Can I get out of jury duty in Louisiana?

Louisiana jury service is governed by La. Code of Criminal Procedure art. 401 and La. R.S. 13:3041. The judicial district court in each parish administers the jury list.

1. Qualifications (La. C.Cr.P. art. 401)

US citizen, age 18 or older.

Resident of the parish for at least 1 year.

Able to read, write, and speak English.

Not under indictment for a felony.

Has not been convicted of a felony unless rights restored.

2. Statutory Exemptions (art. 403)

Active members of the US Armed Forces on duty.

Persons over 70 years of age on request.

Mothers/fathers of children under 6 who care for them at home.

3. Age-Based Excusal

A juror 70 years of age or older may be excused upon request — permanent excusal granted under art. 403.

4. Hardship Excusal (art. 783)

The court may excuse for:

Serious medical condition (physician statement).

Caregiver responsibilities for child under 6.

Active student status.

Extreme financial hardship.

5. Juror Pay (La. R.S. 13:3049)

State minimum: $25 per day plus mileage.

Orleans Parish and East Baton Rouge typically pay more.

Some parishes provide $12 for half-day service.

6. Employer Rules (La. R.S. 23:965)

Employers may not discharge or otherwise discipline an employee for jury service. Louisiana uniquely requires employers to pay employees one full day's wages when summoned for jury duty if the employee is regularly employed.

7. Penalties for Skipping

Failure to appear is contempt of court with fines up to $100 per occurrence and possible jail. Repeated failures can escalate to higher contempt sanctions.

This is legal information, not legal advice.