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Can I get out of jury duty in California?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

California operates under a one-day-or-one-trial model: if not selected on your reporting day, your service ends. Eligibility, exemptions, and excusals are set by Code of Civil Procedure §§ 203–204.

1. Qualifications (CCP § 203)

  • US citizen, age 18 or older.
  • Resident of the county that issued the summons.
  • Sufficient knowledge of English.
  • Not currently serving on another grand or trial jury.
  • No felony conviction (unless civil rights restored).

    • 2. Automatic Exemptions

  • Active-duty military on orders.
  • Peace officers as defined in Penal Code § 830 (in most courts).
  • Persons under conservatorship.

    • 3. Age-Based Excusal

    Under CCP § 204(b), any juror 70 or older may request to be excused — no medical proof required, just a written request.

    4. Hardship Excusal (Rule of Court 2.1008)

    You may request excusal for undue hardship:

  • Medical condition (note from provider).
  • Extreme financial burden (sole-earner household, no employer pay).
  • Caregiver for a child under 14 or a disabled adult with no alternate care.
  • No reasonable transportation to the courthouse.

    • 5. Juror Pay & Employer Rules

  • California pays $15 per day plus $0.34/mile, starting the second day of service (CCP § 215).
  • Employers are not required to pay regular wages, but cannot fire you for serving (Labor Code § 230).

    • 6. Penalties for Skipping

    Failure to respond to a summons can lead to a bench warrant and contempt of court (CCP § 209), with fines up to $1,500 and possible jail.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You are facing a contempt charge for missing a jury duty summons
    • Your employer retaliated, demoted, or fired you for serving on a jury
    • You were denied excusal despite legitimately qualifying (age, disability, hardship)
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 203
    • Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 204
    • Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 209
    • Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 215
    • Cal. Labor Code § 230
    • Cal. Rules of Court 2.1008

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.