If you miss jury duty, you will generally be contacted by the court and asked to appear before a judge to explain your absence. You will also likely be assigned a new date for jury service. The specific consequences of missing jury duty depend on the type of court and the state you live in. However, some possible penalties for missing jury duty include:
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Fines: You may be subject to fines, which vary depending on the state and court. For example, in Ventura County, California, the fine for missing jury duty is $250 for the first offense, $750 for the second offense, and $1,000 or five days in jail for the third offense.
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Contempt of court: By skipping jury duty, a judge can hold you in contempt of court, resulting in fines and jail time. The judge decides if the contempt amounts to a criminal or civil charge.
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Arrest warrant: If you dont appear in court, you may be issued a criminal complaint or a warrant for your arrest.
Its important to note that fines will only be imposed after the individual explains their failure to appear to a judge. If you have a valid reason for missing jury duty, such as illness or being a full-time student, you may be able to reschedule or claim a hardship. However, if you fail to respond to jury duty, your personal appearance before the court will be mandatory. Its best to resolve the issue with the court quickly to avoid any legal consequences.