What Happens if I Don’t Show Up for Jury Duty In Arizona?
July 26, 2024 | Arizona Law
When you get a jury summons in the mail, that can be a nerve-wracking and even upsetting experience. You could be worried about missing work, having to travel to court, or even just the overall inconvenience of jury duty. However, serving on a jury is one of our most important civic duties and a crucial part of our system of justice. You might be tempted to skip jury duty when called, but there can be serious consequences for doing so.
It is important to understand what jury duty is, what is expected of you, and what happens if you don’t show up for jury duty in Arizona.
Why Do We Have Jury Duty?
The U.S. Constitution gives all citizens the right to trial by a jury of their peers. This right is enshrined in the Sixth Amendment and is a foundation of our justice system. The Seventh Amendment also ensures the right to a jury in federal civil trials. In Arizona, either the plaintiff or defendant has a right to request a jury in a civil trial. This includes civil disputes, including personal injury claims.
The right to a trial by jury is a keystone of Arizona’s justice system. It guarantees a person’s right to have an impartial group of peers rule on their case instead of a single judge. This helps maintain confidence that the verdict was determined fairly and accurately. Of course, this can only happen with the help of jurors in our communities.
Who Can Serve On a Jury In Arizona?
Any adult 18 years of age and older can serve on a jury in Arizona. If you are over 75 years old, you can ask to have yourself removed from the juror database. If you are in the database, you can be summoned for jury duty at any point throughout the year.
Can I Get Out Of Jury Duty In Arizona?
Jurors are rarely excused from appearing at all except in rare circumstances. Religious beliefs, professional status, or occupation may not be valid excuses, as the Arizona courts see it. If appearing for jury duty will pose an extreme physical or financial hardship, you are an active military service member, or have another significant reason; the courts might consider your request to be excused. You must contact your jury commissioner’s office in advance to gain permission.
Can I Reschedule My Jury Duty Appearance?
You may request postponements of your jury service up to two times in Arizona. To do so, carefully follow the instructions in your Summons or contact the court where you are required to appear. While certain reasons might not be valid to get out of jury duty altogether, they could be sufficient to allow your jury service to be rescheduled.
What Happens if I Don’t Show Up for Jury Duty?
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. 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.
Remember, too, that showing up late for court can count as a missed appearance in the court’s eyes. You do not want to take your chances by showing up late.
Since Arizona courts allow flexibility and opportunities for jurors to be excused in advance, skipping jury duty is an avoidable mistake.
Understand Your Rights as a Juror
If you’ve received a jury summons or you missed your court appearance for any reason, you need to know all of your options as a juror. Whether you need to make accommodations, seek a postponement, or explain why you missed jury duty, consult an experienced attorney for help.
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