There are generally no classifications of people who are exempt or disqualified from jury duty in New York State. However, in order to be initially selected for the jury pool in your county, you must be a citizen of the United States as well as a resident of the particular county that has summoned you for jury duty; have never been convicted of a felony; be at least 18 years of age and be able to communicate in English. See Jud Law § 510. If you don’t satisfy all of these qualifications you are ineligible for jury duty in New York State.
Prior to January 1, 1996, active members of the armed forces; elected federal, state, city and local officers; the heads of certain government agencies; and federal or New York State judges were deemed disqualified to serve as jurors. See Jud. Law 511 (1995). These statutory disqualifications were repealed effective January 1, 1996.
Furthermore, prior to January 1, 1996, certain full-time religious practitioners, certain members of the medical field including doctors, dentists, nurses, licensed physical therapists and even embalmers as well as attorneys, fire personnel, sole proprietors engaged in the full-time operation of their business, parents or guardians with children under the age of 16 and those over 70 years of age were exempt from jury duty. These statutory exemptions were repealed effective January 1, 1996.
If you have been selected for jury duty in New York State, have a jury trial scheduled in New York state or have any questions in general regarding jury trials in New York State including Westchester, Rockland, Dutchess or Putnam counties, feel free to contact Tilem & Campbell PC for a free telephone consultation.