Instructions for Longer Postponement or Disqualification

A longer postponement may be considered if the prospective juror has demonstrated satisfactorily that: (1) he or she has a mental or physical condition that renders him or her incapable of performing jury service. (2) he or she has a personal obligation to care for another, including a sick, aged, infirm or disabled dependent or minor child. A permanent disqualification may be granted in some circumstances for medical reasons or age.

Please submit all the following documentation with your summons. Please do not presume that the request will automatically be granted. Upon review of all of the supporting documentation, a determination will be made. If you do NOT hear from this office, your request has been approved.

Medical:
a) An original statement by a licensed physician, psychiatrist or psychologist, setting forth a diagnosis of the mental or physical condition, a prognosis of the length of time the condition is expected to continue or last, and a conclusion that the juror is physically or mentally not capable of performing jury service.

b) Juror must also provide a statement indicating his or her age, if employed, nature of employment and hours worked.

Care givers:
a) A copy of the birth certificate of a minor child.

b) A Statement by the care giver as to why no alternate care is available by either a spouse, friend, neighbor, other relative or paid care giver without severe financial hardship. Pursuant to the Chief Administrative Rules, severe or undue hardship is based upon service as a juror for five consecutive days.

c) An original statement signed by a licensed physician, psychiatrist or psychologist describing the condition of an aged, sick, infirm or disabled person.

d) A statement by the applicant that he or she is the primary care giver and setting forth circumstances necessitating the care giving services of the applicant, the hours that the applicant provides such care and the reasons why the applicant cannot make arrangements for care to be provided by another during the period of jury service.

e) Documentation verifying any employment of the applicant, including hours worked.

Age:
A juror 78 years of age or older may request to be excused because of age. At 75 years of age or older, a juror may be excused, if physically unable to serve, by submitting the request in writing.