How does one submit a medical exemption request for jury duty in Colorado?

1. What qualifies as a medical disqualification or postponement

Colorado law treats jury fitness as a question of ability to perform juror duties: physical or mental conditions that prevent satisfactory juror service can justify either a postponement or disqualification, while some conditions may only merit temporary delay rather than permanent excusal ^{[2] [1]}. The statute and Judicial Branch guidance make clear the distinction: temporary conditions should be documented with an expected date when the person will be able to serve, and permanent conditions may support a lasting disqualification if the judge or jury commissioner so determines ^{[2] [1]}.

2. How to submit the request and required timing

Requests for medical disqualification or postponement must be made before the scheduled appearance date on the summons; state law requires claimants to “take all actions necessary to obtain a determination on the request before the date” they are scheduled to appear ^[1]. The Judicial Branch provides a specific medical disqualification/postponement form used by counties (example form available from a judicial district) and county or municipal courts may accept written, electronic, or faxed submissions depending on local procedures ^{[2] [4]}. Court websites and local jury commissioners list contact methods and frequently instruct jurors to submit documentation in advance to avoid having to appear ^{[5] [6]}.

3. What documentation the court expects

The judge or jury commissioner may request a medical statement from a physician, physician assistant, advanced practice nurse, or other qualified practitioner; that statement should identify the juror by appearance date and juror number and describe the nature and expected duration of the condition ^{[2] [5]}. The statute explicitly allows medical statements and similar documentation (proof of dependency, guardianship, etc.) to support an excusal request and reiterates that medical statements provided under this subsection are not public records ^{[1] [3]}. Municipal courts often require a written doctor’s statement for any illness or medical condition that would prohibit appearance ^{[7] [6]}.

4. How decisions are made and processing expectations

A judge or the jury commissioner has the authority to grant a postponement, temporarily excuse a juror until a condition resolves, or permanently disqualify someone if the grounds are permanent; jurors temporarily excused become eligible again when the temporary excuse expires as determined by the court ^[1]. Processing times vary by locale and “requests may take several days depending on the location of your jury service,” so jurors are advised to submit documentation well ahead of their reporting date ^[5]. If a clerk or commissioner needs more information, they may ask for additional medical proof before making a determination ^[1].

5. Practical steps and alternatives to a full disqualification

The practical path is to: 1) contact the jury commissioner or follow instructions on the summons immediately, 2) complete and submit the court’s medical disqualification/postponement form or send a medical statement that includes the juror number and appearance date, and 3) keep copies and follow up because local clerks may require email, fax, or mailed documentation and processing can take several days ^{[2] [4] [5]}. If the condition is temporary, request a postponement (state law allows deferrals), and if over age thresholds or other statutory opt-outs apply (for example, new opt-out provisions for people 72 and older), follow the documentation rules set by the judge or jury commissioner ^{[1] [8]}. Where county or municipal procedures differ, consult the specific court’s jury webpage or call the jury office for the required form and submission method ^{[6] [7]}.