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Jury Duty in Rhode Island

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

Short answer: The Rhode Island Superior Court's official juror guide says people called for jury duty should not ask to be excused except for urgent reasons, and that no person is eligible to serve more than once every three years. U.S. Rhode Island Superior Court, Guide to Jury Service

Who can be excused from jury dutyThe Rhode Island Superior Court's official juror guide says people called for jury duty should not ask to be excused except for urgent reasons, and that no person is eligible to serve more than once every three years. U.S. citizens over 18 who are registered to vote in a Rhode Island city or town, hold a Rhode Island driver's license or ID card, receive unemployment benefits, or file a state income tax return are eligible unless a legal exemption is claimed. A juror who will be late or cannot report should call the Jury Commissioner's Office promptly at 8:30 a.m. with their name, juror number and reason.
Specific statutory exemptions (R.I. Gen.
Source: Rhode Island Superior Court, Guide to Jury Service

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FAQ

Who is exempt from jury duty in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Superior Court's official juror guide says people called for jury duty should not ask to be excused except for urgent reasons, and that no person is eligible to serve more than once every three years. U.S. citizens over 18 who are registered to vote in a Rhode Island city or town, hold a Rhode Island driver's license or ID card, receive unemployment benefits, or file a state income tax return are eligible unless a legal exemption is claimed. A juror who will be late or cannot report should call the Jury Commissioner's Office promptly at 8:30 a.m. with their name, juror number and reason.

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.