What happens if you ignored a jury duty letter?

Question

My friend and I were watching Law and Order yesterday and they were talking about Jury duty, suddenly he turns to me and says that he remembers getting a letter for jury duty about a month and a half ago at his previous address. But he didn't think that it was actually something that you'd get in trouble for if you didn't show up so he ignored it, plus he had so many problems going on during the time, so he didn't think jury duty was the most important thing going on...

Okay, so I know the rules about not showing up for jury duty, so I was wondering if we show up at the city hall or the police station where ever, and explain what happened, would they be lenient or would the rules of attending jury duty still apply and he'd spend some time in jail?

(he was moving during the time that he got the letter so if the police showed up at his house by any chance they would have missed him.)

Answer 1

He could be arrested for that but I would guess it depends on how big of jerks the police station/ people would want to be. If you go have him dress very professionally and YOU dress very professionally if you're going with him and explain the situation very maturely and show that you're sorry. =]

Answer 2

My friend received like 3 of them and nothing ever happened.  LIke me I lost my summons for jury duty and I am supposed to report on Monday.  Don't know what to do about that.  I would hate to go on Monday and take the whole day off of work for them to tell me oops you can't serve today because you lost your badge.  That would be a wast of time.  What will happen

Answer 3

People who don't show for jury duty face a fine or months in jail. I know several people who have skipped out, some more than once and nothing has happened...

yet. Paying a fine is far more likely than jail time, especially if your local prisons are already overcrowded as many are. Your friend should have responded prior to missing the deadline. Most likely he would have been excused. Since that isn't the case, most prosecutors will be lenient on honest and respectful people. It is a dice game. Ignore it and there's a chance nothing will happen. If the do catch up to him he could go to jail. Turn yourself in and you will most likely have to pay a fine, but it is possible the charge will be nollied if it goes to court and the prosecutor is generous and understands the situation. If you go, I recommend you bring the original letter and proof of address change. Do not admit guilt until you know your rights and options. Cops are real good at getting people to wave their rights. Admitting guilt may eliminate the option to go to court.

Maybe this experience will make your friend think twice about skipping out, but in case not here is an article to think about the consequences on our society as a result of juror truancy.

Answer 4

Technically the court still has to prove that you actually received the notice before you can be prosecuted. That's why they have process servers. The same is true for a summons. The police aren't out looking for jury duty skippers. It's our duty to be jurists, but they can't put you in jail if you say you never received the notice unless they can prove otherwise.

Answer 5

The best bet is to have him call the Jury duty office, tell them what happened and they will reschedule him. You get one strike and if you contact them before they contact you they are willing to work with you.. If you try to avoid it you can be arrested for contempt.

Answer 6

possible jail time....unless u have a really really really good reason why you didnt show up

Answer 7

They say that you can go to jail, but at an internship of mine (during which I was summoned for jury duty and wasn't sure if I'd have to take time off from--I didn't because I didn't have to go), one of my supervisors mentioned that the court can't prove that you actually received the letter.

I read in the newspaper that in the Midwest they had to resort to sheriffs walking up to random people (or maybe hunting people down) to present them with their summons. They said it was the only way they could get people to serve.

My old roommate was summoned but didn't go (finals, she was stressed out, etc.) As far as I know she was never punished in any way.

I somewhat doubt he'd have to go to jail, but you never know.

Answer 8

Some clown comes looking for you with an arrest warrant.

Answer 9

Ive herd  u can get jail time  and fined  a dork from where i live had jury duty  left to lunch  didn't return on purpose they couldn't get a hold of em and when they did 3 days later they fined em and gave em 3 ta5 days in jail  either way u still get paid the only way you are in eligible if ur sick , and dont pass the screeening they  require id go , but never have  ur friend should stop bien such a wus and just go bfore he gets in deep ****

Answer 10

Firestar,

By not showing up the Judge can issue a bench warrant for contempt of court.

Contempt is contempt. Yes, if the Judge wants to he can sentence your friend to jail, fine, community service or all 3. Or nothing at all

All depends on the mood of the Judge.