If you miss jury duty, you will generally be contacted by the court and asked to appear before a judge to explain your absence. The consequences of not reporting for jury service can be severe, and they depend on the type of court and the state you live in. Here are some possible penalties:
-
Fines: You could be fined up to $1000 or $50 to $250 for the first offense in some states.
-
Imprisonment: You could be imprisoned for up to three days or face jail time for the third offense in some states.
-
Community service: You could be ordered to perform community service.
If you fail to appear in court without a sufficient excuse, you will be fined not less than $50 nor more than $200. In some cases, you may also be held in contempt of court, which can result in additional fines and jail time.
Its important to note that you can defer your service or be excused under certain circumstances, such as caring for a child or adult in your custody whose health or safety would be jeopardized by your absence. If you have a scheduled vacation during your jury service, you can provide a copy of your airplane ticket or travel itinerary.
In summary, missing jury duty can result in fines, imprisonment, community service, and other legal consequences. Its crucial to follow the instructions on your jury summons and appear in court unless you have a valid excuse.