Receiving a jury summons can feel stressful, especially if it arrives at an inconvenient time. But many people wonder the same thing: What happens if you don’t appear for jury duty? Whether you misplaced your summons, forgot the date, or simply don’t want to go, it’s important to understand the legal consequences and what steps you should take next.
This guide breaks down what really happens when you skip jury duty, how courts enforce attendance, what penalties you may face, and what you can do if you accidentally missed your assigned date. You’ll also learn how different states handle no-shows, legitimate reasons for being excused, and how to avoid fines or warrants.
What Is Jury Duty and Why It Matters?
Jury duty is a civic obligation that ensures court cases, both civil and criminal, are judged fairly by a group of impartial citizens. When you’re summoned, you’re not being asked to serve as a juror immediately. You’re being asked to appear for selection, which is the first stage.
Skipping jury duty isn’t treated lightly because:
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Courts rely on enough jurors to function
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Jury selection is a legal process
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Participation is mandatory, not voluntary
Even though many people try to avoid jury duty, it’s a legal requirement, and courts enforce it differently depending on the state.
What Happens If You Don’t Appear for Jury Duty?
The consequences vary by state, but ignoring a jury summons can result in fines, additional summonses, and even criminal charges in more serious cases.
Here’s what typically happens:
You’ll Receive a Second Summons or Failure-to-Appear Notice
In many jurisdictions, first-time offenders receive:
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A second summons
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A warning letter
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A notice asking you to explain your absence
This is the court giving you a chance to fix the situation before issuing penalties.
You May Face Fines
If you continue to miss jury duty, courts can impose fines that range widely depending on the state.
Common fine ranges:
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$100–$500 for first offenses
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Up to $1,000 for repeated offenses
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Daily penalties in some states for each day you do not appear
For example:
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In California, fines can reach $1,500 for repeated no-shows.
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In Texas, fines can range $100–$1,000.
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In New York, fines typically range $250–$1,000.
A Judge May Issue a Bench Warrant
This is rare, but it DOES happen, especially in cases of repeated noncompliance.
A bench warrant means:
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Police are authorized to detain you
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You may need to appear before a judge
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You could face misdemeanor charges
Bench warrants are more likely if you ignored multiple notices or failed to respond to court orders.
You Could Be Charged With Contempt of Court
Skipping jury duty after being warned can lead to civil or criminal contempt charges, which may bring:
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Court appearances
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Higher fines
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A mark on your legal record
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Rarely, short jail sentences (usually for repeat offenders)
While jail is extremely uncommon, the court does have the authority to impose it.
You May Have to Reschedule and Explain Your Absence
Before taking legal action, courts often give you a final opportunity to:
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Provide a reason for missing jury duty
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Submit documentation (such as medical notes)
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Request a new date
If you respond quickly, you can usually avoid more serious consequences.
Legitimate Reasons for Missing Jury Duty
Courts do understand that people have genuine conflicts. Legitimate excuses may include:
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Illness or medical emergencies
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Previously scheduled surgery
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Recent death in the family
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Military deployment
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Travel that cannot be cancelled
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Work obligations (in limited situations)
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Childcare or elder care responsibilities
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Being a full-time student
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Non-citizen status
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Not residing in the county/state
However, you must provide proof when requested.
“I Forgot”, Is That a Valid Excuse?
Surprisingly, yes, sometimes. Courts generally treat forgetting or misplacing your summons as a minor issue if it’s your first accidental no-show. You will likely be asked to:
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Call the jury office
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Explain what happened
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Reschedule for the next available date
As long as you respond promptly, you can usually avoid penalties.
But if you repeatedly “forget,” the court will no longer view it as innocent.
What to Do If You Already Missed Jury Duty
If you missed your jury date, the most important thing is to act quickly. Here’s what you should do:
Contact your local jury office immediately
Explain that you missed your summons and ask to reschedule. Courts prefer rescheduling over issuing penalties. Understand procedures in What Does Elope Mean and What Is a Water Softener Do.
Respond to any notices
If you received a failure-to-appear letter, respond by:
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Calling
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Emailing
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Filling out the instructions provided
Tell the truth
Courts are more lenient with honesty.
Provide documentation if needed
If you were sick or out of town, send the requested proof.
Show up for your new date
Failing again increases the risk of fines and warrants.
State-by-State Differences
The U.S. does not have a universal rule for jury duty enforcement. Each state, sometimes each county, has its own approach.
States known for strict penalties:
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California
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Texas
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New York
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Massachusetts
They frequently issue fines for first or second no-shows.
States with more lenient practices:
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Oregon
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Washington
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Nebraska
Often allow easy rescheduling for first offenses.
Federal jury duty:
Missing federal jury duty can result in:
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Up to $1,000 in fines
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3 days of incarceration (rare)
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Community service
Federal courts tend to be stricter than local courts.
Can You Go to Jail for Missing Jury Duty?
Technically yes, but in practicality very rarely. Jail time is usually only given when:
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You repeatedly ignore multiple notices
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You defy a judge’s order
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You fail to appear after being explicitly warned
A jail sentence for missing jury duty is almost always the last resort.
Why Courts Take No-Shows Seriously
Skipping jury duty affects the entire legal system. A judge cannot start a trial without enough jurors. One missing person can delay:
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Court schedules
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Attorneys’ workloads
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Witness availability
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Defendant rights to a speedy trial
This is why courts crack down on repeat offenders.
Can You Be Excused From Jury Duty?
Yes. Some people are automatically excused or can request exemptions.
Common exemption categories:
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Over age 70 in many states
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Full-time students
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Primary caregivers
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Active-duty military
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Healthcare workers in emergencies
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Recent jury service
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Physical or mental health limitations
Always check your local court rules.
Will Missing Jury Duty Affect My Job?
Your employer cannot legally fire or punish you for attending jury duty. However, failing to appear, and later facing legal issues, could create problems at work. Some states require employers to pay for time served; others do not.
How to Avoid Problems With Jury Duty
Here are steps every citizen should take once receiving a summons:
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Mark the date on your calendar
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Check instructions for calling in the night before
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Request a postponement early if needed
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Respond to court notifications promptly
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Keep your address updated with your DMV
Most jury issues happen simply because people ignore the paperwork.
What Happens If You Don’t Appear for Jury Duty?
Skipping jury duty can lead to consequences, but the severity depends on your state, history, and whether you respond afterward.
If you miss jury duty:
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You may receive a second summons
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You might be fined
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You could face contempt of court
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A judge may issue a bench warrant (rare)
If you act quickly:
Most penalties can be avoided by calling the jury office and rescheduling.
If you ignore it:
You risk escalating fines and legal trouble.
Final Thoughts
Most courts are understanding when jurors communicate honestly and promptly. Missing jury duty once doesn’t automatically mean fines or jail, but ignoring it repeatedly will eventually catch up to you. Understanding the process, and your options, helps you stay compliant, avoid penalties, and fulfill a civic duty that keeps the justice system functioning.
