Short answer
- If you do not show up for jury duty, the most likely first outcome is not an instant fine. In many courts, the first step is a follow-up notice, a chance to contact the jury office, or a new reporting date. But a jury summons is a court order, not an invitation, so ignoring it is not safe. If you keep ignoring notices, a court can order you to appear and show cause why you should not be held in contempt. In federal court, a person who fails to show good cause can face a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to three days, community service, or a combination of those penalties. State and local courts have their own rules, so the exact consequence depends on the court that summoned you. If you have already missed a date, contact that court's jury office as soon as possible, using the details on your summons or on the court's official website. This article is general information only. It is not legal advice for any person's situation, and it cannot tell you what will happen in your case.
What a jury summons actually requires
A summons often arrives by ordinary mail and looks like a routine form, but legally it is a court direction. It is not a survey, and it is not a request for volunteers. When a court summons you, it directs you to respond and, unless you are excused or deferred by the court, to appear as directed.
That usually means three things: respond as instructed, for example by completing a questionnaire; check reporting instructions the evening before, since a trial may settle or your group may be told not to report; and, if told to report, appear at the stated place and time unless the court has excused you or moved your date.
You are not guaranteed to serve on a trial: many summoned people report, take part in selection, and are not selected. Excusal and deferral come from the court, not from deciding not to go. If unsure whether you still need to report, check your own summons and contact the jury office named there.
Missing a summons is not the same as missing after selection
“Missing jury duty” covers different stages, and courts may treat them differently.
At the questionnaire stage, a court sends a qualification questionnaire before a summons to report, so it can decide whether you are qualified. Failing to return it is still a failure to follow a court direction, but it is not identical to failing to appear on a reporting date. The next step may be a reminder or a second mailing.
At the summons to report stage, you have been told to appear on a particular date and you do not appear. This is what most readers mean by missing jury duty, and it is the stage where a failure-to-appear notice, a rescheduling opportunity, or a show-cause order becomes most relevant.
After selection, or after a trial has begun, the position is more serious in practical terms, since a trial cannot proceed without its jurors. A juror late or absent during a trial should contact the court immediately. Being minutes late is not the same as ignoring a summons for weeks, but neither should be treated casually.
What usually happens first
Many people imagine that one missed date leads at once to a fine, a warrant, or jail. That is not usually the first step, but it is not a reason to relax. Courts need jurors, and at the first stage their usual interest is getting you to a new reporting date.
In practice, the first response is often a second or failure-to-appear notice with instructions; an opportunity to contact the jury office and ask for a new date; or a rescheduled summons, if you respond promptly.
For example, the United States District Court for the District of Nevada tells people who missed a date to contact the Jury Administrator immediately to reschedule. Riverside County Superior Court in California tells people who could not appear to contact its office through the juror portal to avoid a failure-to-appear notice. These are examples from particular courts, not a national promise.
A prompt, honest response usually keeps the matter administrative, where the court can simply set a new date. Silence usually moves it toward a formal order. If you receive a notice, read it in full and note every deadline.
Show-cause orders and contempt, in general terms
If informal follow-up does not resolve a missed appearance, a court may issue an order to show cause. The court orders you to appear at a stated date and time and to explain, or “show cause,” why you did not comply with the summons and why you should not be held in contempt.
A show-cause order is not a finding of contempt. It is a hearing at which the court hears your explanation and decides what, if anything, should happen next. You therefore have an opportunity to present your reason, any supporting documents, and any steps you took after realizing you had missed the date.
Take the order seriously: a show-cause date cannot be rescheduled casually, and ignoring it is far more serious than ignoring the original summons. Riverside County’s guidance, for example, says the date cannot be changed and requires personal appearance. Treat its date as fixed unless the court itself tells you otherwise in writing.
What counts as “good cause” is decided by the court on the facts before it. Sudden illness, a family emergency, an accident, a serious transport failure, or a genuine mistake about the date may be considered, especially if you can support your explanation and contacted the court promptly. A vague claim that you were busy, forgot and did nothing, or simply did not want to serve is far less likely to be accepted. Timing matters too: a person who called the same day looks very different from a person who ignored several notices over several months. This is general information, not a prediction about any individual case.
Contempt, in general terms, means conduct that disobeys a court order. Failing to appear can be treated as contempt if the court, after a hearing, finds no good cause. It can involve a fine, short imprisonment, community service, or a combination.
