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Do you get jail time for missing jury duty?

I found out that a letter was sent to my old address summoning me for jury duty. Unfortunately I didn't get the letter until now, and my court date is a few days away. I can't make it because I have already booked a flight to see my family, but I'd be happy to do it on another day and postpone it to whatever day the court wants. However I'm worried about potential jail time. Do they only jail people who deliberately not show up? I live in California, if that matters.

4 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    If you do not show up now, you WILL deliberately not show up since you are now aware of your duty to do so. Get in touch with the jury commissioner for your county--the contact information should be on the summons--and have your service postponed. That should not be a problem if you act immediately.

    Source(s): 35+ years as a criminal defense attorney
  • 5 years ago

    I think it all comes all the way down to how mad the decide is about this, and what the state legal guidelines enable him to do. I'm not a legal professional, nonetheless. I'd look on the summons closely, and browse ALL of it - exceptional print incorporated. Then i'd go to the court very first thing tomorrow, and explain your case. You may be assigned jury obligation proper away, or you can be excused. It is dependent upon their mood, and their want, i suppose. Jury obligation is a major a part of a citizen's obligation, and also you ought to take it as such. Some individuals complain about it, however then some people would whinge when you hung them with a new rope. Believe of this as an opportunity to study more about how your govt operates. If nothing else, you may have some intriguing stories to tell at work afterwards.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    The longest sentence was meted out in Texas, the man served 85 days.

    In NYC when I was on Jury duty someone was given 3 days for failure to appear.

    Depends on how irate the judge is. If the trial could not proceed because of jury pool shortage then you bet he/she will be angry

  • 9 years ago

    You may get jail time if you don't call the courthouse and explain your situation. Tell them you moved and give them your new address.

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