Federal & State Lawfederalstatelaw.com
Back to Questions
civil-procedureGA

Can I get out of jury duty in Georgia?

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

Georgia jury service is governed by Title 15, Chapter 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. Counties run their own jury management offices.

1. Qualifications (O.C.G.A. § 15-12-40)

  • US citizen, age 18 or older.
  • Resident of the county.
  • Of sound mind and good character.
  • Able to communicate in English.
  • Not convicted of a felony (unless rights restored).

    • 2. Statutory Exemptions

    A person may be excused if they are:

  • An active member of the US Armed Forces.
  • A full-time student at college or graduate program.
  • A primary caregiver of a child under 6.
  • A primary caregiver of someone who cannot care for themselves.
  • A full-time firefighter or EMT in specified cases.

    • 3. Age-Based Excusal (O.C.G.A. § 15-12-1.1)

    Any prospective juror 70 years of age or older may be excused upon request — no medical proof required.

    4. Hardship Excusal

    Judges may excuse for medical, financial, or other undue hardship; documentation strengthens the request.

    5. Juror Pay (O.C.G.A. § 15-12-7)

    Counties set their own rates. Typical range: $25 to $50 per day, with some metro counties paying more for extended trials. Mileage is generally reimbursed.

    6. Employer Rules (O.C.G.A. § 34-1-3)

    Employers may not dismiss, penalize, or threaten an employee for jury service. Pay during service is not mandated for private employers.

    7. Penalties for Skipping

    Failure to appear is contempt of court under O.C.G.A. § 15-12-9 — fines up to $500 and up to 20 days in 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
    • O.C.G.A. § 15-12-1.1
    • O.C.G.A. § 15-12-7
    • O.C.G.A. § 15-12-9
    • O.C.G.A. § 15-12-40
    • O.C.G.A. § 34-1-3

    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.