Once selected, jurors go directly to the courtroom. A juror who is summoned and who willfully and without reasonable excuse fails to appear for jury service may be found by the court to be in contempt and subject to penalties provided by law.
Failure to complete and return a jury questionnaire, providing false information on the questionnaire, or using vulgar or profane language in response to a jury questionnaire subjects a citizen to show cause proceeding for contempt of court.
You could be held in contempt of court and required to attend jury duty on a different date. You can also be fined $500 for missing a jury appearance. Additionally, you could be compelled to explain to the presiding judge why you missed your court appearance.
Reasons for Being Excused from Jury Service Medical reasons. Public necessity. Undue hardship. Dependent care. Student Status. Military conflict. Other reason deemed sufficient by the court.
If you're doing it on your own, however, you may contact your court clerk for information on how to do this. The motion has to state what your ex-spouse isn't doing, what areas he or she is in violation of. It must clarify why he or she ought to be held in contempt of the divorce decree. You must prove your case.
Postponement of Jury Service If you are not available on the date scheduled, you may postpone the date of your initial appearance for jury service two times only. To request a postponement, follow the instructions in the Juror Affidavit Questionnaire or Summons or contact the court in which you are scheduled to appear.
A request to be excused must be made in writing to the court that issued the summons and must be supported by appropriate documentation. Requests for excuse should be directed to the Jury Commissioner's Office. Your service is required as a prospective juror for a minimum of one day.
When writing a jury excuse letter, directly state why you cannot serve and how serving would lead to hardship. Valid exemptions include being ill or disabled, being the sole guardian of young children, or being over the age of 70. Include documentation such as a doctor's note or a letter from an employer.
Missing court does not end the potential juror's service. The court will send you a second jury duty request if you missed your first appearance. If you miss a jury date, serious consequences can take effect. You could be held in contempt of court and required to attend jury duty on a different date.