If you don't go to jury duty after being properly summoned, several consequences can follow depending on the jurisdiction and whether you have a valid excuse or not:
- You may receive a second summons or a "show cause" order requiring you to appear in court to explain why you missed jury duty
- If you fail to respond or appear after multiple summonses, you can be held in contempt of court, which may result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more, and in some cases, jail time from a few days up to six months
- Courts may issue warrants for your arrest if you ignore jury duty and subsequent court orders
- Penalties vary by state but commonly include fines, community service, and possible imprisonment for serious or repeated offenses
- Valid excuses such as health issues, caregiving responsibilities, military service, or financial hardship can often be communicated to the court to avoid penalties or reschedule service
- Ignoring jury duty disrupts the justice system and is taken seriously by courts, so it is best to respond promptly to summonses and request excusal or rescheduling if necessary
In summary, not attending jury duty without a valid excuse can lead to fines, contempt of court charges, and even jail time, making it important to handle jury duty summons responsibly.