Ignoring a jury summons can result in serious legal penalties in Texas: You can be fined from $100 to $1,000 for failing to answer the summons. If you fail to attend court without a reasonable excuse, you can be fined $100 to $500. Filing a false claim of exemption from jury service can also result in fines.
If you don't show up for jury duty, the court may fine you anywhere between $100 and $1,000 and depending on the court in which you failed to appear, sentence you anywhere from three days to six months in jail.
A prospective juror may be excused if he/she: Has a physical or mental disability that would prevent him/her from serving. Must provide actual and necessary care for another and alternate arrangements are not feasible. Is unable to read or understand the English language. Over 75 years of age.
Be able to read and write; not have served as a juror for six days during the preceding three months in the county court or during the preceding six months in the district court; and. not have been convicted of, or be under indictment or other legal accusation for, misdemeanor theft or a felony.
1. Is jury service mandatory? Yes.
If you don't show up for jury duty, the court may fine you anywhere between $100 and $1,000 and depending on the court in which you failed to appear, sentence you anywhere from three days to six months in jail.
Prospective jurors are put under oath when they are questioned (subjected to a void dire examination), so any prospective juror who lies could be prosecuted for perjury (a five-year felony in federal court).
Most contact between a federal court and a prospective juror will be through the U.S. mail, and any phone or email contact by real court officials will not include requests for any sensitive information. Jury duty is a vital civic responsibility and should be taken seriously by all citizens.
Disqualifications and exemptions from jury service. A prospective juror is disqualified to serve on a jury if that prospective juror is not a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age and a resident of the county, or is unable to read, speak and understand the English language.
Prospective jurors are put under oath when they are questioned (subjected to a void dire examination), so any prospective juror who lies could be prosecuted for perjury (a five-year felony in federal court).