Miss Jury Duty in Texas? Here’s What Happens

(East Texas) If you are ever accused of a crime, you have the right to a trial. You have the right to plead your case, whether representing yourself or through an attorney, in front of a jury of your peers. The jury members will determine guilt or innocence after hearing the case.

How Juries Are Formed In Texas

Creating a jury is quite the process. In order for the jury system to work properly, citizens who receive a jury summons must report for jury duty. County jury coordinators periodically send out jury summons to potential jurors. That piece of paper you receive in the mail is your notice to show up for jury service and potentially to carry out your civic duty of serving on a jury panel.

There is a lot of joking that goes along with receiving a jury summons, but it is a serious matter. Many people often joke about having to report for jury service and often wonder what happens if they don't show up. Well, failing to appear for jury duty could lead to legal trouble.

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What Happens If You Don't Show For Jury Duty

Not showing up for jury service in Texas could result in a fine of up to $1,000. According to Texas Courts, a person who receives a summons for jury service and fails to answer the summons as directed is subject to a contempt action that is punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $1,000.

Fines For Missing Jury Duty

If you miss a jury duty summons date, you're not going to be arrested immediately. You'll most likely receive a second summons to appear, and if you fail to appear, then, well, then the consequences become more serious. The court could take stricter action against you, where you could be considered in contempt of court, face a fine of $100 to $1,000, and possibly face three days to six months in jail. (The Texas Trial Attorney)

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Jury Duty Can Be Rescheduled

We all lead very busy lives, and the court systems understand that. If you have plans for a vacation, a medical procedure, and a jury summons shows up, it's best to call the coordinator's office immediately. In most cases, they'll simply reschedule your date.

Exemptions From Jury Duty

Some exemptions do not require certain individuals to report for jury duty.

• Are over 70 years of age
• Are a student receiving secondary education or in an institute of higher education
• Have a child under 12 and are not able to furnish supervision in your absence
• Are the primary caretaker of someone unable to care for themselves
• Are employed by the legislative branch of the US Government
• Are a member of US Military Forces currently serving away from home
• Have served as a juror in the last 24 months in a county of at least 200,000 people, and 36 months in a county of at least 250,000 people

So, if you receive a jury summons in the mail, it's not going to go away. Simply do your civic duty and show up for jury service. Don't face a fine or potential jail time.