Can I get out of jury duty in Missouri?

Missouri jury service is governed by Mo. Rev. Stat. §§ 494.400–494.480. Each circuit court manages its jury wheel.

1. Qualifications (Mo. Rev. Stat. § 494.425)

Missouri uniquely requires:

US citizen, age 21 or older (one of the few states with a 21+ threshold).

Resident of the county or city of St. Louis.

Able to read, write, and speak English.

Not convicted of a felony with rights not restored.

2. Statutory Exemptions (§ 494.430)

Active members of the US Armed Forces on duty.

Convicted felons.

Persons unable to read or write English.

Anyone who served as a juror within the last 2 years.

3. Age-Based Excusal

A juror 75 years of age or older may be excused upon request — typically granted automatically without documentation.

4. Hardship Excusal (§ 494.430)

A judge may excuse for:

Serious medical condition (physician note).

Care of a child under 10 with no alternate.

Care of a person aged 65+ or disabled.

Extreme financial hardship.

5. Juror Pay

Set by county; statewide minimum is $6 per day under § 494.455, but most urban counties pay more:

St. Louis County: $18/day.

Jackson County (Kansas City): $10/day plus mileage.

6. Employer Rules (§ 494.460)

Employers may not discharge, threaten, or discipline an employee for jury service. Wage payment is not statutorily required from private employers.

7. Penalties for Skipping

Failure to appear is contempt of court under § 494.450 — fines up to $500 and possible jail.

This is legal information, not legal advice.