What happens if you don't turn up for jury duty?

Question

Not that I've been asked to do it. Just wondering, really.

Answer 1

You can be charged with Contempt

Answer 2

It varies by locality. But, in Dallas the fine is $140. If you don't pay and later get pulled over for a traffic offense you are taken into custody. The folks in Dallas get so busy and don't show up for jury summons that sometimes the judge can't have a trial. He'll then order the sheriff to go out on the street and appropriate 20 people or however many the judge thinks will be needed. Right then and there, you must go with the sheriff or his deputy, and with or without handcuffs.

Answer 3

Depends on the state. First, your absence WILL be noted; a clerk does a role call. If the court is flush with potential jurists, likely a warning in the mail. However, you leave yourself open for contempt of court, citation, or even being hauled in by the police if the court is desperate for jurors.

If you ever are called and need to get out, in my state (FL) you are allowed to postpone duty for three times on a jury summons. The first call is almost automatically granted, but by the third excuse you better be in the hospital. I once got out at the last minute by having car trouble. For real, I went out to go to court and my car wouldn't start. I called in, and the clerk cancelled me.

Answer 4

The penalties will vary by jurisdiction. Here in California, it is a crime that is rarely ever prosecuted. I live in San Diego County and I recently read that as many as 90% of people who receive a jury summons ignore it. They do not seem to have a procedure in place to prosecute people for failing to show up.

This is really a tragedy because jury duty is a civic duty that is almost important as voting. Failing to show up for jury duty could cause criminal prosecutions to be delayed and criminals could be set free if their right to a speedy trial is denied because of a lack of available jurors.

Answer 5

Hi There,

I have been on Jury Duty twice in the past 7 years and for one of them I was unable to attend, and what you need to do is to call the telephone number that you get on your instruction sheet.

There is no official law which states that you need to attend for Jury Service..

I hope this helps

David

Answer 6

A quick glance of the Juries Act 1974 reveals that you can be fined up to £1000 if convicted under that act, or you can be prosecuted for criminal contempt of court.

Answer 7

the judge can issue a warrant for your arrest ..(( contempt of court )) a summons to appear in court for any reason is non negotiable.. I have been up for jury duty 6 times ,only picked once

Answer 8

This happened to me last month. I did not show and they sent me a letter saying that I am going to receive another summons in six weeks. If I don't show up this time I can be charged up to $100 and be charged with contempt of court. This is the Florida Law. Check your state.

Answer 9

You'd better have a very good reason or 'contempt of court' will be the outcome which can result in a prison sentence. More often a fine but, as ever, it will depend on the judge.

Answer 10

The jury manager will write to you and ask for a valid reason why you didn't turn up. If it's not a reason allowed by the rules, you will be fined.

check here:

http://www.cjsonline.gov.uk/juror

Answer 11

An arrest warrant will be issued and then you will be charged with contempt of court. This could result in a custodial sentence of up to 6 months.