If you don't go to jury duty, several consequences can follow, depending on the jurisdiction and whether it is your first offense or a repeated failure to appear:
- Initial Non-Response : Courts typically send a second summons if you ignore the first one, giving you another chance to appear without penalty
- Contempt of Court : Failing to appear without a valid excuse can lead to being held in contempt of court. This is a serious offense that may require you to appear before a judge to explain your absence
- Fines : You may be fined, often ranging from $100 up to $1,000, depending on the state and court
- Jail Time : In more severe or repeated cases, courts can impose jail sentences, which can be from a few days up to several days or even months in rare cases. Jail time is less common but remains a possibility
- Additional Penalties : Some courts may impose community service or require you to respond to additional summonses
- Legal Process : If you fail to appear, a "show cause" order may be issued, compelling you to appear in court and justify your absence. Ignoring this order can lead to harsher penalties, including arrest warrants in extreme cases
- Excusal or Postponement : If you have a valid reason for not attending, you must respond to the summons and request an excusal or postponement with proper documentation to avoid penalties
In summary, ignoring jury duty is treated seriously by courts, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time and contempt charges. It is advisable to respond to the summons, request postponement or excusal if necessary, and appear as ordered to avoid legal consequences