Federal consequences: what the law says
Federal law is quoted in similar words by several federal courts, which makes it easy to state accurately. Under Title 28, Section 1866(g) of the United States Code, a person summoned for jury service who fails to appear as directed may be ordered by the district court to appear forthwith and show cause for failure to comply with the summons. A person who fails to show good cause may be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned not more than three days, ordered to perform community service, or any combination of those penalties.
Read that sentence carefully. The fine is a maximum, not a fixed amount. The imprisonment limit is three days under this provision, not longer. And the penalties apply after the show-cause step, once the court has found that good cause was not shown. The statute does not say that every person who misses a date is automatically fined or jailed.
Older court pages may mention a $100 fine, reflecting an earlier version of the law. North Carolina’s federal juror guidance notes that figure, then explains later legislation raised the maximum to $1,000. Do not treat $100 on an older page as the current federal maximum.
In one published federal administrative order, the clerk first sends a notice directing the person to contact the jury clerk. A reasonable excuse may lead to a continued appearance; no contact, or an unacceptable excuse, leads to a magistrate judge, who may issue an order to show cause; failure to appear as ordered may lead to a warrant. That order is from one district, not a national procedure, but it illustrates the pattern.
A request to be rescheduled or excused is not granted just because you sent it. Nevada’s federal guidance states plainly that a request is not granted until you receive a response from the Jury Administrator. Wait for that response, and keep a copy.
State and local consequences: why there is no single national fine
Most people are summoned by a state or local court, and that is where penalties vary most. There is no single national fine, because each state sets its own law and each local court applies its own procedures. A figure correct for one county may be wrong for the next, and a figure for a first missed date may differ from one for a repeated missed date.
California is a clear example. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 209 provides that a prospective trial juror who has been summoned and fails to attend as directed, or fails to respond to the court or jury commissioner and to be excused, may be attached and compelled to attend. After an order to show cause hearing, the court may find the juror in contempt, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, or five days in the county jail, or both, as described in Mono County Superior Court’s jury guidance, which cites Section 209 and Section 1218(a). Note the difference from federal court: the California example allows up to five days in county jail, while the federal rule allows up to three days. That is why no national article can give one number as the answer for everyone.
Other counties apply the same state law through different local processes. Riverside County stresses contacting the jury office through its portal to avoid a failure-to-appear notice. The structure is consistent, notice, opportunity to respond, show-cause hearing, then a contempt decision, even though portals and deadlines differ.
If a state or local court summoned you, do not use a federal figure, another state’s figure, or a general article’s figure as your guide. Find the court named on your summons, read its juror page and any notice, and contact its jury office if needed. That court alone can tell you which law and procedure apply to you.
Repeatedly ignoring a summons
A single missed date followed by a prompt response is one situation. A pattern of ignored notices is another, and courts treat it differently. A single mistake can be explained. Repeated silence looks like a decision not to comply, and it leaves the court with fewer administrative options.
In general terms, repeated noncompliance can lead to further notices, each creating a new obligation; to a show-cause order rather than another informal reminder; to a contempt finding, with a fine, community service, or short custody within the applicable legal limits; and, in some procedures, to an arrest warrant if a person fails to appear after being ordered to do so. Some states use escalating fines for repeated violations. This article does not list those figures as a national table, because they are jurisdiction specific and they change. Each ignored notice makes the next step more formal, not less. If you have missed more than one date, do not wait for another notice. Contact the jury office, explain the full history honestly, and ask what the court requires next.
What to do if you already missed your date
If your reporting date has passed, act quickly and in the right order. These steps are general guidance, not legal advice, and your court’s notice or jury office instructions take priority if they differ.
- Find your summons and any later notice. Note the court name, your juror or participant number, the original date, and every deadline shown.
- Contact the jury office named on the summons, using the phone number, portal, or email address the court itself provides. Do not use a number from an unsolicited call, text, or email claiming to be from the court. Courts have warned about jury scams in which callers demand personal information or payment, and a genuine court will not ask you to pay a fine over the phone to an unknown caller.
- Explain briefly and honestly what happened, and ask whether you can be rescheduled. Have your juror number ready, and be ready to give dates you are available.
- If the court asks for supporting documents, such as a medical note or travel records, provide what you genuinely have. Do not create or alter documents. A false document will make a simple missed date far worse.
- Record who you spoke to, when, and what you were told to do next. Save portal confirmations, and keep copies of emails or letters you send.
- If you are given a new date, treat it as a fresh court order. Check reporting instructions the evening before, allow extra travel time, and arrive early.
- If you receive a show-cause order, appear on the date stated with your summons, notices, and supporting documents, and be ready to explain what happened briefly. Do not ignore it, and do not assume it was canceled because you called once.
