What Happens if I Don’t Show Up for Jury Duty in New Jersey?

In the United States, serving on a jury is an integral part of our judicial system. The Constitution affords the right to a speedy trial by a jury of peers. As such, those with a driver’s license or voter’s registration card could be randomly selected to serve on a jury in a civil or criminal case in which they will hear the facts of a case and deliver a verdict in favor of a defiant or plaintiff based off the information they’ve been presented through the proceedings. Jury duty or jury service is mandatory for U.S. citizens if summoned by the court. You could be subject to various penalties if you fail to appear for jury duty. If you skipped jury duty, it is in your best interest to contact a competent Camden County Criminal Defense Attorney who can help you determine the best course of action to prevent harsh penalties. 

Are There Any Valid Excuses for Not Attending Service in New Jersey?

As mentioned above, any person who has received a summons to appear for jury duty must show up on the specific date and time stipulated in the notice. Failure to respond or appear can result in significant consequences from substantial fines, community services, and even possible jail time. If you receive a summons for jury service, the court will require you to provide them with a valid excuse for why you skipped your civic duty.



If you receive an excusal from the court, they will not penalize you for not appearing for jury duty. Generally, the court deems a financial hardship as a valid reason for not appearing for service. However, to be excused for financial reasons, you must show that serving as a juror will cause a severe financial hardship that will diminish your ability to support yourself and your dependents. There are other circumstances in which a person may be able to get excused from jury duty, including whether you’re a full-time student, have a particular medical condition, or are the caretaker of young children.

What Are the Potential Consequences of Skipping Jury Duty?