How you find out you have jury duty
You find out you have jury duty when you receive a jury summons in the mail from your court. The summons is an official document that tells you which court, what date, and what time to appear. It comes from the county or district court in the area where you live or where a case is being tried.
The summons will have your name, a case number, and instructions on what to bring and where to go. It is not optional — it is a legal order. If you receive one, you must respond, even if you cannot serve. Ignoring it can result in fines or a court order to appear.
Some courts send summonses by regular mail, others by certified mail. A few courts now send them by email if you have registered with the court system. Check your mail carefully, especially official-looking envelopes from your local courthouse.
Key Takeaways
- A jury summons arrives by mail from your county or district court and includes the date, time, and location you must appear.
- You are legally required to respond to a summons even if you cannot serve, and ignoring it can result in fines or contempt charges.
- The summons will tell you whether you are being called for a criminal case, a civil case, or both.
- If you have a legitimate reason you cannot serve on the date listed, you must contact the court before that date to request a postponement or dismissal.
What the summons document actually says
A jury summons contains specific information you need to act on. At the top, it will state the court name and address. The document will list your name, address, and a juror number. It will give you a specific date and time to report, usually in the morning.
The summons will explain what to bring — typically a photo ID and proof of residence. It may ask you to fill out a questionnaire before you arrive, either on paper or online through the court's website. Some courts ask you to call a phone number or check a website the day before to confirm whether you still need to appear, because trials sometimes settle or are postponed.
Near the bottom, the summons will state the consequences of not showing up. This is usually a fine, a contempt charge, or both. It will also tell you how to request a postponement if the date does not work for you — and you must do this before the date on the summons, not after.
Who gets summoned and when
Courts summon jurors from voter registration lists, driver's license records, or tax records, depending on the state. You are more likely to be summoned if you are registered to vote or have a current driver's license. Courts typically summon people at random from these lists.
The timing varies widely. Some courts summon people for a single trial that may last a few days. Others summon people for "jury duty" that lasts one to two weeks, during which you may be called for multiple trials or may sit in a waiting area if no trials need jurors that day. A few courts use a "one day or one trial" system where you serve for one day or until a trial ends, whichever comes first.
You can be summoned multiple times in your life. In most states, you cannot be summoned again for at least one or two years after you serve, but the rules vary by state and court.
What happens if you ignore the summons
If you receive a summons and do not show up and do not contact the court beforehand, the judge can hold you in contempt of court. This can result in a fine (often $100 to $1,000, though amounts vary by state), a jail sentence of a few days, or both. The court may also issue a warrant for your arrest.
Some courts are more aggressive about enforcement than others. A first-time no-show is sometimes treated more leniently than a repeat offense. However, you should not count on this — the safest approach is always to respond to the summons, even if you need to ask for a postponement.
If you received a summons but did not see it (it went to an old address, for example), and you later learn the court is looking for you, contact the court when ready and explain. Bring the summons if you have it, or give them your juror number. Courts generally understand that mail gets lost.
How to request a postponement or dismissal
If the date on your summons does not work for you, contact the court listed on the document as soon as you know there is a conflict. Do not wait until the day before or the day of. Most courts allow you to postpone to a different date, usually within the next few months.
Common reasons courts accept for postponement include work travel you cannot reschedule, a medical appointment you cannot move, or childcare you cannot arrange. Courts are often flexible with postponements because they understand that jury duty creates real hardship for some people.
Dismissal (being excused entirely) is harder to get. Courts rarely dismiss someone unless there is a serious hardship — for example, you are the sole caregiver for a disabled family member, or you are facing financial ruin if you miss work. When you request a postponement or dismissal, be honest about your situation and provide documentation if you have it (a doctor's note, a letter from your employer, etc.).
What to do when you receive your summons
Read the summons completely and note the date, time, and location. Check whether the court wants you to fill out a questionnaire or call ahead. If there is a website listed, visit it to see if you can check in online or get more information about what to expect.
If you can serve on the date listed, mark it on your calendar and plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Bring what the summons asks for — usually a photo ID and proof of residence (a utility bill or lease works). Wear neat, casual clothing; courts do not require formal dress, but they do expect you to look presentable.
If you cannot serve on that date, contact the court before the date arrives. Have your summons in front of you when you call so you can give them your juror number. Ask whether you can postpone to a different date or whether your situation qualifies for dismissal. Follow their instructions exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be summoned for jury duty if I am not a U.S. citizen?
No. You must be a U.S. citizen to serve on a jury. If you receive a summons and are not a citizen, contact the court and let them know. They will dismiss you from service.
What if I did not receive my summons in the mail?
If you think you should have been summoned but did not receive anything, you do not need to do anything — the court will contact you if there is an issue. If you received a summons but lost it, call the court with your address and they can send you another copy or confirm the details over the phone.
Do I have to tell my employer I have jury duty?
Yes. Your employer is legally required to let you take time off for jury duty. You should tell them as soon as you receive your summons. Employers cannot fire you or punish you for serving on a jury, though they do not have to pay you during that time (unless your state or company policy says otherwise).
What if I have already served jury duty recently?
If you served within the last one or two years, you can contact the court and let them know. Many courts will postpone your summons or dismiss you based on recent service, though the rules vary. Have the date you served ready when you call.
Is jury duty paid?
Most courts pay jurors a small amount — often $15 to $50 per day, though some pay nothing for the first few days. The amount varies by court and state. The summons will tell you what the pay is, if any.