Can I get out of jury duty in Colorado?

Colorado jury service is governed by C.R.S. §§ 13-71-101 through 13-71-145 — the Uniform Jury Selection and Service Act. The state has a one-trial or one-day system.

1. Qualifications (C.R.S. § 13-71-105)

US citizen, age 18 or older.

Resident of the county.

Able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Not previously convicted of a felony in state or federal court (unless restored).

2. Statutory Exemptions

Active members of the US Armed Forces on duty.

3. Age-Based Excusal (C.R.S. § 13-71-119.5)

A juror 72 years of age or older may request to be excused. The court generally grants the request without documentation.

4. Hardship Excusal (§ 13-71-119.5)

The jury commissioner may excuse for:

Severe medical condition.

Sole caregiver of dependent child under 12 or disabled adult.

Active student status.

Extreme financial hardship.

5. Juror Pay — Colorado's Unique Employer Mandate (C.R.S. § 13-71-126)

Days 1–3: Employer must pay up to $50 per day of regular wages (mandatory for all regularly employed jurors).

Day 4 onward: State pays $50 per day.

Self-employed and unemployed jurors receive $50/day from the state from day 4.

6. Employer Rules (C.R.S. § 13-71-134)

Employers may not threaten, coerce, or fire an employee for jury service. Violation is a misdemeanor with civil remedies including reinstatement and back pay.

7. Penalties for Skipping

Failure to appear is contempt of court under § 13-71-119(2) — fines up to $1,500 and possible jail.

This is legal information, not legal advice.