If you miss jury duty, the consequences vary by jurisdiction but generally include the following:
- Initial Miss : Usually, if you miss your first jury duty summons, the court will send you a second notice with a new date and a warning to appear. This is your chance to comply without immediate penalties
- Fines : If you fail to appear after multiple summonses, you may be fined. Fines can range from around $100 up to $1,000 depending on the state and whether the absence is deemed intentional
- Contempt of Court : Repeated failure to appear can lead to being held in contempt of court, a serious offense that can bring additional fines and penalties. A judge may require you to appear to explain your absence and decide on sanctions
- Community Service or Jail Time : Some states impose mandatory community service or short jail sentences (from a few days up to several months in extreme cases) for serious or repeat violations of jury duty obligations
- Legal Action : Ignoring jury duty summonses altogether can lead to criminal complaints or arrest warrants in some jurisdictions
- Excuses and Rescheduling : Courts often allow rescheduling or excuse from jury duty if you promptly contact them with a valid reason such as hardship, illness, or other legitimate barriers
- Beware of Scams : Courts will never demand immediate payment over the phone or ask for personal information to avoid jail time. Be cautious of such scams
In summary, missing jury duty can lead to escalating consequences from fines to jail time, especially if you ignore multiple summonses. The best course is to respond promptly to the court, explain your situation if you miss a date, and seek rescheduling or an official excuse if needed
