jury-test2

Reasons for disqualification from jury service are all statutory in nature. They are reasons that, by law, make you ineligible for jury service in Summit County. Requests for disqualification must be submitted in writing and include required documentation.

• You have permanently relocated and are no longer a resident of Summit County. Proof of out of county address required. Examples:
  • Rental/lease agreement in your name
  • Updated driver’s license
  • Utility bill in your name

• You have been convicted of a felony under the laws of Ohio and HAVE NOT BEEN granted a final release by the Adult Parole Authority, or are CURRENTLY on Probation or serving a period of one or more community control sanctions.

• You are not a citizen of the United States.
  • Written statement required

• You are not 18 years of age
  • Proof of age at time of summons required

• You are unable to speak, read, write or communicate effectively in the English language. Indicate what your primary language is.
  • Written statement by prospective juror required. May be translated by friend, family member or other representative. In addition to juror’s signature, please include name and signature of the person who translated the letter.

• You have served as a juror in a court of record in Summit County within the past year.
  • Proof of service including court, case number, date of service

• All requests for excuse should be made at least one week in advance of your assigned jury service week.
• Excusals may be granted in certain circumstances, but must be supported by appropriate documentation to back up the claim.
• Inconvenience to a prospective juror or juror’s employer is not an acceptable reason to be excused from jury duty.
• Prospective jurors 75 years or older, may request an excuse based solely on age.  Has to be in writing.

• A serious physical or mental condition exists that would expose a prospective juror to undue risk of physical or mental hardship. Note: If the juror is under 75 years old, he/she must provide documentation filled out by the prospective juror’s physician.
• The prospective juror is the sole caregiver to an ill or disabled family member. Written documentation from an attending physician is required.
• The prospective juror would suffer an extreme financial hardship in any of the situations as defined:
  • The prospective juror is the sole proprietor of a business. A letter detailing the nature of the business and the hardship the business would endure as well as proof of ownership is required (business card, letterhead, self-employment tax forms, etc.).
  • The prospective juror’s employer does not offer a paid benefit for jury duty. The juror should provide a letter from his/her employer, on company letterhead, that verifies employment and states that the company does not have a policy to pay for time off for jury duty.
  • The prospective juror’s salary is derived from commissions and the employer does not continue to pay any base salary amount (if applicable) for jury duty. The juror should provide a letter from his/her employer that verifies both employment and the juror’s status as a commissioned employee.
• The prospective juror has no reasonably available means of public or private transportation to and from the courthouse. A letter detailing the transportation hardship is required.
• The prospective juror has a personal obligation to provide childcare to a minor child or children between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m, Monday through Friday, and comparable care is not economically possible. A letter detailing the childcare hardship and their ages are required.
• The prospective juror is a member of Active Duty Military Personnel. Copies of juror’s orders are required.