What happens if you don’t go to jury duty in California?
Ignoring jury duty summonses may result in contempt of court, punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or a jail term up to five days.
The criminal defense lawyers at The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, have extensive experience representing clients facing a wide range of criminal charges.
We will listen to the facts of your case and formulate a strategy to try and help you avoid a conviction.
To speak with an experienced California criminal defense lawyer today, please contact our office online or call (619) 234-2300 today to schedule your free initial consultation.
Your Obligations as a California Resident
Theoretically, California residents must serve on a jury once every twelve months. In actual practice, however, the odds are long that California will not call you for jury duty more than a few times in your lifetime.
In fact, some people go through their entire life without ever being called for jury duty even once.
What Are Some Legal Excuses for Skipping Jury Duty?
Just because the state calls you for jury duty doesn’t mean you will serve on one. A multitude of legal exemptions exist, including the following:
- You are not a U.S. citizen;
- You are under eighteen years old;
- You lack a basic understanding of the English language;
- You are on active military duty;
- Your roundtrip commute to the courthouse would exceed ninety minutes;
- Serving on a jury would impose a significant financial burden on you;
- Serving on a jury would impose a risk of physical or mental hardship on you;
- You are a daytime caregiver for another person;
- You have already served on a jury within the past eighteen months;
- You are currently serving as a grand juror;
- You are a peace officer; or
- You lost your rights (the right to vote, etc.) due to a felony conviction and the state has not yet restored them.
If you believe you have a valid excuse to skip jury duty, write your reason on the jury summons and mail it back to the court. Even without a legal excuse, you can request a postponement of your jury duty.
What Happens If You Ignore a Jury Summons in California?
A court can treat ignoring a jury summons as contempt of court, which is a criminal offense in California.
If you forgot about jury duty, though, a San Diego County court will probably give you the benefit of the doubt the first time.
Ignoring a Jury Summons
Ignoring a jury summons in California is also likely to be ignored even if you did it intentionally. Instead, the court will send you a second summons for a new case.
If you ignore a second jury summons, however, California will likely charge you with contempt of court. In San Diego County, the penalties for contempt of court include:
- Up to five days in jail; and
- A fine of up to $1,000.
Do not forget that a contempt of court conviction will show up on your permanent criminal record.
Missed Jury Duty? Understand the Consequences and Your Legal Options
If you are concerned about missing jury duty or what consequences you may face if you’ve already missed jury summons in California, The Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, APLC, is here to help.
Don’t let jury duty concerns overwhelm you – contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your situation with confidence.
Where You Can Find Our San Diego Office Location
Jury Duty California Frequently Asked Questions
1. What steps can I take if I accidentally miss my jury duty date?
If you’ve missed your jury duty date, act promptly. Contact the court immediately, explain the situation honestly, and follow their instructions to reschedule or address any potential consequences.
2. Can I face legal consequences if I fail to respond to a jury summons due to being out of the country?
Yes, failure to respond to a jury summons, even if you’re out of the country, can lead to legal consequences such as fines or even a bench warrant for your arrest. It’s crucial to notify the court of your situation and follow their instructions for handling your absence.
3. Is there a process for requesting accommodations for disabilities or medical conditions that might affect my ability to serve on a jury?
Yes, most courts have procedures in place for requesting accommodations for disabilities or medical conditions that could impact jury service. Typically, you would need to contact the court in advance of your jury duty date and provide documentation of your condition along with a request for accommodations. The court will then assess your request and determine appropriate accommodations to ensure your ability to participate in jury service.
4. What happens if I move out of state after receiving a jury summons from California?
If you move out of state after receiving a jury summons from California, you should promptly notify the court of your change of address. Each state has its own rules regarding jury duty, and California may excuse you from service or transfer your information to the appropriate jurisdiction. Failing to notify the court of your new address could result in legal consequences.
5. How long does a jury duty obligation typically last in California?
In California, a jury duty obligation typically lasts for one day or one trial, whichever is longer. If you’re selected to serve on a jury for a trial, you may be required to serve until the conclusion of that trial, which could be longer than a single day. However, if you’re not selected for a trial on the day you report for jury duty, your obligation for that term is typically fulfilled, unless instructed otherwise by the court.
Kerry L. Armstrong
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