If you miss jury duty without a lawful excuse, the consequences can be serious and vary by state, but generally include the following:
- Initial Missed Appearance : Usually, you will receive a second summons with a new date to appear. Ignoring this second notice can escalate the situation
- Fines : Courts may impose fines that increase with repeated offenses. For example, in California, fines can start at $250 for the first offense and increase up to $1,500 for subsequent offenses
. In Texas, fines can range from $100 to $1,000 for failing to respond to a summons
- Contempt of Court : Missing jury duty can lead to a contempt of court charge, which is a serious offense. This can result in fines and/or jail time. For instance, contempt of court in California can carry up to 5 days in jail and fines up to $1,500
. In Texas, contempt charges can lead to jail time from 3 days up to 6 months in rare cases
- Possible Jail Time : Some jurisdictions may impose jail time for failure to appear, especially after repeated offenses or ignoring court orders. Jail time is typically short but is a real possibility
- Bench Warrants : If you continue to ignore jury duty summonses, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest
- Contingencies : Courts may consider valid excuses for missing jury duty, such as emergencies or hardship, which can prevent or mitigate penalties if communicated promptly
What to Do If You Miss Jury Duty:
- Contact the court immediately to explain your situation and possibly reschedule or be excused
- Respond promptly to any subsequent summons to avoid harsher penalties
- If facing penalties, consulting a legal professional may help navigate the situation
In summary, missing jury duty can lead to fines, contempt of court charges, and even jail time depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances. Courts generally give a second chance but take repeated failures seriously
