Nevada courts know that dropping everything for jury duty doesn’t always fit neatly into real life, which is why they’ve made it possible to formally request to be excused from jury duty if you have a valid reason. But just because it’s possible doesn’t mean it’s simple. You’ve got to go about it the right way. That’s exactly what this guide is for: to show you exactly how to do that in plain, straightforward English.
If you’re here looking up how to request an excuse from jury duty in Nevada, it probably means you’ve already been summoned or you’re expecting to be. Either way, the clock is ticking. The worst thing you can do is ignore the summons or treat it casually. Nevada courts take jury duty seriously. So let’s go over what counts as a valid excuse, how to put it in writing, and what steps you need to take to make sure you don’t get into any trouble.
What Counts as a Legit Excuse?
Not every inconvenience is a ticket out. Just being busy or not wanting to miss work doesn’t automatically mean you’re off the hook. Nevada law gives the judge the final say. But they do give you options and the chance to explain your situation.
If you’re 70 years or older, congratulations, you’re automatically off the list. No paperwork needed. If you’re 65 or older and live more than 65 miles away from the courthouse, you’re also off the hook. But if you don’t fall into those categories, you’ll have to submit a formal written request.
This letter needs to explain exactly why you can’t serve. Maybe you’re dealing with a serious illness. Maybe you’re a full-time caregiver for someone who can’t be left alone. Or maybe serving would cause undue hardship, like risking your job or losing needed income.
Whatever the reason, make it clear and detailed. Don’t just say that you can’t serve. Say why, and back it up with facts.
Some other acceptable reasons include:
- A physical disability or mental health condition
- The recent death or serious illness of an immediate family member
- Public necessity, i.e., if your absence would negatively affect your community or workplace
- Prior service on a jury in the past 18 months
How and Where to Send Your Request
So you’ve got your reason. Now you’ve got to write your request. Your letter basically needs to include:
- Your full name
- Your juror badge number (you’ll find this on your summons)
- A detailed explanation of your situation
- A phone number where you can be reached during business hours
Make sure your letter arrives at least three days before you’re scheduled to appear. That way, the judge actually has time to review it.
Mail your letter to:
District Court50 W. 5th Street
Suite #207
Winnemucca, NV 89445
Or, if you’d rather, you can hand-deliver it to the judge’s chambers. In some cases, you might even be able to submit it online, but that depends on your county. So, check your summons or your county court website just in case.
What Happens If You Ignore Your Summons?
This is the part where things can get messy. If you don’t show up and haven’t been officially excused, the court has every right to hold you in contempt. That could mean fines, or worse. The court doesn’t want to punish people, but they will if they think you’re dodging your civic duty on purpose.
It’s also important to understand that being summoned doesn’t mean you’re going to serve. There’s a whole process called jury selection, and you might not even get picked. But you have to show up to find out. Skipping that step without permission puts you at risk.
What If You Do End Up Serving?
If your excuse doesn’t get approved and you’re selected to serve, here’s what to expect. Most trials in Nevada last two to five days. You’ll usually be needed between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with the first day mostly focused on jury selection. That can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a full day.
Dress appropriately; do not wear shorts, tank tops, or clothes with offensive prints. The courtroom can be cold, so layers are smart. Also, you won’t be paid just for showing up.
You only get paid if you’re picked to serve on a jury, and it’s $40 per day, plus travel reimbursement. Checks usually arrive about two to three weeks after your service ends.