Jury duty in Metairie, Louisiana, may involve serving on civil cases—such as personal injury or contract disputes—or criminal trials ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. It is possible to get out of jury duty, but only under specific legal exemptions.
You may also avoid jury duty by requesting a deferral based on valid reasons such as medical, physical, or financial hardship. Personal inconvenience is generally not sufficient for excusal from jury duty. Below is a discussion of how to get out of jury duty in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
Legal Grounds for Jury Duty Exemption in Louisiana
Jury pools in Jefferson Parish, which includes Metairie, are created from voter registrations, driver’s licenses, and state ID holders, making jury service a broad civic duty. There are several ways of getting out of jury duty in Louisiana.
You may be able to avoid it if any of the following criteria apply:
Age Exemption
Persons aged 70 or older may request a permanent exemption from jury duty online from the Jefferson Parish Clerk of Court. You cannot request the permanent exemption if you are currently scheduled for jury duty. You must request an age exemption for the current jury service and then file for a permanent exemption. You also remain responsible for responding to jury notices should you receive them in the future.
Recent Jury Service
Individuals are exempt from jury duty if they served less than two years before their next scheduled service. You need to expressly claim the exemption with the court to get out of jury duty.
Medical or Physical Hardship
Louisiana law allows individuals with physical or mental conditions rendering them incapable of serving to request a waiver of jury service for up to 24 months. The court requires documentation from a licensed physician verifying that the individual is unable for jury service for a period of up to 24 months because of the condition.
Undue or Extreme Physical or Financial Hardship
If jury service would cause undue financial or physical hardship to you or someone in your care, you may request to be excused from jury duty. A judge of the court that issued the jury notice makes the determination.
The law defines “undue hardship” as:
- Being required to abandon a person under the juror’s personal care or supervision because it is impossible to obtain an appropriate caregiver;
- Incur costs that would result in a substantial adverse impact on the juror’s ability to pay for their necessary living expenses, or for someone who relies on the juror for their principal means of support; or,
- The juror will suffer physical hardship because of an existing disease or illness.
Being absent from work alone does not constitute an undue financial hardship. The juror must provide the judge with various documents to support their claim of undue financial or physical hardship.
Language Barrier
Individuals must be able to read, speak, and write the English language and possess sufficient knowledge of the English language to serve on a jury in Louisiana. If not, they should notify the Jury Commission in Gretna, LA, immediately upon receiving a jury notice.
How to Request an Exemption or Deferral from Jury Duty in Metairie, LA
Your jury summons will provide instructions on how to request exemptions or deferrals, including contact information for the jury commissioner or court clerk. Read the jury summons completely to ensure you understand the steps to take to request an exemption or deferral.
Submit the required documentation and supporting evidence, such as a doctor’s note, proof of age, or prior jury service documentation, to the clerk of court or the Jury Commission as directed in the jury summons.
Important Notes and Rights for Jurors in Metairie, LA
Exemptions from jury duty are not automatic. Even if you qualify to get out of jury duty because of your age or recent service, you must request the exemption each time you are summoned.
Louisiana law forbids employers from firing or penalizing employees for serving jury duty and mandates paid leave for jury service days. However, employers are not obligated to pay jurors for time off for jury service. Jurors receive $25 per day plus mileage reimbursement, although this varies by jurisdiction within Louisiana.
Failing to appear for a jury summons without a court-approved exemption or deferral can result in penalties. It is crucial to respond promptly when you receive a jury summons to prevent the court from taking action if you do not appear.
Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
While it is possible to be excused or deferred from jury duty in Metairie, Louisiana, doing so requires meeting strict legal criteria and following proper procedures. Understanding your rights, responsibilities, and the documentation required can help ensure you respond appropriately and avoid court penalties.
If you have questions about your eligibility or need guidance on navigating an exemption, seeking legal advice can provide clarity and peace of mind. Contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
For more information, please contact Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer today. We have three convenient locations in Louisiana, including Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Metairie and Lafayette.
We proudly serve East Baton Rouge Parish, Lafayette Parish, Orleans Parish, and its surrounding areas:
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Baton Rouge Office
404 Europe Street
Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70124
(225) 263-4787
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – New Orleans Office
365 Canal Street Suite 415
New Orleans, Louisiana, 70130
(504) 294-3804
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Lafayette Office
1318 Camellia Boulevard Suite 206
Lafayette, Louisiana, 70508
(337) 473-2991
Mansfield Melancon Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers – Metairie Office
111 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Suite 255
Metairie, Louisiana, 70005
(888) 601-0127