What Happens If You Ignore Jury Duty?
Ignoring a jury summons usually first leads to a reminder or second summons, but courts can order you to appear and explain, and can impose fines, community service or even short jail time for contempt. In federal court, failing to appear without good cause can bring a fine of up to $1,000, up to three days in jail, community service, or a combination. Most courts readily grant postponements if you ask.
Jury service is a civic duty, and courts take summonses seriously. But they also understand that people have legitimate conflicts.
What happens if you ignore a summons
Practices vary by court, but common steps are:
- A reminder or second summons
- An order to appear and show cause why you should not be held in contempt
- Penalties if you have no good excuse
Under federal law, a person summoned who fails to appear without good cause may be ordered to show cause and can be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned up to three days, ordered to perform community service, or any combination (28 U.S.C. 1866(g)). State courts have their own penalties.
If you missed jury duty by mistake
Contact the jury office right away, explain what happened, and ask to reschedule. Courts are usually more forgiving when people respond quickly.
Postponements and excuses
Most courts let you request:
- Postponement (deferral) to a more convenient date, often online
- Excuse for undue hardship, such as medical conditions, caregiving for young children or dependents, or financial hardship
- Exemption for certain groups under the court's rules, such as active military, some public officials, or people over a certain age in some states
Respond by the deadline on your summons.
Employer protections
Federal law prohibits employers from firing, threatening or coercing permanent employees because of federal jury service (28 U.S.C. 1875). Most states have similar protections for state jury service, and some require employers to pay wages for some days. Give your employer a copy of the summons early.
Pay
Courts pay jurors a daily fee and sometimes mileage. Amounts vary by court.
What to expect
Check-in, orientation, and waiting. You may be questioned in jury selection (voir dire) and selected or excused. Trials range from a day to weeks.
Grand jury service
Grand jury service lasts longer, meeting periodically over weeks or months. See what a grand jury does.
Scams
Scammers sometimes call claiming you missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately by gift card or wire. Courts do not demand payment by phone. Hang up and call the court directly (US Courts).
Sources
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This article is general legal information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws differ by state and change over time; talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.