Jury duty is an essential part of our judiciary system. The court sends out summonses to thousands of people every year as part of a rigorous selection process for jurors. However, even though serving on a jury is mandatory, some people choose to skip jury duty.
Skipping jury duty is not only a crime in California, but it can also result in serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and even arrest. If you're someone who has missed jury duty in California, then this blog post is for you.
What the Law Says About Skipping Jury Duty in California
Skipping jury duty is a crime in California, which means you can be fined or even arrested for not appearing in court. California law requires all citizens who are eligible for jury service to serve when summoned. If you ignore your summons, you will likely receive a follow-up letter reminding you that failure to appear is a crime. If you still do not show, you may find yourself facing a warrant for your arrest.
Consequences of Skipping Jury Duty in California
The consequences for skipping jury duty in California can be severe. You can be fined up to $1,500, required to serve on the next available jury, and even face jail time. If you have a valid reason for not attending jury service, you should contact the court immediately to explain your situation. You may be able to postpone your service, have it rescheduled, or be excused.
What to Do if You Miss a Jury Duty Court Summons
If you have missed your court summons, the best thing you can do is take immediate action to rectify the situation. Contact the court and explain your situation. The court may reschedule your service, excuse you if you have a valid reason for not attending, or even allow you to serve at a different location or time.
How to Avoid Getting in Trouble for Skipping Jury Duty
The easiest way to avoid getting into trouble for skipping jury duty is to show up when summoned. California law requires all eligible citizens to serve when called, and the penalties for not doing so are significant. If you are unable to attend for a valid reason, then contact the court immediately to ask for an exemption or reschedule.
Missing jury duty is not something that should be taken lightly. If you have missed your jury duty summons, or have concerns about your eligibility, it's essential to take the necessary steps to address the situation.
If you're someone who has skipped jury duty in California, don't panic. There are ways to remedy the problem. Contact the court as soon as possible to avoid further complications and ensure that you stay on the right side of the law. If contacting the court fails to solve the issue, or there’s already been a warrant issued for your arrest, reach out to an experienced criminal defense attorney for help as soon as possible.
The Law Office of Brian C. Andritch has been successfully defending people facing criminal charges in Fresno and its surrounding communities for years. As our clients’ testimonials prove, we have a long history of getting the charges against our clients reduced or dismissed.
To schedule a free consultation with our experienced criminal defense attorney, call us at (559) 484-2112 or reach out to us online today.