You become a juror when you show up to court after receiving a summons, pass basic questions about your background, and are selected by the judge or attorneys
Becoming a juror is not something you sign up for — the court finds you. Your county or district court sends you a summons in the mail, usually based on voter registration, driver's license records, or tax returns. The summons tells you when and where to appear. If you show up and are not dismissed during jury selection, you take an oath and sit on a case. The whole process from summons to verdict can take anywhere from one day to several weeks, depending on the trial.
You do not choose to be a juror; you are chosen. But you do have to respond to the summons. Ignoring it can result in a fine or a court order to appear. If you have a genuine hardship — a medical condition, a scheduled surgery, or a job you cannot leave — you can ask to be excused, but you have to request it in writing or by phone before your date.
Key Takeaways
- A jury summons arrives by mail and tells you the exact date, time, and courthouse where you must appear.
- You must respond to the summons even if you do not want to serve; ignoring it can result in fines or contempt charges.
- At the courthouse, you answer questions about your background, beliefs, and any conflicts of interest during jury selection.
- If you are not dismissed during selection, you take an oath and become a juror for that case.
- Jury duty is unpaid or paid very little in most states, though some employers are required by law to pay you during service.
What the Summons Says and When You Must Respond
The summons is a legal document that lists your name, the courthouse address, the date you must appear, and the time you must arrive. It also explains what to bring — usually a photo ID and proof of citizenship or residency. Read it carefully, because the date and time are not suggestions. If you cannot make that date, you must contact the court before it arrives and ask for a postponement or to be excused.
Most courts have a phone number or website on the summons where you can request a delay. If you have a medical appointment, a work trip you cannot reschedule, or caregiving duties, explain that in writing or over the phone. The court may move your service to a later date or excuse you entirely. But if you straightforward ignore the summons, the court can fine you, hold you in contempt, or issue a warrant for your arrest.
What Happens During Jury Selection
When you arrive at the courthouse on your summons date, you will check in and sit in a waiting area with other potential jurors. You may wait for hours or even days while trials are assigned and jury pools are formed. Eventually, you will be called into a courtroom for a process called voir dire, which is the questioning of potential jurors.
The judge and the attorneys for both sides will ask you questions about your job, your background, whether you know anyone involved in the case, and whether you have any beliefs or experiences that might bias you. They want to know if you can be fair and impartial. Answer honestly. If you have been a victim of a crime, have a family member in law enforcement, or have strong feelings about the type of case being tried, say so. Lying during voir dire can result in perjury charges.
After the questioning, the judge and attorneys decide who stays and who goes. Each side can dismiss a certain number of jurors without giving a reason — these are called peremptory challenges. The judge can also dismiss jurors for cause, meaning there is a real reason to believe they cannot be fair. If you are not dismissed, you are selected as a juror.
Taking the Oath and Your Duties as a Juror
Once you are selected, you stand and take an oath to judge the case fairly based only on the evidence presented in court and the judge's instructions on the law. You promise not to discuss the case with anyone outside the jury, not to do your own research, and not to visit the scene of the crime or accident.
Your job is to listen to the evidence, watch the witnesses, and decide whether the prosecution or plaintiff has proven their case. In a criminal trial, you must decide whether the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. In a civil case, you decide which side is more likely to be right based on the evidence. You do this work in the jury room with the other jurors, discussing the case and voting until you reach a verdict.
How Long Jury Service Lasts
Jury duty can last one day or several weeks. A short trial might be done in a day or two. A longer case can take weeks or even months. The judge will tell you at the start roughly how long the trial is expected to last. Once you are sworn in, you cannot leave until the trial ends and the verdict is read — even if it takes longer than expected.
If you are on a jury that cannot reach a verdict, the judge may declare a mistrial and dismiss you. If you do reach a verdict, you are done as soon as it is read in court. After that, you are free to go and can talk about the case if you wish.
Pay and Time Off Work
Most states pay jurors very little — often between $15 and $50 per day, and some states pay nothing for the first few days. A few states, like California and New York, pay more after a certain number of days of service. Check your state court's website to see what jurors are paid in your area.
Your employer is not required to pay you during jury duty in most states, but some states have laws that protect your job and require your employer to pay you for a certain number of days. If your employer threatens to fire you or cut your pay for serving on a jury, that is illegal in most places. You can report it to your state labor board or attorney general's office.
Reasons You Might Be Dismissed Before or During Service
You can be dismissed from jury duty before you are sworn in if the judge or attorneys believe you cannot be fair. Common reasons include knowing someone involved in the case, having a personal stake in the outcome, or having strong beliefs that would prevent you from following the law. You can also be dismissed if you have a genuine hardship — a serious illness, a scheduled surgery, or caregiving duties you cannot postpone.
Once you are sworn in, it is much harder to be dismissed. The judge can remove you only if you become ill, if new information comes to light that shows you cannot be fair, or in rare cases if you admit you cannot follow the judge's instructions. If you are dismissed after being sworn in, the judge will call an alternate juror to take your place.
What Happens After the Verdict
Once the jury reaches a verdict and it is read in open court, your duty is over. The judge will thank you and dismiss you. You are then free to discuss the case with anyone, including the attorneys and the parties involved. Some jurors choose to talk to the attorneys afterward to explain their reasoning; others prefer to leave.
In most states, you cannot be called for jury duty again for a set period — often one to three years — though some states have no waiting period. If you receive another summons before that time has passed, you can contact the court and ask to be excused based on recent service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I cannot afford to miss work for jury duty?
Tell the judge during jury selection or when you receive the summons. Some courts will excuse you for financial hardship. If you are selected anyway, check your state's laws — some require employers to pay you during jury service, and others protect your job even if you are unpaid. If your employer retaliates, report it to your state labor board.
Can I be forced to serve on a jury?
Yes. Jury duty is a civic obligation. If you ignore a summons, the court can fine you, hold you in contempt, or issue a warrant. You can ask to be excused or postponed, but you cannot straightforward refuse. The only way to avoid jury duty is to show that you have a genuine hardship or a reason you cannot be fair.
What if I lie during jury selection?
Lying under oath during voir dire is perjury, a criminal offense. If you are caught, you can be charged and convicted. Be honest about your background, your beliefs, and any conflicts of interest. If you are worried about something, tell the judge — they may excuse you rather than have you serve unfairly.
Do I have to talk to the attorneys after the trial?
No. After you are dismissed, you can leave when ready. Some jurors choose to speak with the attorneys to explain their verdict; others do not. It is entirely your choice. The attorneys may ask to speak with you, but you can decline.
Can I be called for jury duty more than once?
Yes, but usually not within a set period after you serve. Most states have a one- to three-year waiting period before you can be summoned again. After that time, your name goes back into the jury pool and you can be called again.