Source
r/TooAfraidToAsk•
agalix

How bad is it to not show for a jury summons?

Law & Government

I live in California and received a jury summons in the summer. It was for a city I don't currently live in (I already updated my address with the DMV) and I experience depressive episodes. Nearing the court date I was changing medications and didn't take care of myself enough. Court date was like 4-6 weeks ago.

I want to handle it but the website didn't change yet. Not sure where to start, and that said, what consequences might I expect?

Posted Jan 3, 2022, 12:16 AM UTC

16
GeoHandyDandyman•

In Australia the fine for ignoring a summons was huge. $1600 in my wife's case, $5000 in my friends case. AUD

3
Bitch_Tuna•

From what I've heard, most jurisdictions will be pretty forgiving if you call the court, explain what happened, and take a summons for a later date.

1
FreeWestworld•

If you have legitimate proof that you moved before the summons; you can call them and tell them your situation. You might be in the clear.

1
[deleted]•

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1
werat22•

I missed one in CT before. Totally forgot about it. They sent me another letter because I was supposed to actually show up that time. Fun fact, just because you get summoned to jury duty doesn’t mean you actually wind up needing to go. You’re supposed to call a number the night before and if you hear your name, you don’t have to go anymore. At least here in CT that is. If you haven’t heard anything yet, you were probably on the list not to go and lucked out. I really hope so.

1
[deleted]•

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1
lego_office_worker•

it is not good to skip jury summons, but most police jurisdictions will not actively hunt you down because they have more important things to do.

however, if you get pulled over for a traffic violation or something similar, the cop that pulls you over will likely see that you skipped jury summons and you will have to make a court appearance. depending on the judges mood, you can get a fine or even jailtime for contempt of court (unlikely unless you are an obnoxious jag to the judge)

most likely a small fine and they will schedule you for service again, especially if you are humble and apologetic to the judge. do not be defensive or make excuses or try to justify your behavior. judges hear enough of that nonsense from petty criminals.

theres also a decent chance nothing will happen, because courts and police are overwhelmed with drugs murder and rape.

1