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I received a jury duty summons. If I just pretend that I didn't receive it are there any practical consequences that I might run into?

This is for King County Superior Court I know in theory there are penalties for not showing up. But I would think that pursuing someone not showing up for jury duty would be very low down in their priorities.

suavedork asked in Legal 9 months ago | Report

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7 Answers

  • Dscf6268_for_web_small
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    Not the answer you want to hear... but unless you have a legitimate conflict which would merit a reschedule, you should perform your civic duty. Our judicial system may not be perfect, but it is doomed to failure without the participation of the citizenry. I have always found serving on a jury to be a rewarding and informative experience. Please consider attending, thanks.

    mister_fusspot answered in Legal 9 months ago | Report
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  • Wa_usa_small
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    You are facing three months in jail or a $1,000 fine if you fail to respond to the summons. This is from the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys Charging Manual:

    Failure to Respond to Jury Summons — RCW 2.36.170
    On or about the day of__,__,__ in the County of____, State of Washington, the above-named Defendant, who had been summoned for jury service, did intentionally fail to appear as directed; contrary to Revised Code of Washington 2.36.170.

    (Maximum Penalty—Ninety (90) days in jail or $1,000 fine, or both pursuant to RCW 2.36.170 and RCW 9.92.030, plus restitution, assessments and court costs.)

    (end quoted material)

    Failing to respond to a summons is a misdemeanor. Lying about it can get you charged with perjury, which is a felony.

    Just respond to the summons.

    soundslikepuget answered in Legal 9 months ago | Report
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  • Botero100_small
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    Other than having a uniformed bailiff show up at your house or your work and haul your ass in to appear before a pissed off judge who will want to know why you didn't respond voluntarily to your summons (my mother watched that happen one day when a judge got fed up of no-shows)...not much.

    Personally, I would go in a heartbeat. I got on a jury once and it was fascinating, seeing how it all worked (also affirming, to see that it worked much better and more fairly in many ways than my cynical assumptions would have led me to believe). The other times I've been called, I didn't get picked, but it gave me time to get a lot of reading done, and an excuse for lunch at Salumi.

    marymc answered in Legal 9 months ago | Report
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  • Finn3goof_small
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    I got called once about 15 years ago. they took one look at me and sent me home and I have not been called since.

    So go. It's no big whoop and you'll probably be sent home.

    Tom answered in Legal 9 months ago | Report
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  • Ozomahtli_small
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    First, it's your civic duty, so you should go. As you stated, it is illegal to ignore the summons.

    That said, in reality there is no way for them to prove that you actually received the summons, so if you just don't show up, nothing will happen.

    But go. It's an interesting experience, even if you don't get on a jury.

    Mahtli69 answered in Legal 9 months ago | Report
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  • Spaceship_small
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    It's not so much what they will do to you now... but if they issue a warrant or some sort of penalty against you, it's what will happen later.

    For instance, a traffic stop for something minor COULD mushroom into something more serious, if they see a warrant out for you for no show to court.

    Not saying it WILL happen, but there ARE consequences.

    Plus, most people who report for duty either get a day off with pay, and then are released... or they get questioned in the empanneling process and something trips them up and they are excused.
    WARNING: DO NOT INTENTIONALLY TRY TO GET EXCLUDED. They judge is used to this one.
    On the other hand, if they ask if you have any opinions on the topic or case that is at hand, answer honestly...and if you have strong opinions, tell them. Most will not want someone of strong opinion on their jury.

    O my captain answered in Legal 9 months ago | Report
    2 comments by keshmeshi and O my captain…
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  • Icon_small
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    When I served on a jury several years ago, the judge thanked us profusely for our service because a scant minority of people who receive jury summonses actually show up, and there is exactly nothing King County can do about it.

    I always serve when my number comes up, but as long as jury service isn't taken seriously enough by the government for it to provide consequences for no-shows and real compensation, I don't blame anyone who decides to ignore the summons. There is, however, the slim chance that someone will try to make an example of you.

    keshmeshi answered in Legal 9 months ago | Report
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