To be tried before a jury is considered a basic constitutional right in the United States. In the same way, you have the right to vote. You also must serve on a jury if you are selected. This may be difficult if you’ve been selected to serve on a complex product liability case, where the trial could last many days or weeks.

Yet, there are numerous exemptions to jury duty. The process of avoiding jury duty can be simplified under certain conditions. Click here to take legal advice from certified lawyers!

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON WAYS THAT PERSONAL INJURY CASES ARE SETTLED?

Settlements are reached out of court in the vast majority of cases involving personal injuries. By “most,” we mean “nearly.” Around ninety percent of lawsuits end in a favorable settlement before trial. Of course, if the matter is settled out of court, the presence of a jury is unnecessary. The only possible exception is a last-minute agreement. Cases can be settled at any moment before a verdict is reached, including during deliberations.

HOW DOES THE STATE OF TEXAS CHOOSE ITS JURORS?

Jurors will be chosen randomly from the rolls of those registered to vote in Texas, have a valid driver’s license, or have some other kind of personal identification issued by the state of Texas. You will be served with a summons to appear in court if chosen.

HOW TO GET OUT OF JURY DUTY With AN Acceptable Reason

A Google search for “How to avoid jury duty in various states” yields a plethora of articles on the topic. There are exceptions to jury service in Texas, and they are spelled out in the state’s rules (please see below).

DISQUALIFICATION

If you don’t meet the requirements to serve on a jury, the court will excuse you from attending the trial.

• You are not a US citizen; You are under 18. The Constitution of the United States provides that permanent residents are exempt from jury duty.
• You are not a legal resident of Texas or the county that has drafted you.
• You must refrain from casting a ballot for the county where you will serve in the upcoming election.
• You are unable to read or write.
• You clearly have mental issues.
• Your moral fiber is weak.
• You recently sat on a jury in your area (the rules here are rather specific).
• You have a criminal record, including theft or felony convictions, indictments, or felony accusations.

Any of the above will result in an instant disqualification.