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What happens if you miss jury duty?

Missing jury duty once usually leads to a second notice, not handcuffs. But ignoring repeated summonses can mean an order to explain yourself to a judge and fines of up to $1,000 in federal court. Here's how the process works and how to fix it.

By İpek Yılmaz Updated 4 min read 3 sources checked
Illustration of a courthouse with columns, a jury summons envelope and a judge's gavel
Illustration: whid
Damage scale 3/5 Costly
How fastA notice within weeks; a hearing possible later
Can you undo it?Usually — by rescheduling and serving
Typical costFrom $0 to fines of up to $1,000 (federal)

The short answer

In most US courts, a first missed jury summons leads to a reminder or a new summons. If you keep ignoring them, the court can issue an order to show cause, requiring you to explain your absence to a judge. In federal court, someone who can't show good cause can be fined up to $1,000, jailed for up to three days, ordered to do community service, or any combination (28 U.S.C. §1866(g)). State penalties vary. The simplest fix is to contact the jury office right away and reschedule.

On this page 11 sections
  1. Step by step
  2. Why courts take it seriously
  3. What usually happens after one missed date
  4. When it escalates
  5. What counts as a good reason
  6. Watch out for jury duty scams
  7. Possible consequences
  8. What to do now
  9. Myth vs fact
  10. Reader stories
  11. Quick questions

01 What happens, step by step

  1. The service date

    You don't show up

    The jury office records you as a no-show. Many courts summon far more people than they need, so one absence rarely stops a trial.

  2. Weeks later

    A second notice

    Most courts send a reminder, a failure-to-appear notice or a new summons with a new date.

  3. If ignored again

    Order to show cause

    A judge may order you to appear and explain why you didn't comply. This is a formal court order.

  4. At the hearing

    The judge decides

    Many judges simply reschedule your service. Without a good reason, fines, community service or — rarely — a short jail term are possible.

Jury summonses get lost in the mail, arrive while you're travelling, or simply slip your mind. If you realise the date has passed, you're not alone — courts deal with no-shows every week. What matters most is what you do next.

Why courts take it seriously

The US Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in criminal cases and many civil cases. That right only works if enough people show up. Courts typically summon many more people than they need, because some will be excused and others won't appear. Repeated no-shows make it harder to seat a fair jury, which is why the law gives judges tools to enforce summonses.

At a glance: What happens if you miss jury duty? Damage scale 3/5 (Costly); how fast: A notice within weeks; a hearing possible later; typical cost: From $0 to fines of up to $1,000 (federal).
At a glance: the damage rating, how fast it happens, whether it can be undone and what it usually costs.

What usually happens after one missed date

For most people, a single missed date leads to a letter: a reminder, a notice of failure to appear, or a new summons. Many jury offices are happy to reschedule if you contact them promptly and explain. Some courts will simply put you back into the pool for a later date.

Check your summons first. It tells you whether it's a state or federal court, how to contact the jury office, and often how to request a postponement online.
Five-step diagram showing how a missed jury summons escalates from a reminder to an order to show cause and a hearing
Contacting the jury office early usually stops the process at the second step.

When it escalates

If you ignore follow-up notices, a judge can issue an order to show cause. This requires you to come to court and explain why you didn't serve. It's not a criminal charge in itself, but ignoring that order is treated as contempt of court.

In federal court, the rules are written into law: a person summoned for jury service who fails to appear and can't show good cause may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to three days, ordered to perform community service, or any combination of these. State courts set their own penalties, which range from small fines to similar sanctions. In practice, judges often care most about getting you to serve, and many simply set a new date.

What counts as a good reason

Courts commonly excuse or postpone service for illness, a medical emergency, a death in the family, pre-booked travel, caring for a young child or dependant, or severe financial hardship. You may be asked for documentation. Some states also exempt people over a certain age or those who have served recently — check your court's rules.

Watch out for jury duty scams

Scammers call or text pretending to be court officers, saying you missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately by gift card, wire transfer or crypto — or face arrest. Courts don't demand payment over the phone. Hang up and call the jury office using the number on the court's official website.

02 Possible consequences

Federal rule shown; each state sets its own penalties. Check your summons and court website.

SituationMost likely outcomeWorst case
Missed once, then contacted the courtRescheduled service dateUsually none
Missed once, never respondedSecond summons or warning letterOrder to show cause
Ignored several summonsesOrder to show cause, hearingFine, community service
Federal court, no good causeFine and new service dateUp to $1,000, 3 days in jail, community service
Genuine emergency on the dayExcused or rescheduledNone if documented

03 What to do right now

  1. Contact the jury office today. Use the phone number or website printed on your summons or the court's official site.
  2. Explain what happened and ask to reschedule. Most courts prefer a new service date to a penalty.
  3. Keep any documents. Medical notes, travel bookings or proof the summons arrived late can help.
  4. Respond to any court order immediately. Ignoring an order to show cause is far more serious than the missed date.
  5. Never pay a "jury fine" over the phone. Courts don't collect fines by gift card, wire or crypto — it's a scam.

04 Myth vs fact

Myth You'll be arrested straight away if you miss jury duty.

Fact A first missed date usually leads to a letter or a new summons. Arrest is very rare and usually tied to ignoring a court order.

Myth If you throw away the summons, they can't prove you got it.

Fact Courts can still send follow-up notices and orders, and ignoring them can lead to penalties.

05 Has this happened to you?

Real experiences from readers. Stories are checked by an editor before they appear and are not professional advice.

No reader stories yet — be the first to share yours.

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06 Quick questions

What is the fine for missing jury duty?

In federal court, up to $1,000 if you can't show good cause. State fines vary — check your summons or the court website.

Can you go to jail for missing jury duty?

It's legally possible — federal law allows up to three days — but very rare. It usually involves repeatedly ignoring court orders.

How do I reschedule jury duty?

Most courts let you request a postponement online or by calling the jury office. Do it as early as possible.

Sources

  1. 28 U.S.C. §1866 — Selection and summoning of jury panels (Cornell LII)
  2. United States Courts — Juror information
  3. Federal Trade Commission — Jury duty scams

General information only. Laws, prices and procedures vary by location and change over time — check with a qualified professional for your situation. Full disclaimer.

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