What are the exemptions from jury duty?

You are not required to claim an exemption even though one might apply to you. If you would like to serve even though you are eligible for an exemption, then we certainly appreciate your choice to do so. The Statutes regarding jury duty exemptions are found in Section 62.106 of the Government Code. You may claim an exemption from jury duty if you are:

  • You are 75 years of age or older.
  • You have legal custody of a child under the age of 12 and serving on jury duty would necessitate leaving this child(ren) without adequate supervision. This exemption does not apply if you work outside the home during normal business hours. You may be excused if you are working part-time or unusual hours.
  • You are a high school or college student. This exemption applies to those who are currently in actual attendance. You must be attending during hours that would conflict with your jury service. Jury service is usually from 8 am to 5 pm.
  • You are an officer or employee of the Senate, the House of Representatives or any department, commission, board, office, or agency of the legislative branch of government. This exemption does not apply to a person who is just a member of a board: (A) To be an officer means president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, etc.; (B) To be an employee means to be on the payroll of the Senate, House, committee, board, or any agency in the legislative branch.
  • You have served as a petit juror in Denton County during the three-year period preceding the date you are to appear for jury service. This exemption is for those who were one of six or twelve jurors chosen for a trial and were sworn in by the judge. This does not apply to those who served on a Municipal Court or Federal Court jury.
  • You are a primary caretaker of an invalid who is unable to care for him/herself. To qualify for this exemption, you must be the only caretaker and you must live at the same address as that person. Invalids in nursing or residential homes have caretakers. If you work as a health care provider, you are not eligible for this exemption.
  • Medical conditions - (Physical or mental impairment) If you have a medical condition that would make it impossible or very difficult to serve as a juror, you may request an exemption by completing the Affidavit for Exemption (PDF) and returning it to Jury Services. Your request will be submitted to a judge and you will be notified if your request is granted or denied.
  • Active Duty Military - 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.

Show All Answers

1. How was my name selected for jury duty?
2. Are jurors paid for their service?
3. What are the qualifications for jury duty?
4. What should I do if I’m not qualified to serve?
5. What are the exemptions from jury duty?
6. How do I claim an exemption?
7. I am not available to serve on my report date. Can I change jury duty date?
8. What do I do if I have a medical issue that prevents me from being able to serve?
9. Are jurors paid for their service? Does my employer have to pay me?
10. What if I am self-employed?
11. What if I don’t have transportation?
12. My employer needs proof of my service. How do I get it?
13. Must my employer pay me while I’m on jury service?