If you don't show up for jury duty, the consequences vary depending on the jurisdiction, but generally, courts take it seriously because jury service is essential to the justice system.

What Happens if You Miss Jury Duty?

• Initial No-Show : Often, if you miss your first jury duty summons, the court will send a second notice with a new date and a warning to appear. This gives you a chance to correct the situation without immediate penalties

• Failure to Appear After Second Notice : Ignoring a second summons or failing to respond to a "show cause" order (a court order to explain your absence) can lead to more severe consequences, including being held in contempt of court

Possible Penalties

• Fines : Many states impose fines ranging from $100 up to $1,000 for failing to appear for jury duty

• Community Service : Some courts may order community service as part of the penalty for contempt of court related to jury duty non-appearance

• Jail Time : In rare or repeated cases, courts may impose jail time, which can range from a few days up to 10 days or more depending on the state. For example, California can impose up to 5 days, Pennsylvania up to 10 days, and federal courts up to 3 days

• Contempt of Court : Failing to appear after being summoned can be treated as contempt of court, which may result in fines, community service, or jail time, and can also lead to a misdemeanor or civil contempt conviction on your record

• Arrest Warrants : If you fail to appear at a required hearing to explain your absence, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest

Exceptions and Mitigations

• Courts often consider valid excuses such as illness, emergencies, or other significant hardships, which can prevent or reduce penalties if communicated promptly

• Some jurisdictions may be more lenient for first-time offenders, allowing rescheduling without penalty if you respond quickly

Summary

Ignoring jury duty summons can lead to escalating consequences: a second summons, a court hearing to explain your absence, fines, community service, jail time, or even arrest warrants. The exact penalty depends on the court's rules and your jurisdiction, but it's generally advisable to respond to the summons or contact the court if you cannot attend to avoid these outcomes