Dear {jury commissioner}:
It is with regret that I must plead with the court to excuse me from jury service as scheduled on {date} due to extreme financial hardship.
I am sole proprietor of a {small business/freelance operation/etc.}. I have attached proof of self-employment, along with client contract information, so you can see that taking time off work would result in severe detriment to my income. I am also facing important and unmovable deadlines due to {time-sensitive situation}. If I do not meet these deadlines, I will lose clients, and thus my livelihood.
Moreover, I am {breadwinner/single parent/etc.}. There is no one else to provide for my family but me.
I would be happy to elaborate or provide further documentation if needed. Thank you very much for your consideration of my unusual circumstances.
Sincerely,
{Name}
attachments: proof of self-employment and client commitments
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Index of Hardship Letter Examples