Exemptions

A person called for jury service may be excused from jury duty in certain circumstances. These reasons for exemption do not disqualify you from serving; even though you may qualify for an exemption you do not have to claim the exemption, but certain circumstances can impose considerable hardship for some people. If any of the exemptions apply, and you wish to claim the exemption, complete the form (PDF), check off the applicable exemption listed on the back, and return the summons to the Denton County Jury Services Department. You will not need to appear unless you receive notice the exemption was denied. You will not receive confirmation if an exemption is accepted. 

Legal Exemptions

Legal exemptions are as follows:

• Associated with the legislative branch as an officer or an employee of the senate, house of representatives, or any:
  • Board
  • Commission
  • Department
  • Office or other agency in the legislative branch of state government
• Have appeared as a petit juror in the county during the 36 month period preceding the date he/she is to appear. (this does not apply to those who have served in a city or federal court)
• Have a medical condition and submit a physician’s documentation of such with the Sworn Affidavit Form
• If you are a member of the United States military forces serving on active duty and deployed to a location away from your home station and out of your county of residence
• Legal custody of children under 12 years old when jury service would leave those children without adequate supervision. This does not apply to those who work outside the home during normal business hours or those whose children are in a daycare facility during the day)
• Over 70 years of age
• Primary caretakers of a person unable to care for themselves (this does not apply to health care workers)
• Students in private or public high schools or attending an institution of higher education (you must be enrolled and attending classes at the time you are summoned to appear)

Non-Allowable Exemptions

There are several common reasons given by prospective jurors for exemption which are not allowable:

• Being the sole owner of a business or commission sales
• Frequent travel for business
• Having an employer who will not pay you for your jury service
• Having a lack of transportation

Jury Duty & Your Job

The law protects your job while you are fulfilling your jury duty and you can not be fired for serving. However, Your employer is not required to pay you for the time missed from work while on jury duty. If you need proof of service for your employer, one can be provided to you by the Jury Services Department.

Statutory Qualifications

In order for a person to serve as a juror they must meet certain qualifications. The qualifications are listed on your summons next to the exemptions. Unlike exemptions, if you do not meet all the qualifications you cannot serve on a jury and you must complete the sworn affidavit form and return it to the Jury Services Department. You do not need to appear and you will not receive confirmation from Jury Services. A person is qualified to serve as a juror if that person:

• Has not been convicted of misdemeanor theft or any felony
• Has not served as a petit juror for 6 days in the preceding 6 months in a district court or 6 days in the preceding 3 months in a county court
• is able to read and write
• Is at least 18 years of age
• Is not under indictment or other legal accusation for theft or any felony
• Is of sound mind and good moral character
• Is qualified under the constitution and laws to vote in the county in which one is to serve as a juror. (you do not have to be a registered voter to serve)
• Is a resident of Denton County and you must be a United States citizen