Can I get out of jury duty in Minnesota?

Minnesota jury service is governed by Minn. Stat. §§ 593.31–593.51. The State Court Administrator's Office runs centralized jury management for all 87 counties.

1. Qualifications (Minn. Stat. § 593.32)

US citizen, age 18 or older.

Resident of the county.

Able to communicate in English.

Not under guardianship.

Civil rights not lost due to a felony conviction.

2. Statutory Exemptions

Active members of the US Armed Forces on duty.

Persons who served as a juror within the last 4 years.

3. Age-Based Excusal (§ 593.32(2))

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

4. Hardship Excusal (§ 593.42)

A judge may excuse for:

Serious medical condition or disability.

Sole caregiver responsibilities.

Severe financial hardship.

Recent prior jury service.

5. Juror Pay (§ 593.48)

$20 per day.

Mileage reimbursement at the standard state rate.

Parking expenses reimbursed.

6. Employer Rules (§ 593.50)

Employers may not threaten, coerce, or fire an employee for jury service. Minnesota uniquely prohibits employers from deducting jury pay from wages or requiring use of PTO. Wages during service are not statutorily required from private employers.

7. Penalties for Skipping

Failure to appear is contempt of court under § 593.45 — fines up to $700 and possible jail.

This is legal information, not legal advice.