Requests to be Rescheduled or Excused
Previous excusals do not warrant future excusals. Each instance must be addressed as if it is the first time the court is hearing your request. We do not maintain records (from previous years in which you may have been summoned) of your previous medical or previous requests to be excused. A request to be excused does not mean you are automatically excused. Each request is reviewed by the Court and a written response will be mailed by postcard and your information will be updated online. If it is a time sensitive issue, please call Jury Administration 564.397.2049 or email juries@clark.wa.gov
Excusal Request
The Survey & Questionnaire must be completed and returned, even if you have a request to be excused. The court will not entertain your request unless you complete the required questionnaire. You may add an additional page to convey your situation and request, if needed. All Excusals may be mailed or emailed to our Jury administrators.
You will need to provide supporting documentation for the following:
Employment Conflict
Submit a letter on letterhead from your company or company you are employed for and have your supervisor sign it. It must state they do not compensate for jury service or it is an undue hardship to release you to serve. If you are a business owner please provide excusal letter on your company letterhead, provide a copy of your business license or business card along with excusal letter.
Financial Hardship
The individual must demonstrate undue financial hardship, outlined in writing, where a person is not compensated for jury service by an employer, or self-employed persons who would incur financial hardship. The excuse is only permitted by a judge.
Undue Hardship
An undue hardship would be dependent care for your child or an elderly adult or disabled child or adult. Please note if you are a caretaker of a disabled child or adult, we will require a letter from their physician stating you are their primary care provider.
In regard to childcare, we would appreciate if you would reschedule your jury service to another date when you can make necessary care arrangements rather than asking to be excused. On your jury summons form, you will find a number to call, an email address, or an address to which you can write to make arrangements to reschedule.
Students
Attach a school schedule from the school website or Registrar's Office as proof of enrollment during the jury term. Parents should forward the questionnaire to the summoned person/student. If they are attending college outside the United States, please have the student contact our office directly. This information will permit a rescheduling to a time when the student is not enrolled in classes.
Moved out of Clark County
Attach a copy of your state issued driver’s license showing the non-Clark County address.
Military
Attach a copy of duty station orders/directives (a spouse or legal Power of Attorney may do this on your behalf - they must print and sign their name, if applicable, with "POA" afterwards).
Medical
Briefly explain the nature of the situation and attach a signed note by a primary care physician which states why in their professional opinion, the circumstance prevents your participation in jury service. Do not send lists of medications or copies of disability paperwork we will not excuse you. If it is a temporary or short duration medical situation, you will be rescheduled.
Any other reasons or requests
Including requests to be rescheduled, must also be placed in writing with enough detail for the Court to gain an understanding into why Jury Service may be difficult for you at this time. If your request to be excused is denied, or you seek a postponement or rescheduled service, please indicated the calendar dates you prefer, and we will attempt to accommodate that. Jurors may receive up to 3 postponement/rescheduled service terms not to exceed 6 months from their original service date.
RCW 2.36.170: Failure to appear – Penalty
A person summoned for jury service who intentionally fails to appear as directed shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.