Can I get out of jury duty in South Carolina?

Q: Can I get out of jury duty in South Carolina?

South Carolina jury service is governed by S.C. Code Title 14, Chapter 7 . The county clerk of court manages the jury wheel. 1. Qualifications (S.C. Code § 14-7-130) - US citizen, age 18 or older. - Resident of the county for at least 6 months. - Able to read, write, and understand English . - Of sound mind and good moral character. - Not convicted of a crime punishable by more than 1 year. 2. Statutory Exemptions - Active members of the US Armed Forces on duty. - Convicted felons whose rights have not been restored. 3. Age-Based Excusal (S.C. Code § 14-7-840) A juror 65 years of age or older may be excused upon request — one of the earliest age thresholds in the country. Permanent excusal is granted. 4. Hardship Excusal (§ 14-7-860) The court may excuse for: - Serious medical condition (physician statement). - Sole caregiver responsibilities. - Extreme financial hardship. - Active student status. - Recent prior jury service. 5. Juror Pay (S.C. Code § 14-7-1380) - State minimum: $25 per day . - Counties may set higher rates and reimburse mileage. 6. Employer Rules (S.C. Code § 41-1-70) Employers may not dismiss, demote, suspend, or threaten an employee for jury service. Wrongful discharge for jury service creates a civil cause of action with potential punitive damages. Wage payment during service is not statutorily required. 7. Penalties for Skipping Failure to appear is contempt of court under § 14-7-870 — fines up to $500 and possible jail. This is legal information, not legal advice.

Question

Accepted Answer

South Carolina jury service is governed by S.C. Code Title 14, Chapter 7. The county clerk of court manages the jury wheel.

1. Qualifications (S.C. Code § 14-7-130)

US citizen, age 18 or older.

Resident of the county for at least 6 months.

Able to read, write, and understand English.

Of sound mind and good moral character.

Not convicted of a crime punishable by more than 1 year.

2. Statutory Exemptions

Active members of the US Armed Forces on duty.

Convicted felons whose rights have not been restored.

3. Age-Based Excusal (S.C. Code § 14-7-840)

A juror 65 years of age or older may be excused upon request — one of the earliest age thresholds in the country. Permanent excusal is granted.

4. Hardship Excusal (§ 14-7-860)

The court may excuse for:

Serious medical condition (physician statement).

Sole caregiver responsibilities.

Extreme financial hardship.

Active student status.

Recent prior jury service.

5. Juror Pay (S.C. Code § 14-7-1380)

State minimum: $25 per day.

Counties may set higher rates and reimburse mileage.

6. Employer Rules (S.C. Code § 41-1-70)

Employers may not dismiss, demote, suspend, or threaten an employee for jury service. Wrongful discharge for jury service creates a civil cause of action with potential punitive damages. Wage payment during service is not statutorily required.

7. Penalties for Skipping

Failure to appear is contempt of court under § 14-7-870 — fines up to $500 and possible jail.

This is legal information, not legal advice.