Sorry, I meant the company with whom you’re contracted.
Follow up:
I wrote a letter asking to be excused for the first few dates because of work issues, and the last date because of family issues. I didn’t mention it in this thread, but the last week of July is a big week for me. It’s my grandmother’s 90th birthday week, and we’re having a party, and a cousin is also getting married. Basically it’s a week of family reunion activities. Not only am I on the hook to help out with the festivities, but I’ve got 4 people staying with me that week. There’s a lot going on.
I asked to be excused on July 31st for that reason.
I got a call back today. I’m excused from the first dates because of work, but not the last date. I explained everything in more detail to the bailiff, and she said she’d ask the judge again. I just got another callback. No go. I have to be available for jury duty that day.
I’m twice as depressed now. To me, it’s a real sad state when the Almighty Job can get you excused from jury duty, but a family reunion, 90th birthday, and a wedding? That’s just social stuff, not important. I’d much rather go through the hassle of getting a day off work (and giving up the money I’d make) to do jury duty than have to be available the week all this stuff is going on. So much for family values and all that.
Oddly enough, I am Juror #6 on a criminal trial that is going on this week (today is an off day.) So far there has just been one day of jury selection and half a day of actual trial and I am loving the experience. Hardship aside, I can’t believe that people try to weasel out of jury duty.
There were around 50 of us to start and we lost fifteen or so because of deferrals. There were probably more than usual because a lot of people had graduations to attend on Friday. The judge was totally cool about it.
A lot of people were booted out because the judge felt that they had bias or one of the lawyers used a peremptory challenge on them. By the time we had our 12+2 there were only nine people left in the crowd.
Anyway, there was this whole long list of reasons to get deferred or dismissed and financial hardship was one of them. You just checked that box and wrote in an explanation. Obviously different states, even different counties, have different rules so this may be of little use.
I actually agree with you; if the summons had come six months ago I’d have been thrilled to go. I once sat on a jury for 3 or 4 days, and had a blast. Very learning experience. I’m trying to dwell on that part of the whole thing, if I do end up having to go, and not the money I’m losing or the whole family reunion thing I’ll be missing.
To summarize for anyone who might be reading to obtain an answer, rather than to post anecdotes:
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The first step, not available in all jurisdictions, is to request a waiver before the first day of your assigned duty. Sometimes that will allow you to avoid the duty entirely until the next time you are pulled out of the hat; other jurisdictions simply delay your service to a date certain down the road.
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If 1. doesn’t work, then you show up on the first day and advise soonest possible that you have a need for a waiver. This may be able to be done right away, or may require that you wait unless and until such time as your particular grouping is called to a courtroom for voir dire.
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In any event, if 1. and 2. don’t work, during voir dire, you will be asked if you have any particular reason why you cannot serve the expected time of the trial, or are going to be unwilling to serve. At this time, your concern may be addressed by dismissal, or it may not, depending upon whether or not the judge agrees with you, or the attorneys decide they don’t want a pissed off juror on the panel.
Obviously, option 1. is the best, if available.
Both of my jury duty times (Washington State), anyone justifying even the slightest hardship due to work was let go freely. There was a standard rote question like “can anyone else do your work while you’re gone?” and any ‘no’ got excused.
My work still pays me unfortunately, so I felt I morally still had the obligation to attend. Both of my cases were for drug offences and the room was asked “Does anyone have any concerns about this as a drug-related case?” I raised my hand, and when asked to explain, said “I disagree with current state and federal drug policies.” They excused me 
If you call and explain nicely they will usually take care of it, although it depends on the juridiction. My daughter was called the day before her wedding and explained that she would love to do jury duty, but it would be best at a time when she could concentrate on an actual case. The very nicely told her to forget it, and also congratulations.