What happens when you receive a jury summons

A jury summons is an official court document that tells you to appear on a specific date at a specific courthouse. It comes by mail and includes the date, time, and location where you need to show up. The summons also explains what to bring — usually a photo ID and proof of residence — and what happens if you don't appear.

You are legally required to respond to a jury summons. Ignoring it can result in fines or a contempt of court charge. If you have a genuine conflict — a medical procedure scheduled that day, a work trip you cannot reschedule, caregiving duties with no backup — you can request to be excused or rescheduled before your appearance date. The court will ask you to explain in writing why you cannot serve, and a judge decides whether to grant the request.

On the day you arrive, you check in at the courthouse, usually in a jury assembly room. Court staff will verify your summons and ID, then explain the process. You may wait anywhere from a few hours to most of the day before being called to a courtroom, or you may be sent home if no trials need jurors that week.

Key Takeaways

  • A jury summons is a legal order to appear at court on a specific date; ignoring it can result in fines or contempt charges.
  • Jury selection (called voir dire) is when attorneys and the judge ask potential jurors questions to decide who will sit on the jury.
  • A trial jury typically has 6 to 12 members who listen to evidence and must reach a unanimous or majority verdict depending on the court and case type.
  • Jury duty can last anywhere from one day to several weeks, and jurors are usually paid a small daily fee by the court.
  • You cannot be fired from your job for serving on a jury, though your employer is not required to pay you during that time.

How jury selection works

Once you are called to a courtroom, the judge and attorneys begin the process called voir dire, which means "to speak the truth." During voir dire, the judge and both the prosecution (in criminal cases) and defense attorney (or both sides' attorneys in civil cases) ask potential jurors questions about their background, beliefs, and ability to be fair.

These questions are designed to uncover bias. An attorney might ask whether you have ever been arrested, whether you know anyone who works in law enforcement, whether you have strong feelings about a particular type of crime, or whether you can follow the judge's instructions even if you disagree with the law. Your answers are honest and on the record.

After voir dire, each attorney can remove a certain number of potential jurors without stating a reason — these are called peremptory challenges. Attorneys can also ask the judge to remove someone "for cause," meaning they have shown they cannot be impartial. The judge decides whether to grant a for-cause removal. This process continues until the jury is seated — usually 6 to 12 people, depending on the court and case type.

What jurors do during a trial

Once seated, you take an oath to listen to the evidence, follow the judge's instructions on the law, and base your verdict only on what you hear in court. You then sit in the jury box and listen to opening statements from both sides, witness testimony, and evidence presented by attorneys.

You are not allowed to take notes, conduct your own research, visit the scene of a crime, or talk to anyone about the case — including other jurors — until the trial ends and you are dismissed. The judge will give you specific instructions about what you can and cannot do. Breaking these rules can result in a mistrial, which means the case starts over.

After all evidence is presented, both attorneys give closing arguments. The judge then explains the law that applies to the case and defines the charges or claims the jury must decide. You and your fellow jurors then go to the jury room to deliberate.

How jury deliberation and verdicts work

In the jury room, jurors discuss the evidence and try to reach a verdict. In most criminal cases, the verdict must be unanimous — all jurors must agree. In many civil cases, a majority vote (for example, 9 out of 12) is enough. The judge will tell you which standard applies to your case before you begin deliberating.

One juror is chosen as the foreperson, who leads the discussion and communicates with the judge if jurors have questions. Deliberation can take hours, days, or in rare cases weeks. If jurors cannot reach a verdict, it is called a hung jury, and the judge may declare a mistrial. In criminal cases, the prosecution can choose to retry the case; in civil cases, the parties may settle or retry.

Once a verdict is reached, you return to the courtroom and the foreperson announces the verdict aloud. The judge thanks you and dismisses you from jury duty. In most cases, you are then free to discuss the case with anyone, including attorneys, if you choose to.

How long jury duty lasts and what you are paid

Jury duty length varies widely. You might be dismissed after one day if no trial needs jurors. If you are selected for a trial, you could serve for a few days, a week, or longer depending on the case's complexity. High-profile criminal trials or complex civil cases can last weeks or months, though most trials last fewer than five days.

Courts pay jurors a small daily fee, usually between $15 and $50 per day, though some courts pay more. Payment typically begins on the second or third day of service. You receive a check by mail weeks after you are dismissed. Some employers pay employees during jury duty; most do not, but they are not allowed to fire you or punish you for serving.

If jury duty creates genuine financial hardship — you are self-employed and lose income, you are the sole caregiver for a dependent, or you have other documented hardship — you can request to be excused or rescheduled before your service date. The court will consider your request, though approval is not may provide.

Your rights and protections as a juror

Federal law and most state laws protect you from being fired, threatened, or punished by your employer because you served on a jury. This protection applies even if your employer loses money because you were absent. If your employer retaliates against you, you can file a complaint with your state's labor board or pursue a lawsuit.

You also have the right to request to be excused from jury duty if you have a genuine conflict, though the court decides whether your reason is valid. You can ask to be rescheduled to a different date if the current date does not work. Some courts allow you to postpone jury duty once or twice without penalty.

If you are selected for a trial, you have the right to understand the case and the law. The judge must explain charges or claims in plain language, and you can ask the judge questions in writing if you do not understand something during the trial. You also have the right to a fair and impartial jury process — if you believe an attorney or judge treated you unfairly during selection, you can raise that concern with the judge.

What disqualifies someone from jury duty

Rules vary by state and court, but common disqualifications include: not being a U.S. citizen, not being at least 18 years old, not speaking English well enough to understand the case, having a felony conviction (in some states), or being unable to take time off work due to extreme hardship. Some courts also disqualify people who are not registered to vote or who do not have a valid driver's license or state ID.

Mental or physical illness that prevents you from sitting in court for hours, or from understanding and participating in the trial, can also disqualify you. You must disclose this during voir dire or when you receive your summons. Bring medical documentation if you claim a health-related disqualification.

Being summoned does not mean you will be selected. Even if you are not disqualified, an attorney can remove you during voir dire for any reason (peremptory challenge) or because you have shown bias (for-cause removal). If you are not selected, you are dismissed and owe no further jury duty for a set period — usually one to three years, depending on your court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get out of jury duty if I have to work?

You can request to be excused or rescheduled before your service date by explaining your work situation to the court in writing. The court will decide whether your reason is valid. Most courts understand that jury duty creates hardship, but they do not automatically excuse everyone who works. If you are selected for a trial, your employer cannot fire you for serving, though they do not have to pay you.

What happens if I don't show up for jury duty?

Ignoring a jury summons can result in fines ranging from $100 to $1,000 or more, depending on your state and court. You could also be held in contempt of court, which can lead to jail time. If you have a legitimate reason you cannot appear, contact the court before your date and request to be excused or rescheduled.

Do I have to answer all the questions during jury selection?

Yes. During voir dire, you must answer questions honestly and completely. Lying or refusing to answer can result in perjury charges or contempt of court. If a question feels too personal, you can ask the judge to let you answer in private, but you still must answer truthfully.

What if I think a juror is biased or not paying attention during trial?

If you are seated on a jury and notice another juror is asleep, taking notes they should not be taking, or discussing the case before deliberation, tell the judge or bailiff immediately. Do not confront the juror yourself. The judge can remove a juror who is not following instructions or is unable to perform their duty.

Can I be on a jury if I have been arrested before?

Having an arrest on your record does not automatically disqualify you. During voir dire, you will be asked about any arrests or convictions. A felony conviction disqualifies you in most states, but misdemeanor arrests or convictions may not. Answer honestly, and let the judge and attorneys decide whether your history affects your ability to be fair.