Jury duty is a civic responsibility, but many wonder whether they can be excused from serving. In Georgia, the answer is sometimes, but only under specific circumstances. Understanding how jury duty works in Georgia and what qualifies as a valid excuse can help you navigate the process and avoid penalties.
Is Jury Duty Mandatory in Georgia?
Jury service in Georgia is not optional. You are legally required to respond to a jury summons. Failing to appear without approval or ignoring a summons can result in fines or other consequences, including contempt of court.
That said, Georgia law recognizes that certain situations make jury service impractical and allows excusals, deferrals, and disqualifications in some cases.
Who Is Eligible for Jury Duty in Georgia?
A person is eligible to serve on a jury under Georgia law if they meet statutory qualifications. A person is generally eligible for jury duty in Georgia if they:
- Are at least 18 years old
- Are a United States citizen
- Reside in the county where the jury summons is issued
- Have not been convicted of a felony, or have had their civil rights restored
- Have not been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent
Anyone who meets these qualifications is legally eligible for jury service in the county where they live and must respond to a jury summons if selected. Eligibility does not guarantee service, as jurors may still be excused or deferred under other provisions of Georgia law.
Who Is Automatically Disqualified From Jury Duty in Georgia?
Some people are legally disqualified from serving on a Georgia jury, regardless of personal willingness. These include:
- People under 18 years old
- Non-United States citizens
- Nonresidents of the county where they were summoned
- People convicted of a felony who have not had their civil rights restored
- People found mentally incompetent by a court
These disqualifications are mandatory. If you fall into one of these categories, you should indicate it truthfully on your juror questionnaire, and the court will remove you from the jury pool.
What Are Valid Reasons To Be Excused or Deferred From Jury Duty in Georgia?
Georgia recognizes that jury service may impose an unreasonable burden on some jurors. For that reason, state law allows courts to excuse or defer people. These requests must be evaluated and approved in accordance with Georgia law.
Commonly accepted reasons for excusal or deferral include:
- People performing essential public work necessary for public health, safety, or good order, when jury service would otherwise interfere.
- Full-time students enrolled in college, university, vocational, or other postsecondary programs while attending classes or taking exams.
- Primary caregivers of children aged six or younger with no reasonably available alternative childcare.
- Primary teachers in a qualifying homeschool program with no reasonable alternative for supervising the children.
- Primary unpaid caregivers for people over age six who have physical or cognitive limitations requiring constant care and cannot be left unattended, when no alternative caregiver is available.
- People age 70 or older request to be permanently excused from jury service in the county.
Requests for excusal or deferral must follow the instructions on the jury summons. Except where the law says otherwise, a judge or jury administrator will determine whether your reason is appropriate under Georgia law.
What Will Not Get Me Out of Jury Duty in Georgia?
Georgia law allows deferrals or excusals for legitimate reasons. Many commonly cited reasons are insufficient on their own. Reasons that are generally not accepted include:
- Simply not wanting to serve
- Being busy at work or having general job-related conflicts
- Disagreeing with or disliking the legal system
- Assuming another person can take your place
Courts take jury duty seriously, and casual or unsupported excuses are rarely approved.
Contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Jury duty in Georgia is mandatory. Juries are used to resolve criminal and civil cases, including personal injury claims. State law recognizes that service is not feasible for everyone. Most people must report when summoned, but Georgia provides limited grounds for excusal or deferral.
Understanding who is eligible, who may be excused, and which reasons are sufficient helps jurors respond appropriately and avoid penalties. When in doubt, respond honestly and follow the instructions on the jury summons.
To learn more and get your questions about jury duty answered, contact Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a Savannah personal injury lawyer.
For more information, please contact our experienced Savannah personal injury lawyer at Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have a convenient location in Savannah, GA.
We proudly serve Chatham County, Georgia, and its surrounding areas.
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About The Author
Attorney Andrew Bowen is a founding partner of Bowen Painter Injury Lawyers based in Savannah, GA. He earned his law degree from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in 1998, after completing his undergraduate studies at Washington and Lee University. Licensed to practice in Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina, Andrew is also admitted to the federal courts in Georgia and South Carolina, the Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, and the U.S. Supreme Court. With over 25 years of legal experience focusing exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death cases since 2001, ranging from medical malpractice and automobile wrecks to commercial truck and motorcycle accidents. Andrew has established himself as a formidable advocate attorney in the Georgia community; his dedication to personally overseeing each case ensures that clients receive individualized attention and aggressive representation. Click here to view some of the exceptional case results Andrew has helped secure on behalf of injured clients.
Location: Savannah, GA
