans. You can also request excusal if you are the primary caregiver for a dependent or if serving would cause a conflict with your religious practices. Each court has its own list of acceptable reasons, so refer to the summons or court website to see what applies.

Address the court respectfully, using formal language. If you know the name of the judge, use their title (e.g., “Dear Judge [Last Name]”). If not, simply address the letter to “Honorable Judge” or the appropriate title given in the summons.

If your request is denied, you may need to submit an appeal or provide additional documentation. Contact the court directly to inquire about the appeal process. Some courts allow for a second request if new evidence or circumstances arise.

Submit your excusal letter as soon as possible. Courts typically require you to notify them in advance of your scheduled service date. Be sure to follow the instructions provided with your jury summons for submission deadlines and preferred methods (e.g., by mail or online submission).