You've Been Warned: Skipping Jury Duty Could Seriously Cost You

Serving jury duty is considered to be one of the most honorable opportunities for U.S. citizens, allowing them to participate in the judicial process and have a direct say in an individual's guilt or innocence. However, many Americans see it as a nuisance, rather than an honor, when they receive that dreaded summons in the mail. After all, it means a day away from work, school, family, or whatever else is going on in one's life.

In a 2023 study by the National Judicial College, 58% of the trial judges (and NJC alumni) polled reported seeing an increase in ignored jury summons. While some judges reported high participation still in their districts, others reported response rates falling below 50%. Missouri Circuit Court Judge John F. Newsham wrote, "I think the people who think they are too busy don't really understand, as educated as they may be, how vital jury attendance is to keeping America a nation of the people and for the people," adding, "Our jury system is the No. 1 reason that the United States is still the freest country in the world."

With this said, those who fail to show up on their given date may think their absence will go unnoticed by the courts. But it certainly is noticed. In fact, skipping jury duty can result in some serious financial penalties.

While the repercussions for skipping jury duty may vary (slightly), depending on location, those found to be in contempt of court will typically be met with a hefty fine (not unlike the fines NFL pro athletes must pay for touchdown celebrations), community service, or even jail time.

For example, jury duty ditchers in California who weren't granted a postponement or an approved absence can be fined up to $1,500, incarcerated — or both. Meanwhile, across the country, those who don't show up when summoned by the United States District Court Middle District of Pennsylvania may face a fine up to $1,000, ordered to complete community service, and/or spend no more than three days behind bars.

Most people ignore their jury summons on purpose. However, it can happen accidentally, whether one thinks it's junk mail (here are ways to stop receiving credit card junk mail, by the way) and they toss it into the trash or, in the case of 21-year-old Deandre Somerville, they oversleep. In 2019, this West Palm Beach, Florida, resident was ordered to spend 10 days in jail, pay a $223 fine, complete 150 hours of community service, and write a 100-plus-word apology letter after failing to wake up in time for his jury day. Eventually, after Somerville completed his 10-day sentence, the judge wiped his criminal record clean and dropped the required community service hours to 30.

Not everybody who receives a jury duty summons is able to fulfill their civic responsibilities at the time, and the courts are fully aware of that. However, rather than ignore a summons and risk a pricey penalty, there is a legal — and cheaper — way to get out of serving.

Certain circumstances allow an individual to be officially excused from jury duty. If this applies to you, you'll need to make your request in writing and mail it in for review. The circumstances include having a physical or mental impairment, a difficult or expensive commute to the courthouse, no one else to care for a young child or other dependent, or a financial burden as a result of serving due to self-employment. Typically, those with such hardships, as well as anyone over 70 years of age (learn about financial scams senior citizens need to be aware of), are excused from serving. Additionally, though, if it's only an inconvenience for a person to serve on their assigned date, they can request a postponement.

Yet sometimes, accidents can happen, as in the case of West Palm Beach's Deandre Somerville. In such cases, you should contact the phone number listed on your summons and explain the situation. Usually, if you act swiftly, you can avoid fines or jail time, and simply receive a new jury duty date. So, as tempting as it may be to toss that pesky jury duty card when it arrives in the mail, your bank account — and your criminal record — will be grateful if you don't.