Has Anyone Ever Skipped Jury Duty?

Question

I was sent a notice for jury duty and I have been checking online everyday, since I was not called in for Mon., Tue., Wed., or Thurs. I assumed I wouldn't be called in on Friday and made important plans. I didn't even know they could call you in that far along the week and at 1:00 pm to top it off. I read of this lady who skipped it and all they did was send her a notice that she would have to make it up at a later time (no fine or jail). Will they just send me a notice? I have gone to jury duty five times in a row (ever since I was old enough to). Will they really fine me or send me to jail the first time? I live in Riverside, California.

Answer 1

Lady if you skip jury duty in Calif then the judge issues a bench warrant for your arrest for contempt of court. He can award you 30 to 90 days in the county jail without a trial. I saw it happen in Walnut Creek up in the Bay area. A buddy of mine and I were in the pool and my buddy skipped. The Judge asked me if I knew where my buddy was and when I told him I thought he was at his daughter's wedding he dispatched a Deputy Sheriff and I to go get him and he got the 30 days in jail. Do not skip unless you contact the court and get permission first.

Answer 2

You can show up and tell the clerk you are not feeling well and want to go home.

Answer 3

In TX we get a letter for a date to show up for Jury Summons.  When you show, you get put onto panels (usually 40-100 people) who are then ushered into different court room for voir dire.  The attorneys from both sides then choose their 6-12 jurors and everyone else is sent home.



Here is the deal... the summons letter is not certified or a signature is not required upon receipt, so it's impossible for the courts to prove you ever received it.  However if you confirm in any way that you know about the summons, that's a different story.  For example, maybe you go on-line to reschedule.  Well right they they've got you.  If you reschedule for a future date and don't show , then you can bet you will get a nasty letter.   So.... if your state works the same, and you just ignore the original summons, then more than likely nothing will happen.  If you confirm in anyway...then technically they can fine you.  However, the most that would probably happen is they will reschedule you and insist you be there OR a fine will be imposed.

I'm not advocating skipping out on Jury Duty.  I've been many times.  And find it quite and interesting process.  But sometimes it's just not feasible...if you already have something else important going on for that day.

Answer 4

If it's something that absolutely can't be rescheduled, you may be able to get it postponed, but you should talk to them to make sure they don't find you in contempt.

Answer 5

you need a medical note, you can be arrested

Answer 6

That is their discretion.  Hopefully for you they had enough people for the jury or you will be goin to the brig.

Answer 7

Doesn't hurt to call ahead and ask for an excuse due to your other plans.

Answer 8

not me

i showed up

Answer 9

Do not play with jury duty

It is an honor to serve

Some countries don't have the jury system

They still have firing squads

Dig this,you are innocent to proven guilty and the perp has the right to be judged by their peers

Peers.. that's regular folk

It could be you

You can by law, be locked up

Depends on your state and the judges attitude

You can get a letter from your employer if you cannot attend