Can I get out of jury duty in New York?

New York eliminated all automatic occupational exemptions in 1995 — virtually every adult resident is now eligible. The framework is in Judiciary Law §§ 500–528.

1. Qualifications (Judiciary Law § 510)

US citizen, age 18 or older.

Resident of the county that summoned you.

Able to understand and communicate in English.

Not convicted of a felony.

2. No Statutory Occupational Exemptions

Since 1995, doctors, lawyers, clergy, firefighters, and police officers must report. Active-duty military deployed out of state is excused under § 512.

3. Postponements & Excusals

Automatic postponement (up to 6 months) available online for any reason once.

Hardship excusal for medical conditions, primary caregiver duties, or extreme financial hardship requires documentation submitted to the commissioner of jurors.

No specific age-based excusal — but jurors 75+ may decline service in practice if requested.

4. Juror Pay (Judiciary Law § 521)

The court pays jurors $40 per day. If your employer pays you for jury duty, the court does not pay you for the first three days.

5. Employer Pay — The 10-Employee Rule (§ 519)

Employers with more than 10 employees must pay the first $40 per day for the first three days of jury service. Employers may not penalize or fire any employee for serving, regardless of size.

6. Penalties for Skipping

Failure to appear can result in a civil penalty up to $250 plus contempt under § 527, with possible jail time.

This is legal information, not legal advice.