If you have moved, give the jury office your current address, or notices will keep going to the old address. Updating it does not excuse a missed date, but it stops the next notice going astray.
How to reschedule or seek excusal before your date
The best time to deal with a problem is before the reporting date. Most courts provide a route for postponement, deferral, or excusal, but each route has its own deadline, form, and standard, and no request is granted until the court says so.
Start with your summons. It should explain how to request a postponement or excusal, what form to use, and where to send it. Many courts allow the request through an online portal, while others require a written letter or email. Some require the request a set number of days before the date; others allow a later request but may be less able to grant it. Do not leave it until the morning of the reporting date if you can avoid it.
Be specific: the date summoned for, the reason, and alternative dates if you seek a postponement. Attach supporting documents if asked, and keep copies. Then wait: as Nevada’s federal guidance stresses, a request is not granted until the Jury Administrator responds. If none arrives close to the date, contact the office again. Do not stay home merely because you sent a request.
Postponement and excusal are different. A postponement, sometimes called a deferral, moves service to a later date; you will still be expected to serve. An excusal removes the obligation for that summons, usually because you qualify under a specific rule or the court accepts undue hardship. A court may grant one postponement readily and be stricter about a second, so check your court’s limits rather than assuming you can keep moving the date.
Valid excuse categories in general terms
Courts do not excuse people merely because service is inconvenient, but they recognize reasons the law accepts. The categories below are commonly considered. They are not guarantees, and rules, age limits, and evidence required differ by court. Treat this as a guide to what to ask about, not a list of automatic exemptions.
Age: some courts allow an excuse at a stated age. In Nevada’s federal guidance, a person aged 70 or older who receives a summons may choose not to serve by notifying the jury office in writing. Other courts use different ages, or no age rule.
Recent service: many courts excuse a person who has recently served, so the burden is shared. Nevada’s federal guidance lists service on a jury in the last two years as a ground for requesting an excuse. State courts use different periods.
Medical reasons: a serious condition, a disability that prevents service, or an uncovered caregiving responsibility may support excusal or deferral, usually with documentation from a clinician or another appropriate source. The court decides whether the documentation is sufficient.
Undue hardship or extreme inconvenience: federal law allows excusal on a showing of undue hardship or extreme inconvenience, with the court or clerk deciding the period. Work conflicts, financial hardship, and caring responsibilities can fall here, but the court weighs them against the need for jurors. A busy period at work alone is not always enough.
Qualification rules: courts also apply rules on citizenship, residency, age, and criminal history, which vary by jurisdiction. If you believe you are not qualified, say so through the court’s process and provide the information it asks for, rather than simply not appearing. If a request is refused, ask about alternatives such as postponement, and still appear if the court directs you to do so.
Employer protection and work conflicts
Worry about work is a common reason people consider missing jury duty, but it is not usually a reason to ignore a summons. Tell your employer early, ask the court for a postponement if dates genuinely clash, and keep both sides informed.
Federal law protects federal jurors’ employment. Under Title 28, Section 1875, an employer may not discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce a permanent employee because of federal jury service or attendance in connection with it. Nevada’s federal guidance repeats this in plain terms: an employer cannot fire or discipline you for not being at work due to jury service. State laws add protections for state service. California Labor Code Section 230, for example, prohibits an employer from firing or harassing an employee summoned for jury service, provided reasonable notice is given, as noted in Mono County’s guidance.
Protection from dismissal is not a guarantee of pay, which depends on employer policy and, in some states, on state law. Check that policy early, and ask for an attendance certificate if your employer needs proof. If an employer pressures you not to serve, record what was said and seek advice from the appropriate authority. Do not let that pressure become the reason you ignore a court order.
Federal versus state and local practice
| Question | Federal court | State or local court |
|---|---|---|
| Governing law cited | Title 28, Section 1866(g) | State law, for example California Code of Civil Procedure Section 209 |
| First step after a missed date | Notice and chance to contact the jury clerk, then a show-cause order if needed | Failure-to-appear notice and chance to contact the jury office, then a show-cause hearing if needed |
| Maximum fine in examples cited | Up to $1,000 | Varies; up to $1,000 in the California example cited |
| Maximum custody in examples cited | Up to three days | Varies; up to five days in county jail in the California example cited |
| Community service | Available under the federal statute, alone or combined | Depends on state law and the court’s powers |
| Postponement or excusal | Written request; not granted until the court responds | Portal, form, or letter process; limits and deadlines vary by county |
You cannot transfer a federal answer to a state summons, or a California answer to another state. Identify the court on your summons first, then look for that court’s law and procedure.
