In California you can be excused for medical reasons. > To have your request considered, you must send a detailed written explanation AND include recent letter from your health care provider to: Contra Costa Jury Services 1020 Ward St., Room 1007 Martinez, CA 94553 > [Sample letter](http://www.cc-courts.org/_data/n_0003/resources/live/medExcuse.pdf) If it's something that is really troubling you, I'd suggest to look up the courts system in your state, and see if you have any qualification for dismissal. Its not a guaranteed thing, but it beats being summoned yourself for contempt (or whatever levies they'll impose for failing to appear for jury duty).