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Can I get out of jury duty in Washington?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-17

Washington jury service is governed by RCW Chapter 2.36. The superior court of each county administers the jury pool.

1. Qualifications (RCW § 2.36.070)

  • US citizen, age 18 or older.
  • Resident of the county at the time of summons.
  • Able to communicate in English.
  • Not convicted of a felony with rights not restored.
  • Of sound mind.
  • 2. Statutory Exemptions

  • Active-duty members of the US Armed Forces.
  • Persons under guardianship for mental incapacity.
  • 3. Age-Based Excusal

    Washington does not have a fixed statutory age cap, but persons 80 years of age or older are routinely excused on request. RCW § 2.36.100 permits the judge broad discretion.

    4. Hardship Excusal (RCW § 2.36.100)

    The court may excuse for:

  • Undue hardship, extreme inconvenience, or public necessity.
  • Medical disability documented by physician.
  • Sole caregiver of a dependent.
  • Active student status.
  • Recent prior jury service (within 12 months).
  • 5. Juror Pay (RCW § 2.36.150)

  • Minimum $10 per day statewide.
  • Counties may pay up to $25 per day — King County pays $10/day plus mileage; some pilot programs raise it for low-income jurors.
  • Mileage reimbursement at federal rate.
  • 6. Employer Rules (RCW § 2.36.165)

    Employers may not threaten, coerce, or fire an employee called for jury duty. Wage payment is not statutorily required, but employers cannot deduct from PTO without consent.

    7. Penalties for Skipping

    Failure to appear is contempt of court under RCW § 2.36.170 — fines up to $500 per occurrence.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • You are facing a contempt charge for missing a jury duty summons
    • Your employer retaliated, demoted, or fired you for serving on a jury
    • You were denied excusal despite legitimately qualifying (age, disability, hardship)
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • RCW § 2.36.070
    • RCW § 2.36.100
    • RCW § 2.36.150
    • RCW § 2.36.165
    • RCW § 2.36.170

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.