Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers | October 7, 2025 | South Carolina Law

Is It Possible to Get Out of Jury Duty? 

In Little River, South Carolina, it is possible to be excused from jury duty, but only under certain circumstances allowed by law or with a judge’s approval. Jury duty is considered an important civic duty, and exemptions are not granted automatically. Instead, you must submit a formal request and, in many cases, provide documentation or attend a court hearing to explain your situation.

South Carolina law outlines specific reasons why a person may be excused or have their service deferred, but each case is evaluated individually. This article will cover the basics of jury duty and how it may apply in the context of personal injury cases in Little River, SC.

By understanding these rules, residents of Little River can accurately assess their eligibility for an excuse from jury duty and take proper legal steps if needed. Always respond promptly to a jury summons to avoid penalties and consult local legal counsel if unsure.

You may be exempt from serving on a jury in South Carolina if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

Age Exemption

Current law exempts those 65 years and older from jury duty in South Carolina. A person can choose to be on jury duty or be excused if they are over 65 years old. A bill was introduced in February 2025 to increase the age for exemption from jury service to 70 years old. However, the bill remains in committee in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Individuals with chronic, severe, or disabling physical or mental conditions that impede their ability to serve may request exemption from jury duty. However, be prepared to present a medical provider’s note confirming the health issue and how it prevents you from serving on a jury.

Primary Caregiver Exemption

Are you the primary caregiver for:

  • A child under seven years of age that you have legal custody of and the duty of care for;
  • A person aged sixty-five years or older; or,
  • A person with disabilities who is unable to care for themselves and cannot be left unattended?

You may be eligible for an exemption from jury duty if serving on a jury would significantly disrupt essential care for the person. You must provide an affidavit to the court stating you are unable to provide adequate care for the person if you are required to serve on a jury.

Students and School Employees

Students and school employees are not excused completely from jury duty. However, they can request to have jury duty postponed to a more convenient time, such as outside of the school term. You must provide evidence of school enrollment or employment.

Employment in a State Penitentiary

Guards and employees at state correctional facilities are exempt because their absence could disrupt prison security and operations.

Recent Jury Duty

A person who has served on a circuit court jury within the past two calendar years may be exempt from jury duty. The same applies to individuals who have served on a grand jury within the past four calendar years.

How to Officially Get Excused from Jury Duty in South Carolina

If you wish to be excused from jury duty, you must respond to the jury summons and follow the instructions to request an exemption. Submit required documentation (like doctor’s notes or affidavits) and explain the hardship or eligibility reasons in writing to the court.

Judges or court clerks have discretion to approve or deny exemption requests. Often, if not fully excused, the court may reschedule your service to a later date. Failure to appear without a legitimate excuse can result in penalties, including contempt of court, jail time, and fines.

Contact Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation 

While it is possible to be excused from jury duty in Little River, South Carolina, exemptions are limited and must be formally requested with proper documentation. The court takes jury service seriously, so it’s important to respond promptly to a summons and follow the correct procedures to avoid penalties. If you qualify for an exemption, be prepared to provide clear evidence of your circumstances, whether due to age, health, caregiving responsibilities, or other legal grounds.

If you have questions about your eligibility or need guidance on legal matters after an accident, the team at Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.

For more information, please contact Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in North Myrtle Beach, Little River, Aynor, or across South Carolina.

We proudly serve Horry County and its surrounding areas.

Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers – Little River Office
3303 Hwy 9 E, Little River, SC 29566, United States
(843) 390-9111

Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers – North Myrtle Beach Office
By Appointment Only
1016 2nd Ave N Suite F, 2nd Floor, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Stanley Personal Injury Lawyers – Aynor Office
604 8th Ave, Aynor, SC 29511