You cannot legally ignore a jury summons, but you can request postponement or explain why you cannot serve
A jury summons is a court order, not a request. Ignoring it or throwing it away can result in contempt of court charges, fines up to several hundred dollars, or even jail time. The court takes non-response seriously because jury duty is how the legal system functions.
That said, you have real options. You can ask the court to postpone your service to a better time, request to be excused based on genuine hardship, or explain during jury selection (called voir dire) why you cannot be impartial. Courts handle these requests regularly and expect them.
The key difference: courts distinguish between people who cannot serve and people who do not want to. Lying to get out of jury duty is perjury. Explaining a real conflict or hardship is how the system works.
Key Takeaways
- Ignoring a jury summons is illegal and can result in contempt of court charges, fines, or jail time.
- You can request postponement by contacting the court before your service date and explaining when you would be available.
- You can request to be excused if you have a genuine hardship such as a medical condition, caregiving responsibility, or financial crisis.
- During jury selection, you can tell the judge truthfully about any bias or reason you cannot be impartial in that specific case.
- Lying under oath to avoid jury duty is perjury and carries criminal penalties separate from contempt charges.
How to request postponement to a later date
Postponement is the most straightforward option if you have a genuine conflict during the scheduled service period. The court understands that people have work, travel, medical appointments, and family obligations. Most courts allow you to postpone once or twice without explanation.
Contact the court clerk's office listed on your summons as soon as you receive it. Call the phone number or use the online portal if one is provided. Explain when you would be available to serve — for example, "I have a work conference that week, but I could serve in March." Courts typically grant postponements to dates within the next six to twelve months.
Send your request in writing if the court requires it. Keep a copy and note the date you sent it. If you do not hear back within a week, call to confirm the court received your request. Some courts will send you a new summons for the postponed date; others will confirm by phone.
Requesting to be excused based on hardship
If you cannot serve during any foreseeable period, you can request to be excused entirely. Courts consider requests based on medical conditions, caregiving for a dependent with no alternative care, severe financial hardship, or other circumstances that make service genuinely impossible.
Write a letter to the court explaining your situation. Be specific: "I am the sole caregiver for my mother, who has dementia and requires supervision during the day. I have no family nearby and cannot afford paid care" is far more persuasive than "I cannot take time off work." Include supporting documents if relevant — a doctor's letter about your condition, proof that you are a primary caregiver, or evidence of financial crisis.
Send this letter to the court clerk before your service date. Many courts now allow you to submit requests online through their website. Again, keep a copy and confirm receipt. The judge will review your request and either excuse you, postpone you, or ask you to appear in person to explain further.
What happens during jury selection if you cannot be impartial
If you show up for jury duty but realize during jury selection that you cannot be fair in that particular case, tell the judge. You might know one of the parties, have a strong bias about the type of case, or have a personal experience that makes impartiality impossible.
During voir dire, the judge and lawyers will ask questions about your background, beliefs, and any connections to the case. Answer honestly. If you say "I was in a car accident similar to this one and I am still angry about it," the judge may excuse you for cause. If you say "I think all drunk drivers should go to prison no matter what the evidence shows," you will likely be excused because you cannot follow the judge's instructions to decide based only on the facts presented.
This is not evasion — it is the system working as intended. Jurors who cannot be impartial should not serve, and judges know this.
Why lying under oath is a separate crime
Some people think they can straightforward lie during jury selection — claim a bias they do not have, invent a medical condition, or say they know someone in the case. This is perjury, which is a criminal offense distinct from contempt of court.
Perjury convictions can result in jail time and a criminal record that affects employment, housing, and other aspects of your life. Courts take this seriously because the entire jury system depends on truthful answers. Additionally, if you are convicted of perjury, you may face fines and probation on top of any contempt charges.
Courts also have ways of checking. If you claim you cannot afford to miss work, the judge may ask for your employer's contact information. If you claim a medical condition, you may be asked for documentation. Inconsistencies between what you say in court and what you say later can lead to investigation.
Understanding contempt of court charges
Contempt of court is the penalty for ignoring a court order — including a jury summons. Civil contempt means you are ordered to comply and fined for each day you do not. Criminal contempt means you deliberately disobeyed the court and face jail time or fines.
The penalties vary by state and by judge. Some courts start with a warning letter. Others impose fines of $100 to $500 for a first offense. Repeated non-response can lead to arrest, jail time up to 30 days, or both. A contempt conviction also becomes part of your record.
If you receive a second summons after ignoring the first, the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means police can pick you up if you are stopped for any reason.
What to do if you lose your summons or miss the date
If you genuinely did not receive your summons or missed the date by accident, contact the court clerk when ready and explain. Bring any evidence you have — a moved address, a medical emergency, or documentation of the reason you missed it.
Courts are more forgiving of honest mistakes than deliberate non-response. If you call within a few days and explain what happened, the court will usually reschedule you or ask you to appear before the judge to explain. This is far better than ignoring the summons and waiting for a contempt charge.
If you receive a notice that you failed to appear, do not ignore that either. Respond when ready, even if you think there was a misunderstanding. The court needs to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be fired from my job for serving on a jury?
No. Federal law and most state laws prohibit employers from firing, threatening, or penalizing an employee for jury service. If your employer retaliates, you may have a legal claim against them. Tell your employer about your summons as soon as you receive it so they can plan for your absence.
What if I cannot afford to miss work because I will lose income?
Explain this to the court in your postponement or excuse request. Many courts will postpone you to a slower period in your industry or excuse you if you are self-employed with no backup income. Some employers pay employees during jury duty, and some courts offer small daily stipends. Neither fully replaces your income, but the court understands the hardship.
Do I have to tell the truth during jury selection?
Yes. You are under oath. Lying is perjury. If you cannot serve fairly, say so honestly — that is the correct answer, and the judge will excuse you without penalty.
What if I receive a summons but I am not a citizen?
Contact the court when ready. Most jurisdictions require jurors to be U.S. citizens. Bring proof of your status, and the court will remove you from the jury pool. Do not ignore the summons; respond and provide documentation.
Can I be summoned again after being excused?
Yes, unless the court excuses you permanently due to age or disability. If you are excused for a specific hardship, you may be summoned again in future years when your circumstances change. If you are excused for cause during jury selection in one case, you can still be summoned for other cases.