How to learn about you are summoned for jury duty

You have jury duty if you receive an official summons in the mail from a court. The summons will come from the specific court — usually a district court, superior court, or municipal court in your county — and will include the date you must appear, the courthouse address, and what to bring. If you have not received a summons, you do not have jury duty.

Summonses are sent by mail to people whose names come from voter registration lists, driver's license records, or court records in your county. The timing varies: some courts send them weeks in advance, others send them a few days before. If you moved recently and did not update your address with the DMV or voter registration, a summons may have gone to your old address.

If you think you should have received a summons but did not, you can call the courthouse directly. The jury office phone number is usually on the court's website or in the phone book under your county name. They can tell you whether your name is in the system and whether a summons was mailed.

Key Takeaways

  • A jury duty summons is a legal document mailed to your home by the court, not a phone call or email.
  • The summons tells you the exact date, time, and courthouse address where you must appear.
  • If you moved recently, update your address with your state's DMV and voter registration so the court can reach you.
  • You can call the courthouse jury office to confirm whether a summons was sent to you or to check your jury status.
  • Ignoring a summons can result in a fine or a court order to appear, so contact the court if you did not receive one you think you should have.

What happens if you ignore a jury summons

If you receive a summons and do not show up without contacting the court first, the judge can find you in contempt of court. This can result in a fine (usually $100 to $1,000, depending on the state and court) or an order to appear before the judge to explain your absence. In some cases, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest, though this is less common for a first offense.

The safest step is to contact the court as soon as you know you cannot attend. Call the jury office number on your summons and explain your situation. Many courts will reschedule you for a later date, excuse you for hardship, or allow you to serve at a different time. Courts are generally willing to work with people who communicate before the date.

Reasons the court may excuse you from jury duty

Courts can excuse you from jury duty for hardship, but the reason must be genuine and usually documented. Common reasons include severe financial hardship (you cannot afford to miss work and have no income protection), medical conditions that prevent you from sitting in court for hours, caregiving responsibilities with no alternative care available, or travel that was booked before you received the summons.

To request an excuse, contact the jury office before your scheduled date. You may need to provide documentation — a doctor's letter for medical reasons, a pay stub showing you work without paid leave, or proof of a non-refundable travel booking. The judge or jury coordinator will decide whether to excuse you or reschedule you for a time that works better.

Age alone does not excuse you in most states, though some courts excuse people over 70 or 75. Discomfort with jury duty, general inconvenience, or a busy work schedule are not usually accepted as reasons. The court recognizes that jury duty is inconvenient for everyone and expects most people to serve.

How long jury duty lasts

The length of jury duty depends on the type of case. For a criminal misdemeanor trial, you might serve for a few days. For a felony trial, you could serve for one to three weeks or longer. For a civil case, trials typically last a few days to a week. Some courts also use "one day or one trial" systems, where you either serve one day of jury selection or stay for one complete trial, whichever comes first.

You will not know the length when you arrive. The court will tell you during jury selection whether the case is expected to last days or weeks. If you have a serious conflict that will arise during the trial, tell the judge during jury selection — they may excuse you at that point rather than after the trial has started.

What you need to bring to jury duty

Bring your summons, a photo ID, and any documentation the summons asked for. Most courts also ask you to bring proof of citizenship or permanent residency. If you have a medical condition or disability that affects how you sit or move, bring documentation of that as well — the court can provide accommodations like a special chair or breaks.

Do not bring weapons, recording devices, or your phone into the courtroom (though you can usually leave it in a locker or bag outside). Wear neat, casual clothing — not beachwear or clothing with offensive language, but you do not need to wear a suit. Courts want jurors to be comfortable and focused.

Jury duty pay and work protections

Most courts pay jurors a small amount — typically $15 to $50 per day, depending on the state and court. Payment usually starts on the second or third day of service. This payment does not cover lost wages for most people, which is why hardship is a valid reason to request an excuse.

Your employer cannot fire you, demote you, or reduce your pay because you served on a jury. This protection is federal law. If your employer threatens you for jury service, you can report it to your state's labor department or attorney general's office. Keep documentation of any threats or retaliation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I defer my jury duty to a later date?

Yes. Call the jury office on your summons and ask to postpone to a date that works better for you. Courts usually allow one or two deferrals. You will receive a new summons for the later date, and you must appear then unless you request another deferral or are excused.

What if I did not receive my summons in the mail?

Call the courthouse jury office and give them your name and address. They can confirm whether a summons was mailed and to which address. If it was sent to an old address, ask them to update your information and send a new one. If you never received it and the court has no record, ask what you should do next.

Do I have to answer questions about my background during jury selection?

Yes. During jury selection, the judge and lawyers will ask you questions about your job, beliefs, and experiences to decide if you can be fair. Answer honestly. If you have a conflict of interest or strong bias about the case, tell them — they may excuse you, which is better than serving on a jury you should not be on.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You must be a U.S. citizen to serve on a jury in most states. If you are a permanent resident or have a visa, you are not required to serve. Bring your green card or visa to show the court if you are summoned. Some courts will excuse you; others may ask you to provide documentation by mail.

Can I be summoned for jury duty more than once?

Yes. There is no rule that prevents you from being summoned again after you serve. Some courts summon people every two to three years; others summon less frequently. If you were just excused or served recently, you can mention this when you call to request a deferral or excuse.