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

Can I get out of jury duty in Maryland?

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

Maryland jury service is governed by Cts. & Jud. Proc. §§ 8-101 through 8-503. Each circuit court manages its jury list.

1. Qualifications (§ 8-103)

  • US citizen, age 18 or older.
  • Resident of the county (or Baltimore City).
  • Able to read, write, and understand English.
  • Not under conservatorship.
  • Not convicted of a crime punishable by more than 6 months (if currently serving sentence/parole).

    • 2. Statutory Exemptions

  • Active members of the US Armed Forces on duty.
  • Persons who served as a juror within the last 2 years.

    • 3. Age-Based Excusal (§ 8-104)

    A juror 70 years of age or older may be excused upon written request. The excusal is typically permanent.

    4. Hardship Excusal

    The jury commissioner may excuse for:

  • Medical condition documented by provider.
  • Sole caregiver responsibilities.
  • Extreme financial hardship.
  • Recent prior jury service.

    • 5. Juror Pay (§ 8-503)

  • Statewide minimum: $15 per day plus mileage.
  • Baltimore City and Montgomery County: $30/day.
  • Anne Arundel and Prince George's: $20/day.
  • Mileage at $0.30/mile typically.

    • 6. Employer Rules (§ 8-501)

    Employers may not deprive an employee of employment because of jury service. They may not require the use of annual, vacation, or sick leave. Wage payment during service is not statutorily required, but employers may not deduct from PTO without consent.

    7. Penalties for Skipping

    Failure to appear is contempt of court under § 8-502 — fines up to $1,000 and possible 60 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
    • Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-103
    • Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-104
    • Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-501
    • Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-502
    • Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-503

    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.