Having worked in the clerk's office for 6 years while in high school and college, yes, I was the one who sent those jury summons...I have heard every kind of excuse to get out of it. we always took the excuses and presented them to the judge who would decide. yours seems valid. I would type up why you feel you can't serve and attach copies of receipts where your trip is paid for and be sure you say it would be a hardship and loss of money, blah blah. that's the best, most honest and legal way to do it. there are, of course, more evil
ways...hehe