Matthew Mincone | November 21, 2024 | Personal Injury
Jury duty is a cornerstone of the American justice system. It ensures that everyone gets a fair trial by a jury of their peers. If you live in Florida, ignoring a jury summons can have serious consequences. Here’s what you should know about the penalties for skipping jury duty and how to request the court excuse you from duty if you can’t serve. For more information, you can always contact an injury law firm in Tampa.
What Is Jury Duty?
Jury duty is a civic responsibility where eligible citizens help decide cases based on evidence and testimony. Participants are randomly selected from voter and driver records and receive a summons to appear at a courthouse. Cases can be criminal, such as assault or DUI, or civil, like contract disputes or personal injury claims (such as car accidents or wrongful death cases).
What Happens During Jury Duty?
Being summoned for jury duty is the beginning of a multi-step process. Dozens of people are summoned at a time for a single case to ensure enough potential jurors will be available. Here are the basic steps you can expect.
- Summons. You receive a jury summons from the court, requiring you to appear on a specific date and time.
- Selection process (Voir Dire). Potential jurors are questioned by the judge and attorneys to determine if they are suitable for the case. This process ensures that jurors are unbiased and capable of deciding the case fairly.
- Trial participation. If selected, jurors listen to evidence, witness testimonies, and arguments presented by both sides.
- Deliberation. After hearing the case, the jury meets privately to discuss the evidence and reach a verdict.
- Verdict. The jury delivers its decision to the court, which can result in a final judgment or further proceedings.
The trial will begin soon after the jury is selected. The trial may last for a few days to several months, depending on the complexity and type of case you are hearing.
Who Can Serve On A Jury In Florida?
Florida jurors must meet basic requirements, including:
- U.S. citizen
- At least 18 years of age
- Legal resident of Florida and the applicable county
- State-issued driver’s license or ID
If you are summoned for jury duty but do not meet these requirements, you can complete the eJUROR questionnaire using the information on your summons.
You may be disqualified for jury duty if you are:
- Biased regarding the alleged victim or plaintiff, defendant, or the case itself,
- An interested party in the action,
- Being prosecuted for a crime,
- A convicted felony without your rights restored,
- An employee or former employee of any parties involved within the past month,
- Related by blood or marriage to any plaintiffs, defendants, or attorneys involved or
- An investigator or law enforcement officer, unless you choose to serve on a jury
Active duty service members, public officers in the local or state government, and certain other people are exempt from jury duty.
What Happens If You Ignore A Jury Summons?
Failing to show up for jury duty in Florida is not something to take lightly. Below are the potential consequences of skipping jury duty without being excused by the court.
- A fine or contempt of court charges: Florida courts treat skipped jury duty as a violation of a court order. If you ignore a summons, you could be fined up to $100. The judge may also hold you in contempt of court, leading to more severe penalties like additional fines or even jail time.
- A second summons: Some courts send a second summons if you miss the first one. If you ignore the second notice, you’re more likely to face legal action.
- Legal consequences: Being held in contempt can result in community service, mandatory court appearances, or incarceration. These penalties vary by county and the judge’s discretion.
Skipping jury duty in Florida can have serious legal repercussions, so it’s crucial to respond to a summons promptly and seek an excusal if you cannot attend
Can You Be Excused From Jury Duty?
Florida law allows you to be excused from or postpone jury duty for a valid reason. If you have a valid reason, you must notify the court before your scheduled appearance to have your excusal or postponement request approved. Valid reasons include:
- A parent who is not employed full-time with custody of a child under six
- An expectant mother
- A sole caregiver for someone else
- A person aged 70 or older
- Hardship, extreme inconvenience, or public necessity
If you are summoned for jury duty in Hillsborough County and want to request a postponement or excusal, the court requires specific notice. You must fill out A, B, or C on your summons and return it in one of the following ways:
- Mail to Jury Services, PO Box 3388, Tampa, FL 33601-3388
- Fax it to (813) 272-5568
- Email it to [email protected]
If your request is denied, you will be contacted by a Jury Services Representative. Otherwise, your request will be granted.
Tips To Avoid Penalties For Missing Jury Duty
If you accidentally miss jury duty, here’s what to do:
- Contact the court right away. Call the clerk of court to explain the situation. Most courts will work with you to reschedule or resolve the issue without penalties.
- Don’t ignore additional notices. If you receive a second summons or notice of missed jury duty, respond promptly to avoid further consequences.
- Keep records. Save copies of your summons, exemption requests, or any court communications. This helps protect you in case of misunderstandings.
Taking prompt action and maintaining clear communication with the court can help resolve a missed jury duty situation and prevent unnecessary legal complications.
Why Is Jury Duty Important?
Skipping jury duty isn’t just a legal risk; it undermines the justice system. Courts need jurors to ensure fair trials for everyone. Florida law recognizes the importance of jurors. If you serve, your employer must allow time off without penalizing you. However, they’re not required to pay you for the time missed.
By taking jury duty seriously, you help maintain the integrity of Florida’s legal system and avoid unnecessary legal trouble. Remember to stay proactive and communicate with the court if you have a personal conflict or don’t believe you can serve on a jury.
Contact the Tampa Personal Injury Lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Tampa, FL, contact our skilled personal injury lawyers at Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review.
We proudly serve Hillsborough County and its surrounding areas:
Mincone Personal Injury Lawyers
1925 E 6th Ave Ste 10
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 430-3338