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Request an Excuse or Deferral

If you have not completed your questionnaires via eJuror, you must do so prior to submitting your request.

Excuse Requests

Note:
  • Excuse requests cannot be processed over the telephone. Call the Jury Assist Line at (800) 446-8713 for information.
  • We cannot accept excuse requests submitted by employers on behalf of jurors.
  • If you are requesting to be excused for a medical reason and are working, your doctor's statement must indicate why you are able to work but not able to appear for a jury selection.
  • While you are "on call" for four weeks, prospective jurors call in once each week for reporting instructions and usually only appear once during the term for possible selection.
  • It is not necessary to call and email regarding the status of your request. We will email you or mail a letter (if an email address is not provided) once your request is processed.

A request to be excused from jury service must be received by the Jury Department no later than 5 days before the start of your jury term. Excuse requests will be reviewed and decided by a federal judge. You will be notified once a decision is made. You are not considered excused until you are notified. If denied, you will have an opportunity to explain your concerns in person to a judge when/if you are required to report for a jury selection.

Partial Excuses
A prospective juror who is unavailable on specific dates during their term (e.g. vacation, doctor's appointment, etc.) may qualify to be partially excused for those days. Please indicate the specific dates you are unavailable (you may be asked to provide supporting documentation). You will be notified by email or letter (if an email address is not provided) once a partial excuse is processed.

Deferrals
Jurors may have their jury service postponed no more than two times, after which they must either submit an excuse request (and be approved) or serve their term. This option is typically used for college students, seasonal employment, new mothers, and those recovering from serious medical procedures. You will be notified by email or letter (if an email address is not provided) once your deferral request is processed and will be provided with the new term date. You will be receive a new summons and will need to complete new questionnaires prior to the deferral date.

How to Submit a Request
Questionnaires MUST be completed in eJuror (or via paper questionnaire) before submitting any request. (You may include an excuse request and documentation with your completed paper questionnaire.)

Requests for excuses or deferrals may be submitted using ONE of the following methods.

(FOR FASTEST RESULTS, PLEASE SUBMIT ONLY ONCE)

  • In eJuror — complete the questionnaires and select an excuse option within eJuror (if applicable), OR
  • In eJuror — complete the questionnaires, then send your own email to jury@miwd.uscourts.gov, OR
  • In eJuror — complete the questionnaires, then submit the online form (link below), OR
  • Mail your written request (with your completed paper questionnaire) to:
    Jury Department, U.S. District Court
    110 Michigan NW, 399 Federal Building
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Please call the Jury Assist Line (800) 446-8713 for additional information or to request a paper questionnaire. You will receive an email or letter (if an email address is not provided) once your request has been processed.

Click Here to Access the Form to Request an Excuse or Deferral