If a juror cannot appear on the date summoned, the information form must be completed and returned within 10 days upon receipt along with a letter requesting excuse or deferment. All postponement requests must be made in writing. Postponements are limited to maximum of six (6) months.
 
A request for excuse/deferment must be made in writing. The letter must be from the person receiving the summons, not your employer, although the employer may submit a request as well. Letters from employers or any other source will only be considered to support your request. Requests due to a medical condition must be accompanied by a doctor's statement indicating whether the condition is temporary or permanent.
 
A juror cannot ask to be postponed or excused on the next report date. The juror must begin his/her jury service at that time. If you wish to speak to a clerk in the Jury Section, you may call (312) 435-5684 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday.
 
If a juror submits a request to be postponed or excused, it is the juror's responsibility to verify that the request has been granted. Please call the Automated Jury Information System 1 (800) 572-4210 if you were summoned to the Chicago courthouse. Information received by the Jury Section is updated in our telephone system throughout the day. Please do not call the automated system if you have not returned your information form. You must have your summons available to use this system.
 
Lack of transportation or distance from your home to the court is not a valid excuse for not serving as a juror. The following phone numbers will provide you information regarding public transportation service in: