What will REALLY happen to me if I don't answer my jury summons?

Question

I would be willing to do one night in jail to get out of jury duty, I don't believe in the justice system and I want no part of it. I have never known ANYONE who has gone to jail for not answering to jury duty despite how threatening they make it sound. What's the worst that can happen? Thanks!

Answer 1

Sometimes they can mess with your driving rights too...I knew a guy who had a bench warrant out for not going to jury duty & got arrested after a traffic stop.  They can do all kinds of sneaky things!

Answer 2

You can be found in contempt of court and jailed indefinitely until you comply with the summons.  So, you lose your job for not showing up.  Lose your home as you can't pay the rent or mortgage.  Kids go hungry or into foster care.  Yadda yadda.

Answer 3

More trouble than just getting it over with, thats for certain.

Answer 4

Why risk it?

All you'd have to do is go and say what you just said.  They'd remove you off the roles.  They don't want people on any jury that feels that way.

By the way, if you do feel that way, why live here?  Or better yet, why not do something to change it?

Remember, it's "We, the People" that are in charge.

Answer 5

So let me get this straight...  You'd rather sit in a filthy jail cell for a night AND pay a fine than give up a day of your time sitting in a court house?  Most people won't even get put on a jury - they get sent home after lunch if you don't get put on a trial!

Kinda warped thinking if you ask me.

Answer 6

They will send people jury summons for your trial.

Answer 7

The worst that can happen is that the Marshal or Sheriff will visit you at home or at work and take you away in handcuffs, and place you in a cell until the Judge that issued the summons gets around to hearing you explain why you didn't show up.  Depending on how you respond, you might go free, or pay a fine, or spend more time in jail.

You don't necessarily have to serve on a jury.  There are all kinds of ways to be disqualified, including stating that you don't believe in the justice system and have therefore already decided how you will vote in any case presented to you, but not answering is not an option.  

You will answer it, the question is whether you go in when asked, or get taken in by force.  

Pick a better battle than this. It's a sure-fire loser.

Answer 8

It is your civic duty.  If you really do not believe in the justice system of these United States of America, and truly want no part of it, may I suggest that you denounce your citizenship, and please leave this great country as soon as possible.  There are great Utopia's you can live in (if they allow you in), try Venezuela, possibly Cuba, or how about Iran, don't forget to get a burqa, and last but not least North Korea.  I am sure you will love it there.  Send a postcard.