If you are self-employed and have been summoned for jury duty, you may be able to request an excuse or deferral if serving on a jury would cause undue hardship to your business.
Here is a sample self-employed jury duty excuse letter that you can use as a guide when writing your own letter:
Sample 1 - Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter
Dear [Jury Administrator],
I am writing to request an excuse from jury duty on the grounds that my service would cause undue hardship to my business.
I am self-employed and operate a [business type] business. Serving on a jury would require me to be away from my business for an extended period of time, which would cause financial hardship and disrupt my ability to serve my clients.
I understand the importance of fulfilling my civic duty, but I also have a responsibility to my business and my clients. I hope you will understand my situation and grant me an excuse from jury duty.
Thank you for considering my request.
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Sincerely,
[Your name]
Sample 2 - Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter
Dear [Judge’s Name],
I am writing to request an excuse from jury duty on the grounds that my absence would pose a significant financial hardship on my business.
As a self-employed individual, I am responsible for all aspects of my business and do not have the option of delegating my responsibilities to someone else while I am away.
In addition, I do not have any employees or partners who are able to cover for me while I am serving on a jury. As a result, my absence would not only result in a loss of income, but also in a disruption of the services I provide to my clients.
I understand the importance of fulfilling my civic duties, and I am willing to serve on a jury at a later date if possible. However, in this case, I am unable to do so without causing undue hardship on my business and my clients.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample 3 - Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter
Dear [Judge’s Name],
I am writing to request an excuse from jury duty due to the nature of my self-employment.
As a [self-employed profession], I am responsible for generating my own income and do not have the luxury of taking time off or delegating my responsibilities to someone else.
My business is highly dependent on my personal involvement, and any prolonged absence would result in a significant loss of income and potentially damage my reputation with clients.
I understand the importance of fulfilling my civic duties, and I am willing to serve on a jury at a later date if possible. However, in this case, I am unable to do so without causing undue hardship on my business and my clients.
Thank you for considering my request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
NOTE: Remember to explain clearly and concisely why serving on a jury would cause undue hardship to your business, and to provide any relevant supporting documentation if necessary.
It is also important to communicate politely and respectfully in your letter, and to follow the instructions provided by the jury administrator for requesting an excuse or deferral.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is a Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter?
Answer: A Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter is a letter written by a self-employed individual to request exemption from jury duty service on the grounds that their business would be negatively impacted. The letter should explain the nature of the business, its importance, and the consequences of the individual’s absence.
Q2. How do I write a Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter?
Answer: To write a Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter, follow these steps:
- Address the letter to the appropriate authority, such as the jury commissioner or the court.
- Explain your circumstances as a self-employed individual and the impact serving on a jury would have on your business.
- Provide evidence, such as financial records or a letter from a client, to support your claims.
- Request exemption from jury duty service, or request a postponement if necessary.
- Close the letter with a professional tone and offer to provide additional information if needed.
Q3. What should I include in a Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter?
Answer: In a Self-Employed Jury Duty Excuse Letter, you should include the following information:
- Your name and contact information
- A brief explanation of your business and its importance
- Evidence of the financial impact of serving on a jury, such as financial records or a letter from a client
- A request for exemption from jury duty service, or a request for a postponement if necessary
- A professional closing
Q4. Can I be excused from jury duty if I am self-employed?
Answer: In most cases, self-employed individuals are not automatically exempt from jury duty. However, if serving on a jury would result in a significant financial impact on their business, a self-employed individual may request exemption or postponement. Whether or not the request will be granted is up to the discretion of the jury commissioner or the court.
Q5. What happens if I ignore a jury duty summons?
Answer: Ignoring a jury duty summons is a serious matter and can result in consequences such as fines, imprisonment, or a warrant for your arrest.
If you cannot serve on a jury for a valid reason, such as being self-employed, it is important to submit a written request for exemption or postponement as soon as possible.