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Jury Duty in Michigan

Who can be excused from jury duty in Michigan, what happens if you skip it, juror pay, and whether your employer must let you serve.

Short answer: People 70 or older are exempt from jury service under Michigan law if they ask; the juror qualification questionnaire asks whether a person 70 or older chooses to serve. MCL 600.1307a, 600.1313 (as stated on SCAO form MC 321a)

Who can be excused from jury dutyPeople 70 or older are exempt from jury service under Michigan law if they ask; the juror qualification questionnaire asks whether a person 70 or older chooses to serve. The questionnaire also asks whether you were paid as a juror in the past 12 months and whether you are a U.S. citizen, speak and understand English, are physically and mentally able to serve, and have a felony conviction. With documentation, additional exemptions are available to active-duty service members and their spouses, nursing mothers, and people in the address confidentiality program; contact the court named on the questionnaire.
Source: MCL 600.1307a, 600.1313 (as stated on SCAO form MC 321a)
Penalty for skipping jury dutyFailing to attend court without being excused when summoned as a juror, or failing to appear before the jury board when notified, is punishable by the circuit court as contempt of court. The juror questionnaire also warns that refusing to answer it or answering untruthfully can lead to a fine, imprisonment or both for contempt.
Questionnaire warning: SCAO form MC 321a. Contempt fine/jail amounts not read.
Source: MCL 600.1346(b), (e) (as quoted in the Michigan Judicial Institute Contempt of Court Benchbook)

More Michigan criminal law

FAQ

Who is exempt from jury duty in Michigan?
People 70 or older are exempt from jury service under Michigan law if they ask; the juror qualification questionnaire asks whether a person 70 or older chooses to serve. The questionnaire also asks whether you were paid as a juror in the past 12 months and whether you are a U.S. citizen, speak and understand English, are physically and mentally able to serve, and have a felony conviction. With documentation, additional exemptions are available to active-duty service members and their spouses, nursing mothers, and people in the address confidentiality program; contact the court named on the questionnaire.
What happens if you miss jury duty in Michigan?
Failing to attend court without being excused when summoned as a juror, or failing to appear before the jury board when notified, is punishable by the circuit court as contempt of court. The juror questionnaire also warns that refusing to answer it or answering untruthfully can lead to a fine, imprisonment or both for contempt.

Last verified against official sources: October 27, 2026.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.