Prospective jurors otherwise eligible to serve may be excused from jury service only for extreme hardship and sever medical issues. All requests must be submitted to the Jury Management Division in writing prior to the prospective juror's service date as explained on the juror questionnaire. The excuse can also be faxed to the Jury Management Division at 505-455-8229.

A prospective juror may be excused at the discretion of a judge under the following circumstances:

• The individual has a physical or mental disability that would prevent him or her from serving. The prospective juror must provide a written explanation of the disability from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant. 
• The individual provides actual and necessary care for another and alternate arrangements are not feasible.  The prospective juror must provide a written explanation of the situation from a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.
• The individual will suffer an extreme financial burden if required to serve that would substantially prevent the prospective juror from paying his or her necessary daily living expenses.
• The individual will be away from the court's jurisdiction for the entire term of service.
• The individual is serving active duty in a branch of the military and is not stationed in the county.
• Individuals who are seventy-five years of age or older and who file an affidavit requesting an exemption from jury service shall be permanently exempted from jury service.  (See “Frequently Asked Questions” page on this site for instructions and Age Affidavit form).