How you find out you have jury duty

You find out you have jury duty when you receive official mail from your court. The envelope usually comes from the district court, superior court, or circuit court in your county. Inside is a jury summons — a legal document that tells you the date, time, and courthouse location where you must appear. The summons also includes a juror number and instructions on what to bring.

The court mails summonses weeks or months before the date you are called. Some courts now send summonses by email or text message in addition to mail, so check your email spam folder if you think you should have received one. The summons is not optional — it is a court order. Ignoring it can result in fines or a contempt of court charge.

If you move frequently or your address on file with the court is outdated, you may not receive your summons. If you believe you were called but never got the notice, contact the court clerk's office directly. They can tell you whether your name was drawn and resend the summons if needed.

Key Takeaways

  • A jury summons arrives by mail from your local court and includes the specific date, time, and courthouse where you must report.
  • The summons is a legal order, not an invitation — failing to respond can result in fines or contempt of court charges.
  • Courts draw juror names from voter registration lists, driver's license records, and sometimes tax rolls, so you may be called even if you have never been to court before.
  • If you never received a summons but believe you were called, contact your court's jury office to confirm and request a replacement.
  • Some courts now send summonses by email or text in addition to mail, so check all communication channels if you are unsure.

Where the court gets your name

Courts draw juror names from public records. The most common source is your state's voter registration list. If you are registered to vote, your name and address are in the pool. Courts also use driver's license records from your state's Department of Motor Vehicles. Some jurisdictions also pull names from tax rolls, utility customer lists, or ID card databases.

You do not have to have been in trouble or involved in a lawsuit to be summoned. The court is simply selecting names at random from these lists. Being called for jury duty is a normal part of citizenship in most U.S. states and counties. The selection process is designed to create a representative cross-section of the community.

What the summons document contains

Your jury summons will include several pieces of information you need to know. At the top is the name of the court and the county. The document states your juror number — keep this number handy because you may need it if you call the court or check in online. It also lists the date and time you must report, usually in the morning between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

The summons tells you which courthouse to go to and where to park or check in. It lists what to bring — typically a photo ID and proof of residency, though requirements vary by court. Many summonses now include a phone number or website where you can check whether your specific date has been postponed or cancelled. Read the entire document before your report date, as some courts require you to complete a juror questionnaire online beforehand.

At the bottom of the summons is usually language about penalties for not showing up. This is not a threat — it is a legal notice. Courts take non-appearance seriously because it disrupts trials and wastes resources.

When courts send summonses

Most courts send jury summonses 4 to 12 weeks before your report date. This gives you time to arrange work and personal schedules. Some courts send them further in advance, especially for longer trials. The exact timing depends on your court's caseload and scheduling practices.

If you receive a summons and the date is impossible for you — you have a medical procedure scheduled, you are the sole caregiver for a dependent, or you have another serious conflict — you can request a postponement. You must contact the court before your report date to ask. Courts often grant postponements to a later date rather than cancelling the summons entirely. The process for requesting a postponement is usually explained in the summons itself or on the court's website.

Confirming your summons is real

Jury duty scams do exist. Scammers send fake summonses by email or mail claiming you owe a fine or must pay a fee to be removed from the jury pool. Real courts never ask for payment over the phone, by email, or through gift cards. Real courts do not threaten arrest before you have failed to appear.

To verify your summons is genuine, call the jury office at the courthouse listed on the document. Use the phone number from the court's official website, not a number printed on the summons itself — scammers sometimes include fake contact information. The jury office can confirm whether your name was actually drawn and whether the date and time on your summons are correct.

If you received a summons by email and you are unsure whether it is real, this is a red flag. Most courts still send initial summonses by mail. Contact the court directly before responding to an email summons.

What happens if you ignore your summons

If you do not show up on your report date without contacting the court first, the judge can find you in contempt of court. This can result in a fine — typically $100 to $1,000 depending on your state and the judge's discretion — or a jail sentence of a few days. Some courts issue a second summons or a warrant for your arrest if you ignore the first one.

If you have a legitimate reason you cannot appear, contact the court as soon as possible. Courts are usually willing to work with you if you reach out before your date. Waiting until after you miss your date makes the situation worse. Many courts now allow you to call, email, or use an online portal to request a postponement or explain your absence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I throw away my jury summons?

No. A jury summons is a legal order from the court. Throwing it away and ignoring it can result in fines or contempt of court charges. If you cannot serve on the date listed, contact the court to request a postponement instead of ignoring the summons.

What if I moved and never got my summons?

If your address on file with the court is outdated, you may not receive your summons. Contact the jury office at the courthouse and provide your current address. They can tell you if your name was drawn and resend the summons. If you have already missed your report date, explain the situation — courts sometimes excuse people who did not receive notice due to a move.

Do I have to respond to a jury summons sent by email?

Most courts send initial summonses by mail, not email. If you received a summons by email, verify it is real by calling the court's jury office directly using the phone number from the court's official website. Scammers sometimes send fake email summonses claiming you owe a fine.

Can I get out of jury duty if I have a job?

Having a job does not automatically disqualify you. However, you can request a postponement to a date that works better with your schedule. Some employers are required by law to allow employees time off for jury duty. If your employer will not let you go, bring documentation to the courthouse — the judge may excuse you or allow you to serve at a later date.

What if I never registered to vote — can I still be summoned?

Yes. Courts draw names from multiple sources, including driver's license records and tax rolls, not just voter registration. Even if you have never registered to vote, you can still be summoned for jury duty.