If you ignore jury duty, the consequences can escalate depending on your jurisdiction and whether it is a first offense or repeated behavior:

• Initially, if you fail to appear for jury duty without being excused, the court may send you a second summons with a new date to appear. This is often your chance to comply and avoid penalties

• If you continue to ignore jury duty summonses, the court can treat this as contempt of court, which is a criminal offense. Penalties for contempt of court related to jury duty can include fines up to $1,000, jail time ranging from a few days up to six months in some states, or both

• In some cases, courts may issue a "show cause" order requiring you to appear before a judge to explain why you missed jury duty. Failing to respond to this order can lead to harsher penalties, including fines, community service, or jail time

• While serious punishment like jail time is rare and often reserved for repeat offenders or willful neglect, fines and contempt charges are possible and vary by state. For example, in California, penalties can include up to five days in jail and a $1,000 fine, while in Texas, fines range from $100 to $1,000 with potential jail time up to six months for repeated offenses

• Courts generally consider valid excuses such as health issues, family emergencies, active military duty, caregiving responsibilities, or financial hardship. Communicating with the court proactively if you cannot attend jury duty can help avoid penalties

In summary, ignoring jury duty can lead to fines, contempt of court charges, and in rare cases, jail time. It is advisable to respond to summonses, seek excusal or postponement if you have a valid reason, and communicate with the court to avoid legal consequences