I was summoned for jury duty, how do I know if I can be exempted?

The following persons, by statue AND NO OTHERS may claim an exemption from jury service if the person wishes to do so:

• Persons over 70 years of age.
• Persons who have legal custody of a child under and up to an age of 15 years if jury service by that person would necessitate leaving the child without adequate supervision.
• All students of public or private secondary school.
• Every person who is enrolled and in actual attendance at an institution of higher education.
• Persons who are the primary caretaker of a person who is an invalid unable to care for himself, or herself.
• An officer or an employee of the Senate, House of Representatives, or any department, commission, board, office, or other agency in the legislative branch of state government.
• He or she has served as petit juror in the county during the 24-month period preceding the date he/she is to appear for jury service. (Only applies to counties with population at least 200,000 unless the county uses a jury plan under 62.011, Government Code, and the period authorized under Section 62.011(b)(6) exceeds two years.)
• He or she has served as a petit juror in the county during the three year period preceding the date the person is to appear for jury service. (Only applies to counties with a population of at least 250,000 unless the jury wheel in the county has been reconstituted after the date the person served as a petit juror.)

Excuses for any other reasons should be proposed to the court at the call of jury roll.

All exemption requests should be made in writing at least 48 hours before the trial date. If you feel you should be exempted from jury service, you may submit it in writing to the judge prior to the trial date by fax at (903) 389-6327.