How often you get called depends on where you live and your age, but most people are summoned once every few years
There is no national rule for how often courts summon people for jury duty. Each state, and sometimes each county within a state, sets its own schedule. Some courts summon you once every two years. Others summon once every three to five years. A few summon annually. The interval also depends on the size of your county — rural counties with fewer cases may call people less often than urban ones with heavy caseloads.
The actual number of times you serve is different from the number of times you are summoned. You might be called four times but only serve once, because you are dismissed during jury selection or the case settles before trial. You might also be excused from a summons if you have a hardship — a medical appointment, a work conflict, or caregiving duties — and the court postpones your summons to a later date.
Once you serve on a jury, most courts will not summon you again for a set period, usually one to three years. This is called a jury duty exemption period or stand-down period. After that time ends, your name goes back into the pool and you can be summoned again.
Key Takeaways
- Most courts summon people for jury duty every two to five years, but the exact interval varies by state and county.
- Being summoned does not mean you will serve — many people are dismissed during jury selection or excused for hardship.
- After you complete jury service, courts typically will not summon you again for one to three years.
- Your age, voter registration status, and driver's license records determine whether your name enters the jury pool in the first place.
- If you move to a different county or state, you leave that court's jury pool and may enter a new one.
How courts build the jury pool and select names
Courts create jury pools from public records. The most common sources are voter registration lists and driver's license records. Some courts also use property tax records or utility customer lists. When a court needs jurors for upcoming trials, it randomly selects names from the pool and sends summonses by mail.
The randomness means you cannot predict when your name will be drawn. A person who was just summoned last year could be summoned again the next year by chance, even if the court's normal interval is three years. Conversely, someone might go five or six years without being called even though the interval is supposed to be two years.
Your name stays in the pool as long as you meet the basic requirements: you are a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, a resident of the county for at least one year, and fluent in English. If you move out of the county, your name should be removed, but this depends on the court updating its records. If you move and still receive a summons, you can contact the court and request removal.
What happens after you serve on a jury
After you are dismissed from jury duty — whether you served on a trial or were excused during selection — the court places you on a stand-down list. During this period, usually one to three years, your name will not be drawn for a new summons. The length of the stand-down varies by court. Some courts use one year, others two or three.
When the stand-down period ends, your name returns to the active jury pool. You can then be summoned again. There is no lifetime limit on how many times you can be called. Some people serve multiple times over their lifetime; others serve once and are never called again.
If you were excused from a summons because of hardship — not because you actually served — the stand-down period may be shorter or may not explore at all. Courts treat a postponement differently from a completed service. Check your court's rules or call the jury office to find out whether your excusal resets the clock.
Differences between states and counties
California summons people once every 12 months if they live in the county. New York uses a one-trial system in many counties, meaning you serve on one trial and then are exempt for a set period. Texas typically summons once every 24 months. Florida varies by county — some use annual summonses, others use longer intervals.
Even within a state, counties can differ. A large urban county may summon more frequently because it has more trials. A rural county with fewer cases may summon less often. Some counties also have local rules about stand-down periods that differ from state law.
If you want to know your specific court's schedule, contact the jury office in your county. They can tell you the interval for summonses and the length of the stand-down period after service. This information is usually on the court's website or in the summons itself.
Why you might not be summoned even if you meet the requirements
Random selection means some people are straightforward never drawn. If your county has 500,000 residents and the court needs 200 jurors per month, the odds of your name being selected in any given month are small. Over a decade, you might never be called.
You also might not be summoned if you are not registered to vote or do not have a current driver's license in that state. Courts rely on these records to build their pools. If you have moved and updated your license but not your voter registration, you might be in one pool but not the other. If you have not updated either, you may not be in any active pool.
Certain criminal convictions can permanently remove you from jury duty in your state. A felony conviction, or in some states a misdemeanor conviction, disqualifies you. Once you are disqualified, you will not be summoned unless your rights are restored through an appeal or pardon.
What to do if you are summoned repeatedly
If you receive multiple summonses in a short time — for example, three in one year — contact the jury office. This can happen by chance, but it can also indicate a record-keeping error. The court may have failed to record that you already served, or your name may appear twice in the system under slightly different spellings.
Explain the situation to the jury office and provide dates of your previous summonses or service. They can check their records and correct any errors. If the summonses are legitimate and within the court's rules, you will need to respond to each one, though you may be able to request a postponement.
Keep copies of your summonses and any documentation of service. This record helps if you need to prove to a future employer or court that you have already served recently and should not be called again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be called for jury duty more than once in the same year?
Yes, though it is uncommon. Random selection means your name could be drawn multiple times. However, if you are already serving on a trial, most courts will not summon you for another trial until you are finished. If you receive multiple summonses in a short time, contact the jury office to check whether it is an error.
Does being called for jury duty mean I have to serve?
No. A summons means you must respond, but you can be excused or dismissed. You can request a postponement if the date is inconvenient. During jury selection, attorneys can dismiss you without reason. If you have a hardship — a medical condition, caregiving duties, or financial burden — you can ask the court to excuse you.
What happens if I ignore a jury summons?
Ignoring a summons can result in a fine or contempt of court charges. The amount varies by state and court, but fines typically range from $100 to $1,000. The court may also issue a second summons or a warrant. It is better to respond to the summons, even if you request a postponement or ask to be excused.
If I move to a different state, do I have to serve on jury duty there?
You are only subject to jury duty in the county where you live. When you move and update your driver's license and voter registration in the new state, your name will eventually enter that state's jury pool. Your old county should remove you from its pool once it updates its records, but this can take time. If you receive a summons from your old county after moving, contact that court and provide proof of your new address.
How long does the stand-down period last after I serve?
Most courts use a stand-down period of one to three years after you complete service. Some courts use one year, others two or three. A few courts have no stand-down period at all. Check your court's website or call the jury office to find out the specific period in your county.