Common myths, and a note on scams
Myth 1: ignoring the summons makes it go away. Usually the opposite happens: another notice, then a show-cause order. Ignoring it does not cancel the obligation, and it removes your chance to explain yourself at the informal stage.
Myth 2: everyone gets fined $1,000. That is the federal maximum, and coincidentally the maximum in the California example cited. It is not a fixed fine, not the figure for every state, and not imposed automatically. A court decides after a hearing, within the applicable legal limits.
Myth 3: you will go to jail for missing one date. Custody is possible under the laws cited, but it is a maximum, not a routine outcome for a first missed date followed by a prompt response. Risk grows when a person ignores a show-cause order or repeatedly ignores summonses.
Myth 4: emailing the court excuses you. Sending a request is not being excused. Until the court responds and grants it, you are still expected to appear. Keep the response, and follow up before the date if none arrives.
Myth 5: a phone call demanding payment proves you owe a fine. Be cautious. Genuine courts communicate through the summons, official notices, and their official websites and jury offices. If an unsolicited caller demands immediate payment or personal information, do not pay or share details. Contact the jury office using the number on your summons or the court’s official website, and ask whether any fine or notice is genuine.
A missed date can make you more vulnerable to scams, because a warning about a fine sounds plausible. Federal guidance warns that courts will never ask for personal information over the phone or by email. A genuine fine follows a court process, with notices and a hearing, not a call demanding a gift card or wire transfer. If you have shared information or paid money, contact your bank and the appropriate reporting authority promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Do I automatically get fined if I miss jury duty once?
No. In many courts, the first step is a follow-up notice or a chance to reschedule. A fine becomes possible after a show-cause process if the court finds no good cause, and the amount depends on the law for your court.
What is a show-cause order?
It directs you to appear on a stated date and explain why you did not comply and why you should not be held in contempt. It is a hearing, not a final finding. Bring your summons, notices, and documents.
Can I be arrested for missing jury duty?
Arrest is possible at a later stage in some procedures, but not as a usual first step. In the federal procedure above, a warrant may be issued if a person fails to appear after being ordered to do so.
What if I never received the summons?
Tell the jury office as soon as you learn about it, give your current address, and ask what the court requires. Do not ignore a later notice just because you missed the first one.
What if I was sick or had an emergency on the reporting date?
Contact the jury office as soon as you can, explain what happened, and provide any documents asked for. Courts commonly consider sudden illness, accidents, and family emergencies, but the decision is the court’s. If you have a show-cause date, appear on it with your documents.
Can I reschedule jury duty after I missed it?
Often, yes, if you contact the jury office promptly and the court agrees. Nevada’s federal guidance says to contact the Jury Administrator immediately to reschedule, and Riverside County directs people to its juror portal. Follow your court’s instructions and keep proof of your new date.
Does missing jury duty affect my job?
Missing jury duty does not protect your job. Federal and state protections cover service and attendance, not ignoring a summons. Tell your employer early and seek a postponement through the court’s process.
How do I know which court summoned me?
The summons itself names the court. If you lost it, contact the court system in your area through its official website or jury office, with your name, address, and any juror number you still have. Nevada’s federal guidance notes there is no single place to research all court systems.
Should I get legal advice?
This article is general information only. If you have a show-cause order, contempt notice, or arrest warrant, seek advice from a qualified lawyer in your jurisdiction promptly.
Sources & references
- United States District Court for the District of Nevada, Jurors Frequently Asked Questions (last updated August 28, 2024): https://www.nvd.uscourts.gov/jurors/jurors-faq/
- Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, Failure to Appear for Jury Service: https://www.riverside.courts.ca.gov/divisions/jury-services/failure-appear
- Superior Court of California, County of Mono, Frequently Asked Questions About Jury Duty: https://www.mono.courts.ca.gov/general-information/jury-service/frequently-asked-questions-about-jury-duty
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Juror FAQ: https://www.nced.uscourts.gov/jurors/faq.aspx?faq=3%3E
- United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, Administrative Order No. 24-MS-043, Procedures Regarding Jurors Who Fail to Appear (June 17, 2024): https://www.miwd.uscourts.gov/sites/miwd/files/Admin%20Order%2024-MS-043.pdf
- United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Jury Information and Jury Scam Warning: https://www.kywd.uscourts.gov/jury-info and https://www.kywd.uscourts.gov/news/warning-jury-scam
