Can I get out of jury duty in Ohio?

Ohio jury service is governed by Revised Code Chapter 2313. Counties administer their own jury wheels drawn from voter and BMV records.

1. Qualifications (R.C. § 2313.17)

US citizen, age 18 or older.

Resident of the county.

Able to read, speak, and understand English.

Not currently incarcerated.

2. Statutory Exemptions

Active-duty members of the US Armed Forces.

Convicted felons whose civil rights have not been restored.

3. Age-Based Excusal (R.C. § 2313.14)

A juror 75 years of age or older may request permanent excusal.

4. Hardship Excusal

A judge or jury commissioner may excuse a juror for:

Physical or mental disability verified by physician.

Caregiver of a child or invalid with no alternate.

Undue financial hardship (no employer pay, sole earner).

Active student or military service.

5. Juror Pay

Set by each county's commissioners.

Typical range: $10 to $40 per day, plus mileage.

Some counties pay nothing the first day if employer pays wages.

6. Employer Rules (R.C. § 2313.19)

Permanent employees of an employer must be allowed leave for jury service. The employer may not require the employee to use vacation. Threatening or firing an employee for service is a misdemeanor. Pay is not required.

7. Penalties for Skipping

Failure to appear is contempt of court under R.C. § 2313.99 — fines up to $250 and possible jail.

This is legal information, not legal advice.